Patent Document

STATEMENT OF PRIORITY 
     This patent application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/183,206, filed on Feb. 17, 2000. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to directional boring machines, and more particularly to a directional boring attachment for boring through the earth in order to lay utility lines, such as gas lines, electrical conduit, communications conduit, sewer lines, and water lines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Utility lines for water, electricity, gas, telephone and cable television are often run underground for reasons of safety and aesthetics. In many situations, the underground utility pipes, cables, and lines (collectively, “utility lines”) can be buried in an open trench. After the utility lines are buried, the trench is then back-filled to bring it up to grade. Although useful in areas of new construction, the burial of utility lines in an open trench in already developed areas has certain disadvantages. In previously, partially, or fully developed areas, the digging and existence of a trench can cause serious disturbance to structures or roadways. Further, digging a trench in previously developed areas creates a high risk of damaging previously buried utility lines. Another problem with digging an open trench is that structures or roadways disturbed by such digging are rarely restored to their original condition. Furthermore, a trench poses a danger of injury caused by workers or other persons inadvertently falling into the trench, or the collapse of the trench upon people working in the trench. 
     The general technique of boring a horizontal underground tunnel in which utility lines are placed has recently been developed in order to overcome the disadvantages described above, as well as others associated with conventional trenching techniques. Conventional directional boring machines typically include an elongated boom having a drill head that moves longitudinally forward and rearward over the length of the boom. The boom is angled relative to the surface (usually the ground) to be drilled at an angle ranging from 5° to 25°. The drill head includes a rotating spindle, generally driven by a hydraulic motor, to which one or more elongated drill stems (also referred to as “casings”) are detachably connected. 
     Conventional directional boring machines operate by connecting the proximal end of a first drill stem to the rotating spindle of the drill head and connecting a drill bit to the opposite or outer (distal) end. With the drill head in a retracted position on the boom, spindle rotation begins and the drill head is advanced axially and distally down the boom resulting in the drilling of a bore. When the drill head reaches the outer (distal) boom end, the proximal end of the drill stem is detached from the drill head spindle and the drill head is retracted to its original position. The proximal end of a second drill stem is then mounted to the spindle with the distal end of the drill stem being connected to the proximal end of the existing first drill stem. The drilling process then continues until the drill head again reaches the distal end of the boom, and the process is repeated. 
     The drill stems are typically cylindrical in configuration with hollow interiors to permit the flow therethrough of a drilling lubricant that is discharged through the drill bit at the point of drilling. The drill stems are also relatively rigid, and the bore that is being drilled initially extends linearly at an inclined angle that corresponds to the angle of the boom. The angle of attack of the drilling may be altered so that when a desired depth is reached, the drilling operation is changed to progress generally horizontal, or otherwise parallel with the surface of the ground. When the underground bore has reached its desired length, the drill bit can be directed to be angled upwardly until the drill bit re-emerges at the ground surface. This point of emergence then forms the opposite end of the drilled bore hole or tunnel. 
     Many conventional directional boring machines include an electronic transmitter in the drill bit that aids in tracking both the depth and the ground-relative position of the drill bit After the drill bit reemerges at the ground surface, a reamer is typically attached to the drill bit which is retracted axially backwardly through the borehole, thus reaming out the borehole to achieve a larger diameter borehole. A utility line is commonly attached to the reamer prior to pulling the drill stem and drill bit back through the borehole so that the utility line or conduit is retracted back through the borehole along with the reamer. 
     Due in part to the minimal impact that directional boring machines have on the surrounding environment, directional boring machines have largely replaced other industrial trenching machines (such as back-hoes and power shovels) for laying utility lines, and have reduced the need for such industrial trenching machines. Despite the reduced need for these other trenching machines, many contractors already have amassed a sizable fleet of such equipment. Due to the current preference for new directional boring machines, these open trench-type trenching machines sit idle for a significant percentage of time, thus being significantly under-utilized. Moreover, despite these old style trench-type trenching machines sitting idle for a significant percentage of time, contractors are unable to completely remove them from their fleets, because they are still useful for performing other types of operations, such as excavating basements of houses and other buildings. Accordingly, there is a need for a method and apparatus that enables contractors to better utilize their fleet of industrial machines 
     Directional boring machines currently available in the marketplace typically include treads or wheels that are driven by an on-board engine, thus enabling the directional boring machine to be moved and maneuvered under its own power. Furthermore, these directional boring machines typically include on-board power supplies such as hydraulic pumps or alternators that are driven by the on-board engine. The conventional direction boring machines utilize the on-board power supply both to rotate, tilt and axially move the drill stem and drill bit. Unfortunately, the on-board engine, power supplies, and powered treads or wheels cause conventional directional boring machines to be relatively expensive to acquire or lease. Accordingly, many small contractors simply cannot afford to maintain a fleet of conventional directional boring machines, despite the advantages of directional boring techniques over trench 
     Therefore, a need exists for a directional boring apparatus that is less expensive than conventional directional boring machines. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a directional boring device is provided for attachment to a carrier having a power source for providing a first power supply to the boring device for moving the device and a second power supply for operating the device. The boring device comprises an attachment frame, and a selectively attachable first coupler for coupling the attachment frame to the first power supply to permit movement of the device. A drill tool assembly is provided that includes a drill head, a drill stem attachable to the drill head, a drill bit attachable to the drill stem and a drill assembly power transmission. The drill assembly power assembly transmission is capable of moving the drill head and drill stem in a path generally parallel to the plane on which the carrier rests. A selectively attachable second coupler is provided for coupling the second power supply to the drill assembly power transmission for permitting the carrier power source to supply power to the drill assembly power transmission to operate the drill tool assembly. 
     The present invention addresses the above-identified needs, as well as others, with a directional boring apparatus suitable for being used as an attachment with various new or existing types of carrier bodies such as hydraulic excavators, track-type tractors/dozers, standard wheel loaders, articulating wheel loaders, skid loaders, backhoe loaders, agricultural-type tractors, powered industrial trucks, forklifts, trenching machines, trucks, road graders, and roller compactors. Typical carrier bodies include power units such as steering mechanisms, track assemblies, wheel assemblies, internal combustion engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, hydraulic pumps, electrical systems, batteries, and alternators. 
     By configuring the directional boring apparatus as an attachment that utilizes power supplied by separate powered carrier bodies, the directional boring attachment of the present invention eliminates a large percentage of the components contained in existing self-contained directional boring apparatus and thereby eliminates a large percentage of the cost associated with implementing directional boring technology. Due to the lower cost of implementation, the directional boring attachment of the present invention provides many contractors with access to directional boring technology that would otherwise be too expensive for such contractors to afford. Further, by implementing the directional boring apparatus as an attachment, the present invention provides contractors with a mechanism by which they can better utilize equipment such as open trench-type trenching machines that would otherwise go idle. 
     One feature of the present invention is that it has the capability of providing a new method and apparatus for drilling underground bores, which reduces the capital investment required, when compared to known, self-contoured direction boring equipment. 
     Additionally, the present invention has the advantage of enabling existing carrier bodies to achieve directional boring capabilities. 
     The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and the attached drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of a ground rest-able directional boring attachment that incorporates various features of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the boring attachment of FIG. 1, absent the axle and wheel assembly of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the ground rest-able directional boring attachment embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  are side views of a carrier-mounted directional boring attachment embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a carrier-mounted embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 a  is a side view of a carrier-mounted supporting frame of the directional boring attachment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the ground rest-able embodiment of the present invention, as mounted to an excavator or power shovel; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of a ground rest-able directional boring attachment of the present invention using as alternate carrier engagement mechanism different than the one shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of the ground rest-able directional boring attachment of FIG. 7, wherein the boom of the power shovel is in a partially retracted position; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of a ground rest-able embodiment of the present invention, shown being mounted to a bull dozer-type carrier; 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of a ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention utilizing an alternate coupling mechanism for being coupled to a power shovel; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention mounted to a power shovel, with a coupling mechanism slightly different than that shown in FIG. 10, with the wheel and axle assembly attached to the directional boring attachment; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment being illustriously coupled to a track-type dozer; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of the ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention coupled to a track-type dozer wherein the directional boring attachment has its wheel and axle assembly removed; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of a track-type dozer and ground rest-able directional boring device of the present invention, showing an alternate, rear-mounted mounting scheme; 
     FIGS. 15 a,    15   b,  and  16  are side views of the ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention, that illustrate various mounting schemes for mounting the boring attachment to a wheel loader with FIGS. 15 a  and  15   b  showing front-mounted mounting schemes; and 
     FIG. 16 illustrating a rear-mounted mounting arrangement. 
     FIGS. 17 and 18 are side view of the ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention being mounted to a Bobcat® brand skid loader showing alternate mounting configurations, wherein FIG. 17 shows a lift-arm mounted mounting configuration, and FIG. 18 shows a “trailer hitch”-type mounting configuration; 
     FIG. 18 a  is a side view of another ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment, wherein the embodiment is shown in a lift arm mounted side positioned embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention coupled to a Bobcat® brand skid loader; 
     FIG. 18 b  is a front view of the ground rest-able embodiment of FIG. 18 a,  illustrating a front, transversely positioned, ground rest-able mounting arrangement therefor, 
     FIG. 18 c  is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 b.    
     FIGS. 19 and 20 are side views of the ground rest-able embodiment of the directional boring attachment of the present invention, showing various front (FIG. 19) and rear (FIG. 20) mounting arrangements for mounting the boring attachment to a back hoe-type carrier; 
     FIG. 21 is a side view of the ground rest-able version of the directional boring attachment of the present invention shown as being coupled to an agricultural-type tractor; 
     FIG. 22 is a side view of the ground rest-able embodiment directional boring attachment of the present invention being coupled to a powered industrial truck or fork lift; 
     FIG. 23 is a side view of the ground rest-able version of the directional boring attachment of the present invention coupled to a trench-type carrier; 
     FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b  illustrate side views of the ground rest-able directional boring attachment of the present invention being mounted to the bed of a lift-bed containing on-road vehicle, such as a truck; 
     FIG. 25 is a side view of the ground rest-able boring attachment of the present invention, being coupled to low grader; and 
     FIG. 26 is a side view of the ground rest-able version of the directional boring attachment being coupled to a roller compactor. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary directional boring attachment  20  is illustrated that incorporates various features of the present invention therein. Those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the directional boring attachment  20  is merely exemplary and that the present invention may be advantageously implemented in a wide variety of manners that result in directional boring attachments having components and configurations that differ from those depicted in FIGS. 1-3. For example, the directional boring attachment  20  may be implemented to utilize features of existing directional boring tools such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,121 to Bischel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,320 to Austin et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,189 to Geldner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,991 to Runquist et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,638 to Dunn, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the directional boring attachment  20  generally includes a directional boring tool  21  and an attachment frame  22  for holding the various components (discussed below) of the directional boring tool. The attachment frame  22  includes a supporting frame  19  for supporting the attachment frame  22 . The supporting frame  19  is generally used to attach the directional boring tool  21  to various carrier bodies such as hydraulic excavators, track-type tractors/dozers, standard wheel loaders, articulating wheel loaders, skid loaders, backhoe loaders, agricultural type tractors, powered industrial trucks, forklifts, trenching machines, trucks, road graders, and roller compactors. 
     The attachment frame  22  in an exemplary embodiment comprises a partially open-sided box-like structure comprised of steel tubes that generally define the elongated cuboidal-rectangular shape and structure of the attachment frame  22 . The attachment frame  22  may be further defined or alternatively defined by steel channels, steel beams, and/or equivalent strength materials sized to accommodate the various components of the directional boring tool  21 , attachment yoke  30 , and attachment mechanisms used to attach the directional boring attachment  20  to a particular carrier body. The attachment frame  22  of the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes both longitudinally extending frame members, (e.g.  23 ), vertically extending frame members (e.g.  25 ) and laterally extending frame members (e.g.  35 ). 
     When fully assembled, the longitudinally extending  23 , vertically extending  25  and laterally extending  35  frame members create an elongated, rectangular cuboidal box-like attachment frame  22  having a hollow interior for holding a plurality of generally cylindrical drill stems  38 , along with many other of the boring tools  21  components. 
     The attachment frame  22  is pivotably coupled at pivot member  17  to a generally horizontally disposed supporting frame  19 , that can also be constructed by a rectangular box array of square or rectangular cross-sectioned tubes. The supporting frame  19  is designed to be strong enough to support the weight of the attachment frame  22  when the support frame is serving as a “trailer” for the attachment frame  22  and associated boring/drill equipment tools  21 , thereon, and also strong enough to withstand the longitudinal and lateral forces exerted on attachment frame  22  when the boring attachment  20  is performing its horizontal drilling. 
     The attachment frame  22  generally includes an attachment yoke  30  that includes a pair of upwardly extending reinforced plate members  39  that are attached to the frame members  23 ,  25 ,  35  of the attachment frame  22 . The plate members  39  each include a large aperture  46  which is aligned with the corresponding aperture of the other plate member  39 . 
     The attachment yolk  30  provides a vehicle through which the device  20  can be moved, such as being lifted. In one embodiment, a large pivot pin member (not shown) can be inserted through the aligned apertures  46 , and also through an aperture (not shown) of a carrier body to pivotably connect the attachment yoke  30  (and hence the device  20 ) to the carrier. Alternately, the pin that extends through the aperture can be engaged to a chain whose other end is attached to a movable carrier member (such as the boom of a power shovel) to permit the boom of the carrier to lift the device  20 , otherwise move its geographic position. As another alternative, a chain attached to the carrier body (e.g. power shovel) can be coupled to each of the aligned apertures  46 , to permit the boom of the carrier to lift the device  20 , or otherwise move its geographic position. 
     In addition to the large pin (not shown) described above, the attachment yoke  30  can include various other attachment mechanisms  30  such as pins, couplings, hitches, and pivot points that enable the attachment frame  22  and the directional boring attachment device  20  to be attached to the main undercarriage, framework, or other physical attributes of a carrier body. 
     As depicted, the attachment frame  22  includes an extendable/retractable coupler  33  that is attached to the supporting frame  19 . The coupler  33  may be designed to be telescoping, as a tube within a tube; or alternately as an angle on an angle. Further, extendable/retractable coupler  33  can be implemented in a rectangular configuration for directly attaching to the undercarriage of a carrier body, or in a triangular configuration when used as a trailer hitch attachment. Preferably the coupler  33  includes an attachment member, such as a female receiver member of a ball hitch, at its distal end  55  for permitting the coupler  33  to be coupled and de-coupled easily to and from an existing trailer mounting member of the carrier. An example of such a trailer mounting member is a common male hitch ball of the type found on many trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles, or a three point hitch member found on agricultural tractors. 
     The directional boring tool  21  is carried by the attachment frame  22  which is pivotally coupled to the supporting frame at pivot member  17 . The location of the pivot member  17  (and hence the pivot point and pivot axis) depends upon the size of the attachment frame  22  and directional boring tool  21  and whether an existing hydraulic cylinder (see, e.g. cylinder  70  on FIG. 7) of a carrier body is to be mounted toward the front or the rear of the supporting frame  19 . As will be illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7 an existing cylinder  70  of a carrier body  60  is generally mounted to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism for adjusting the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 3, the directional boring tool  21  includes a displacement pump  28  and a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic motor  29 . The displacement pump  28  generally drives the hydraulic cylinder  29  which applies an axially directed force to a drill head  36  in a forward and reverse axial direction, which in turn provides an axially directed force to a drill stem  38  coupled thereto. The displacement pump  28  provides varying levels of controlled force when thrusting the drill stem  38  into the ground to create a bore and when retractively extracting the drill stem  38  from the bore during a back reaming operation. 
     The directional boring tool  21  also includes a rotation pump  30  and a rotation motor  31 . The rotation pump  37  generally drives the rotation motor  31  which provides va g levels of controlled rotation to the drill stem  38  and the drill bit  40  as the drill stem  38  and drill bit  40  are thrust axially forwardly into a bore when operating the directional boring tool  21  in a drilling mode of operation, and for rotating the drill stem  38  and the drill bit  40  when extracting the drill stem  38  and drill bit  40  axially backwardly through the bore when operating the directional boring tool  21  in a back reaming mode. The directional boring tool  21  also includes a coupling drive  41  for advancing and threading individual drill stems  38  together. 
     The directional boring tool  21  further includes a control panel or control interface, such as a control panel  32 , that includes a number of manually actuatable switches e.g.  42 , knobs, and levers, e.g.  44 , for manually controlling the displacement pump  28 , rotation motor  31 , motors, and other components that are incorporated as part of the directional boring attachment  20 . The control panel  32  also includes a display including display elements such as gauges  34 , LED&#39;s, LCD screens, etc. on which various configuration and operating parameters are displayable to an operator of the directional boring apparatus  20 . 
     A wheel assembly  24  can also mounted to the attachment fame  22 , and in particular the supporting frame  19  in order to provide a mechanism for facilitating the transport of the directional boring attachment  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the wheel assembly  24  is pivotly mounted to the supporting frame  19  in order to allow the wheel assembly  24  to be retracted upwardly and extended downwardly, in a direction indicated generally by arrow A, as needed by a hydraulic cylinder retraction mechanism (not shown). For example, in cases where the weight carrying capacity of a carrier body is limited, the wheel assembly  24  may be extended downward and locked into its ground-engaging position to bear a significant percentage of the device&#39;s  20  weight, thereby relieving the carrier body of total vertical support and weight and force bearing responsibilities. In an exemplary embodiment, the wheel assembly  24  is placed just forwardly of the center of gravity toward the front  27  of the directional boring tool  20  to support the directional boring attachment  20  relatively nearer to the front  27  of the supporting frame  19 . However, the physical parameters and location of wheel assembly  24  are dependent upon the size, weight, length, and supported angles of attack of the directional boring device  20   
     As best shown in FIG. 2, the wheel assembly  24  (FIG. 1) can be designed to be removable. As will be shown in reference to other figures below, certain circumstances exist when the attachment of the wheel assembly  24  to the supporting frame  19  is valuable, but others exist (such as when the device  20  is used in connection with a Bobcat® brand skid loader-type carrier shown in FIGS. 18 b  and  18   c ) where the device performs better if placed directly on the ground, with the wheel assembly  24  removed, or fully retracted to a position where the bottom surface of the tires is above the lower, ground-engaging surface of the supporting frame  19 . 
     A first stabilizer assembly  26  (FIG. 1) is mounted toward the rear of the attachment frame  22 . The illustrated first stabilizer assembly  26  includes a pair of spaced, adjustable support legs that are locked into a ground-engaging vertical position after positioning the directional boring attachment  20  at a desired drilling site. The first stabilizer assembly  26  helps to stabilize the directional boring attachment  20  during a drilling and reaming operation. 
     A second stabilizer assembly  27  (FIGS. 1 and 3) in an exemplary embodiment is mounted toward the front of the rear (distal) end  55  of the supporting frame  19 . The second stabilizer assembly  27  in the exemplary embodiment includes a ground engaging, horizontally disposed plate  43  to which a vertically extending guide pole  45  is attached. The guide pole  45  is generally cylindrical for receiving a vertically extending aperture of a collar  47  which is vertically movable along the guide pole. A rotationally driveable stake driver  49 , is configured for rotatably driving an auger-type stake  51  into and out of engagement with the ground The engagement of the stake  51  with the ground helps to fixedly position the device  20 , to keep it from moving backwardly or forewardly in response to the axial faces exerted by the drill stem  38  and drill bit  40  as they move, respectively, axially forwardly to drill a bore, and axially backwardly during the reaming of the bore hole. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4-11, several examples of coupling mechanisms are illustrated for coupling the direction boring attachment  20  to an excavator  60 . It is important to note that the directional boring attachment embodiment  54  employs an attachment frame wherein the ground engaging supporting frame, (e.g.  19 ) is replaced with a carrier mountable supporting frame  56 , which is best shown in FIG.  5 . In general, the directional boring attachment  20  in FIGS. 4-11 is powered, operated and moved by the excavator  60 . In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring attachment  54  is powered by the hydraulic system of the excavator  60 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  54  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the excavator  60 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the excavator  60  and the attached directional boring attachment  54 . As is typical of most excavators, the hydraulic lines of the excavator  60  include installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the excavator  60  to the hydraulically driven pumps, motors, and/or cylinders of the directional boring attachment  54 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the excavator  60 , the directional boring attachment  54  may alternately be powered by either a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the excavator  60  or be engine shaft driven and located underneath, behind, or in front of the excavator  60 . The directional boring attachment  54  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the excavator  60 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  54  and the capacity of the existing electrical system, one may need to upgrade the electrical system of the excavator  60  with larger batteries, additional batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the excavator  60  and the directional boring attachment  54 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable features of the directional boring attachment  54  are operated by the control panel similar to control panel  32  that can be mounted inside the existing cab of the excavator  60  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  54  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternatively, the control panel  32  may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  54  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that is operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  54  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     Examples of a directional boring attachment  20  attached to an excavator  60  are shown in FIGS. 4,  4   a  and  5 . In these embodiments, the entire boom assembly  62  of the excavator  60  is unpinned and removed prior to installation of the boring attachment  54 . The attachment frame  56  of the directional boring attachment  54  is then installed and pivotably coupled into place at a pivot point  61 , so that the boring attachment is placed in the same place where the boom assembly was removed from the excavator&#39;s  60  main body frame. As best shown in FIG. 5 a,  pivot point  51  comprises a laterally extending aperture  61  formed to extend through a vertically disposed main mast mounting bracket  59  that is formed as a part of, and extends downwardly from, the attachment frame  56 . 
     As excavators generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  56  of the directional boring attachment  54  will likely need to be custom fitted to each type of excavator that the directional boring attachment is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  56  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon (1) the excavator&#39;s dimensions, (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring attachment  54 , (3) clearance requirements of the excavator  60  and the directional boring tool  21 , and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled to the pivot point  61  of the excavator  60 , the attachment frame  56  may be bolted and/or welded to the carrier frame of the excavator  60 . In an exemplary embodiment, the boom engaging hydraulic cylinders  64  are pivotably pinned to one of the series of apertures  57  of a vertically disposed mounting bracket  58  that is formed as a part of the attachment frame  56  in order to provide a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . 
     It should also be noted that the excavator  60  shown in FIG. 5 uses an auger-type  51  ground engaging system, similar to the device  20  shown in FIG.  1 . However, the excavation  60  shown in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  employs a ground engaging weighed foot  63  for engaging the front end  43  of the directional boring attachment device  54  to the ground. 
     Additional examples of attaching the directional boring attachment  20  to an excavator  60  are illustrated in FIGS. 6-7. In FIGS. 6 and 7, a ground rest-able directional boring attachment  20 , that is generally similar to the attachment  20  shown in FIGS. 1-3, is mounted to the distal end  62  of the boom  66  of the excavator  60 . In the device of FIGS. 6-7, the bucket (not shown) that is normally attached to the distal end  62  of the boom  66  of the excavator  60  is unpinned (de-coupled) and removed. A vertically extending, aperture containing mounting bracket  65  is formed as a part of the attachment frame. The mounting bracket  65  of the attachment frame  22  of the directional boring attachment  20  is then installed and pivotably pinned into place at a pivot point  68  where the bucket (not shown) was removed. As stated above, excavators generally do not have standardized parts. Accordingly, the attachment frame  22  of the directional boring attachment  20  likely needs to be custom fitted and/or fabricated to each type of excavator that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. Again, instead of being pinned to the pivot point  68  of the excavator  60 , the frame  22  may be bolted and/or welded to the pivot point  68 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders  70  of the boom  66  are pivotably pinned to either the rear mounting bracket  65  (FIG. 6) or the attachment yoke bracket  30  (FIG. 7) of the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . The specific size of mounting brackets, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the excavator, the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angle of attack required for the direction boring attachment  20 . Furthermore, the first stabilizer assembly  26  is locked into its ground engaging position to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     A further example of attaching the direction boring attachment to the excavator  60  is illustrated in FIG.  8 . As illustrated, the directional boring attachment  20  is attached to the excavator&#39;s undercarriage framework by the extendable/retractable coupler  33  which may include pins, couplings, and other attachment mechanisms. The bucket (not shown) of the jointed boom assembly  66  is removed from the distal arm  67 , the boom  66  thus creating a pivot point  76  to which the attachment yoke  30  of the direction boring attachment  20  may be pivotably attached. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the distal hydraulic cylinders  70  of distal arm  67  is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the excavator  60 , the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Further, as depicted in FIG. 8, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground engaging position to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate yet further examples of attaching the directional boring attachment  20  to an excavator  60 . As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, the rear end  55  of the supporting frame  19  of the attachment frame  22  is attached to the excavator&#39;s main undercarriage by the extendable/retractable coupler  33 . The bucket  74  that is pivotably coupled to the distal end of the distal arm  67  is left in place on the boom  66  and used to lift the directional boring attachment  20  via a chain-type sling  69  coupled between a hook (or eye)  71  on the back (non-working) surface of the bucket  74  and an aperture  46  of the attachment yoke  30  of the attachment frame  22 . Further, the bucket  74  may be positioned such that the bucket  74  rests on the attachment yoke  30  of attachment frame  22  for additional weight and stability during the operation of the directional boring tool  21 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one or more existing hydraulic cylinders (not shown) that are disposed under the excavator  60  are pivotably coupled to the attachment fame  22  in order to provide a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the excavator  60 , the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 11, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into place and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. Note also that FIG. 11 illustrates a two chain  69 ,  73  sling arrangement, rather than the single chain  69  arrangement shown in FIG.  10 . Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, it should be noted that FIG. 10 depicts the auger in its raised, or ground-disengaged portion, whereas FIG. 11 depicts the auger  51  in its lowered, ground-engaging and penetrating position. 
     FIGS.  9  and  12 - 14  illustrate several examples of coupling the exemplary ground rest-able direction boring attachment  20  to a track type tractor/dozer carrier body  100 . In general, the directional boring attachment  20  in FIGS.  9  and  12 - 14  is powered, operated and moved by the tractor/dozer  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring attachment  20  is powered by the hydraulic system of the tractor/dozer  100 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the tractor/dozer  100 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the tractor/dozer  100  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . As is typical of most tractor/dozers, the hydraulic lines of the tractor/dozer  100 , power (hydraulic) fluid coupling devices, fluid lines and fluid control devices such as installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines  57  that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the tractor/dozer  100  to the hydraulically driven pumps, motors, and/or cylinders (e.g. the displacement pump  28 ) of the direction boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the tractor/dozer  100 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the tractor/dozer  100  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the tractor/dozer  100 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the tractor/dozer  100 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the tractor/dozer  100  the electrical system may need to be upgraded with larger batteries, additional batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the tractor/dozer  100  and directional boring attachment  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by the control panel (see control panel  32  of FIG. 1) that can be mounted in the existing cab  99  (such as on the dashboard) of the tractor/dozer  100  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternately, the control panel  32  may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  20  (such as shown in FIG. 1) or incorporated into a portable remote unit that is operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tractor loader bucket or the dozer blade (see  102  at FIG. 14) of the tracker/dozer  100  is unpinned and removed at a pivot point  104 . The directional boring attachment  20  is pivotably attached, by a pivot pin at pivot point  104  to the extendable/retractable coupler  33  which may include pins, couplings, ball-hitches and other attachment mechanisms. As tracker/dozers generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  of the directional boring attachment  20  may need custom fabrication or fitting for different types of tracker/dozer that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  22 , such as pin placement and pin size, depend upon: (1) the tracker/dozer&#39;s dimensions; (2) the size, dimensions; and weight of the directional boring tool  21 ; (3) clearance requirements of the tracker/dozer  100  and the directional boring tool  21 ; and (4) the angles of attach supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled by a pivot pin arrangement to the tracker/dozer  100 , the attachment frame  22  may be bolted and/or welded to the pivot point  104 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 13, the hydraulic cylinders  106  that are normally used for moving the bucket/or blade  102  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 12, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation, thus relieving the tracker/dozer  100  of supporting the entire weight and lateral stresses of the device  20 . 
     FIG. 14 illustrates another example of attaching the directional boring attachment  20  to a track-type tractor/dozer  100 . As illustrated, the back end-placed coupler  33  of the attachment frame  22  is attached to the rear end of the dozer  100  by attachment to the main undercarriage of the tractor/dozer  100 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, existing hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders (not shown) under the tractor/dozer  100  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 , by permitting the attachment frame  22  to pivot relative to the supporting frame  19  about the pivot axis formed by pivot  17 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size and design of the tractor/dozer  100 , the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 14, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position, and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     FIGS. 15 a,    15   b  and  16  illustrate embodiments wherein the direction boring attachment  20  is coupled to a standard or articulating wheel loader  150 . In general, the directional boring attachment  20  in FIGS. 15 a,    15   b  and  16  is powered, operated and moved by the wheel loader  150 . In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring attachment  20  is powered by the hydraulic system of the wheel loader  150 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the wheel loader  150  of the wheel loader  150 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the wheel loader  150  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . As is typical, the hydraulic lines of the wheel loader  150  include hydraulic system components for conveying power (hydraulic) fluid, for controlling the flow of fluid, and for connecting various components together, such as installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the wheel loader  150  to the hydraulic system of the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the wheel loader  150 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the wheel loader  150  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the wheel loader  150 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the wheel loader  150  and regulated as needed. Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the wheel loader  150 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with larger batteries, additional batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the wheel loader  150  and directional boring attachment  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by a control panel, such as control panel  32  (FIG. 1) that is mounted within the existing cab  152  of the wheel loader  150  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternatively, the control panel  32  may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  20  in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1, or incorporated into a portable remote unit, any of which are operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     As illustrated by the example of FIG. 15 b,  the bucket or blade  152  (FIG. 15 a ) of the wheel loader  150  is de-coupled by unpinning, and removed at a pivot point  154  prior to the attachment of the directional boring device  20 . The directional boring attachment  20  is attached to the pivot point  154  by the extendable/retractable coupler  33 . As wheel loaders generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  of the directional boring attachment  20  may need custom fitting or fabrication for each type of wheel loader that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  22  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon: (1) the dimensions of the wheel loader  150 ; (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring tool  21 ; (3) clearance requirements of the wheel loader  150  and the directional boring tool  21 ; and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     FIG. 15 a  illustrates a somewhat modified coupling scheme wherein the front end bucket  152  is allowed to remain attached to the loader. The coupler  33  is then coupled to a coupling member, such as a yoke, eye, ball hitch, etc. that is placed on or in the interior of the bucket  152  by the existing bucket  152  mount system of the loader  150  can effect appropriate movement of the boring device  20 . Such movement can either be geographic, to move it along the ground into its desired geographic position, or pivotal movement of the device to establish or change the angle of attachment of the drill tool  21 . 
     Returning back to FIG. 15 b,  it will be noted that a linkage mechanism is pivotably coupled to extend between a rear mounted mounting bracket  155  that is fixedly coupled to the attachment frame  22  of the boring device  20 , and a hydraulic cylinder attachment point  153  of the loader  150 . The hydraulic cylinders  156  of the bucket/or blade  152  of the dozer are operatively coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism for permitting the hydraulic cylinders  156  of the loader  150  to control the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 15, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward and locked into its ground-engaging position to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation, thus relieving the wheel loader  150  of total weight and stress support responsibilities. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates another example of attaching the directional boring attachment  20  to a wheel loader  150 . As illustrated, the back end of the supporting arm  19  is attached to a hitch member  157  of the main undercarriage of the wheel loader  150  by the extendable/retractable coupler  33 , in much the same way that a boat trailer is attached to a pick-up truck In an exemplary embodiment, existing hydraulic cylinders (not shown) under the wheel loader  150  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22 , such as via a connection to a rear-mounted mounting bracket (not shown) in order to provide a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size and configuration of the wheel loader  150 , the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 16, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     FIGS. 17-18 c  illustrate examples of coupling the exemplary direction boring attachment  20  to a skid loader  200 . The directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  in FIGS. 17-18 c  are primarily powered, operated and moved by the skid loader  200 . In the exemplary embodiments, the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  are powered by the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the skid loader  200  and the attached directional boring attachments  20  (FIGS.  17  and  18 ),  220  (FIGS. 18 a - 18   c ). As is typical of most skid loaders, the hydraulic lines of the skid loader  200 , include installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200  to the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200 , the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the skid loader  200  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the skid loader  200 . The directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the skid loader  200  and regulated as needed. Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the skid loader  200 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with larger batteries, additional batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the skid loader  200  and directional boring attachments  20 ,  220 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the skid loader includes a partially enclosed cab  205  and a lift arm assembly  206  for lifting and controlling the operation of an attachment such as a bucket  202  (FIG. 18) for excavating and lifting dirt. The lift arm assembly  206  includes a lift arm  207 , a link arm  211  pivotably coupled to each of the lift arm  207  and the skid loader housing  213 , and/or the skid loader&#39;s internal components and/or frame (not shown); and also a hydraulically or pneumatically activated cylinder  209  that is pivotably coupled to each of the lift arm  207  and housing  211 , and is provided for moving the lift arm  207  and otherwise controlling its operation. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  are operated by a control panel (similar to control panel  32  in FIG. 1) that is mounted at the existing cab of the skid loader  200  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18 a,  control panel  232  may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  220  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that are operatively coupled to the directional boring attachments  20 ,  220  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     As illustrated by the example of FIG. 17, the bucket or blade  202  of the skid loader  200  is unpinned and removed at a pivot point  204 . The directional boring attachment  20  (which is generally similar to the boring attachment  20  of FIG. 1) is pivotably attached to the pivot point  204  by the extendable/retractable coupler  33 . As all skid loaders generally do not have the same standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  of the directional boring attachment  20  may need custom fitting and/or fabrication for each type of skid loader that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional and design parameters of the attachment frame  22  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon: (1) the dimensions of the skid loader  200 ; (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring tool  21 ; (3) clearance requirements of the skid loader  200  and the directional boring tool  21 ; and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled by a pivot pin to the pivot point  204  of the skid loader  200 , the attachment frame  22  and/or supporting frame  19  may be bolted and/or welded to the pivot point  204 . In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the hydraulic cylinders (not shown) for the bucket/or blade  202  move the attachment frame  22  by virtue of the connection of lift arm  207  to supporting frame  19  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . In the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, the supporting frame  19  and attachment frame  22  can be fixedly coupled together to move together, as opposed to being movable with respect to each other to change the drill tool attack angle, as in the description of FIG.  1 . Alternately, a separate moving member, such as a separately operable hydraulic cylinder (not shown) can be coupled between the skid loader  200  and a mounting bracket, such as attachment yoke  30 , for making the attachment frame  22  movable with respect to the supporting frame  19  about pivot member (and pivot axis)  17 . Furthermore, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into place, such as is shown in FIG. 1, and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward (also shown in FIG. 1) to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation, thus relieving the skid loader  200  of total support and stress responsibilities for the device. 
     FIG. 18 illustrates another example of attaching the directional boring attachment  20  to a skid loader  200 . As illustrated, the back end of the attachment frame  22  is attached to the main undercarriage of the skid loader  200  by the extendable/retractable coupler  33  at the rear of the skid loader. In an exemplary embodiment, existing hydraulic cylinders (not shown) under the skid loader  200  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control and change the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the skid loader  200 , the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 18 a,    18   b  and  18   c,  another embodiment  220  of the directional boring attachment is shown. Directional boring attachment  220  is, in most respects, similar to boring attachment  20 , shown in FIG.  1 . However, the primary difference between the two different embodiments is that the directional boring attachment  220  of FIGS. 18 a,    18   b  and  18   c  does not include a separate supporting frame (e.g.  19 ) that is pivotably attachable to the primary support attachment frame (e.g.  22 ). Additionally, the directional boring attachment  20  of FIGS. 18 a - 18   c  contains a different support mechanism. 
     From an operational and functional standpoint, the directional boring attachment  20  includes generally fewer parts, and is lighter than the directional boring attachment  20  shown in FIG.  1 . This lightness can be especially valuable when the directional boring attachment  220  is used with a skid loader, such as skid loader  200 , as the largest number of skid loaders  200  that are manufactured today are relatively small, compact devices that are significantly smaller than traditional power shovel excavators (FIG.  1 ), bull dozers  100 , power shovels  150 , and other heavy duty earth-working equipment. As these Bobcat® type skid loaders are smaller, they generally have a smaller load capacity than the larger pieces of equipment, thus making the relatively lighter weight directional boring attachment  220  shown in FIGS. 18 a - 18   c  especially while suited to these smaller skid loaders. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 18 a - 18   c,  three different mounting arrangements are shown for mounting the directional boring attachment  220  to the skid loader  200 . It will be appreciated that the skid loader  220  is generally similar to its fellow embodiments, as it is powered, operated and moved by a totally separate, and separable carrier, here, skid loader  200 . The skid loader  220  is preferably powered by the hydraulic system of the separate carrier, such as skid loader  200 , and moved by the hydraulic cylinders and transmission systems of the skid loader  200 . Depending on the requirements of the directional boring attachment  220  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200 , the hydraulic system of the skid loader (or electrical system if electrically powered) may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, additional regulating equipment, additional batteries, electrical generating equipment (if electrically powered), and additional electrical or hydraulic motive parts, such as electric motors, gear reduction motors (for an electrically operated boring attachments), or hydraulic cylinders (for hydraulically operated directional boring equipment). As is typical of most skid loaders  200 , the hydraulic components of the skid loader  200  include installed tees, valves, quick couplers and additional links of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200  to the directional boring equipment  220 . Further, the transmission components include an engine, clutch, transmission, drive axles and wheels or tracks. 
     In addition to being powered by the hydraulic system of the skid loader  200 , the directional boring attachment  220  may alternatively be powered by a power take off unit of the skid loader, or engine shaft of the skid loader  200 , if such is provided as part of the skid loader  200 . 
     The directional boring attachment  220  shown in FIGS. 18 a - 18   c  includes a directional boring attachment frame  222 , that includes an integral, and fixedly attached supporting frame  219  for its bottom. The supporting frame portion  219  of the attachment frame  222  is the primary weight-supporting unit, for supporting the weight of the drill tools  221 , including the drill stems  38 . Other members of the boring attachment frame  222 , such as vertically extending members  223 , and laterally extending members  224  provide additional rigidity and strength to the boring attachment frame  222 , and help to position the drill stems  236  on the attachment frame  222 . 
     The boring attachment frame  222  also includes a control panel  232  disposed near the forward end of the device. As shown in FIG. 18 a,  the control panel  232  includes a plurality of levers  228  for operating the device. Additionally, a plurality of gauges (not shown) or other instrument read-outs (not shown) can be provided. 
     As best shown in FIG. 18 a,  the supporting structure for supporting the support frame  219  and attachment frame  222  at a proper angle relative to the ground comprises a pair of relatively rearwardly disposed telescoping support legs  226  that are pivotably mounted to the supporting frame  219  at pivot point  230 . Similar to leg  226  of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the support leg  230  is movable between a ground-engaging position, as shown in FIG. 18, and a storage position wherein the leg  226  is positioned generally parallel to supporting frame  219 . It will be noted that support leg  226  is a two-piece leg having a lower portion that is sized and configured to be received interiorly, and moved telescopically within the upper portion of the leg  226 . 
     A plurality of apertures, e.g.  234 , are formed in the lower leg portion, that are alignable with an aperture  235  of the upper leg portion, and through which a pin or detent means can be inserted to lockingly engage the relative axial positions of the bottom and top portion of the leg  226 . Through this mechanism, the length of leg  226  can be adjusted, so that the attack angle of the boring attachment  220  can be adjusted properly by the user. 
     A generally triangular (in cross-section) frontal support frame  227  is disposed under the relatively forward portion of the supporting frame  219 , for supporting the front portion of the attachment frame  222  in a desired spatial and angular relationship to the ground. The triangular support frame  227  includes a ground-engaging leg  231  that is designed to rest on the ground or other surface, an upstanding, vertically disposed leg  229 , and a hypotenuse leg  233 , that extends generally under, and parallel to the supporting frame  219 . If desired, vertical leg  229  can have an adjustable length, to enable the attack angle of the boring attachment  220  to be varied by the user. 
     Additionally, one of the structural members of the attachment frame  222  can be fixedly or pivotably coupled to the link arm  211  of the skid loader  200 . This attachment between the link arm  211  and the boring attachment frame  222  will permit the user to adjust the angle of the attack of the drill tool  221 , to a desired attack angle. Additionally, by raising the link arm  211 , the attachment between the link arm  211  and the attachment frame  222  would enable the user to lift the boring tool attachment  220  out upwardly, and out of engagement with the ground to better facilitate the movement of the boring attachment  220  from one location to another. 
     Turning now to FIG. 18 b,  it will be noted that the boring attachment  222  is shown being coupled to a skid loader  200 , in an arrangement wherein the boring tool attachment  220  is generally disposed in front of, and transversely to the skid loader  200 . In this arrangement, the attachment frame  222  can be fixedly or pivotably coupled to one or both of the lift arms  207  to be permit the user to move the boring attachment  220  upwardly, and out of engagement with the ground, and downwardly, to engage the ground, thereby facilitating movement of the device. 
     FIG. 18 c  represents a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 b.  It should be noted that the auger assembly  51  for securing the boring attachment  220  to the ground comprises a pair of spaced augers  51 . Due to the view from which the other drawings are taken, the existence of these two augers may not be clearly represented in the other drawings, and their description. However, the dual auger arrangement shown in FIG. 18 c  is a preferred arrangement for all of the auger containing boring attachments of the present invention. As also illustrated in FIG. 18 c,  a side mounted mounting bracket  237  is provided for attaching the attachment frame  222  to the lift arm  207  of the skid loader  200 , for facilitating the lifting and movement of the boring attachment  220  by the skid loader  200 . 
     FIGS. 19-20 illustrate examples of coupling the exemplary ground rest-able directional boring attachment  20  to a backhoe loader  250 . The directional boring attachment  20  in FIGS. 19-20 is identical generally to the one shown in FIG. 1, and is primarily powered, operated and moved by the backhoe loader  250 , and is preferably powered by the hydraulic system of the backhoe loader  250 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the backhoe loader  250 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the backhoe loader  250  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . As is typical of most backhoe loaders, the hydraulic lines of the backhoe loader  250  include installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the backhoe loader  250  to the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the backhoe loader  250 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the backhoe loader  250  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the backhoe loader  250 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the backhoe loader  250  and regulated as needed. Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the backhoe loader  250 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with larger batteries, additional batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the backhoe loader  250  and directional boring attachment  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by a control panel  32  (similar to FIG. 1 or FIG. 18 a ) mounted in the existing cab  260  of the backhoe loader  250  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternatively, the control panel  32  may be mounted on the directional boring attachment  20  similarly to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 18 a,  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that is operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the bucket or blade  252  of the backhoe loader  250  is unpinned and removed at a pivot point  254 . The directional boring attachment  20  is pivotably attached by a pivot pin to the pivot point  254  by the extendable/retractable coupler  33 , that includes a pivot bracket  255  attached thereto. As backhoe loaders generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  and for supporting frame  19  of the directional boring attachment  20  may need custom fitting and/or fabrication for each type of backhoe loader that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  22  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon: (1) the dimensions of the backhoe loader  250 ; (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring tool  21 ; (3) clearance requirements of the backhoe loader  250  and the directional boring tool  21 ; and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled by a pivot pin to the pivot point  254  of the backhoe loader  250 , the attachment frame  22  may be bolted and/or welded to the pivot point  254 . In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders  256  for the bucket/or blade  252  are pivotably coupled to a mounting bracket  257  of the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 20, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation, thus relieving the backhoe loader  250  of total support responsibilities. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates another mechanism for attaching the directional boring attachment  20  to a backhoe loader  250 . As illustrated, the extendable/retractable coupler  33  at the back end of the attachment frame  22  is attached to a hitch member  259 , that is coupled to the main undercarriage of the backhoe loader  250 . In an exemplary embodiment, existing hydraulic cylinders (not shown) under the backhoe loader  250  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the backhoe loader  250 , the size and configuration of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     FIG. 21 illustrates an example of coupling the exemplary direction boring attachment  20  to an agricultural tractor  300 . The directional boring attachment  20  in FIG. 300 is generally similar to the boring attachment  20  of FIG. 1, and is primarly powered, operated and moved by the agricultural tractor  300 , and, in particular, by the hydraulic system of the agricultural tractor  300 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the agricultural tractor  300 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the agricultural tractor  300  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . The hydraulic lines of the agricultural tractor  300  (as is typical of most agricultural tractors) include installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the agricultural tractor  300  to the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the agricultural tractor  300 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the agricultural tractor  300  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the agricultural tractor  300 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the agricultural tractor  300 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the agricultural tractor  300 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with additional batteries, larger batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the agricultural tractor  300  and the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by a control panel (not shown) which may be similar to control panel  32  of FIG. 1, or control panel  232  of FIG. 18 a,  and that can be mounted to the existing cab of the agricultural tractor  300  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link alternatively, the control panel  32  may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  20  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that are operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     In FIG. 21, the back end of the attachment frame  22  is attached to the main undercarriage of the agricultural tractor  300  by a hitch member  307  that is disposed at the end of the extendable/retractable coupler  33 ; and existing hydraulic cylinders (not shown) under the agricultural tractor  300  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack of the directional boring tool  21 . Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the agricultural tractor  300 , the size of the direction boring attachment, and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground engaging position, and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment wherein the exemplary direction boring attachment  20  is coupled to a powered industrial truck/forklift  350 . In general, the directional boring attachment  20  in FIG. 22 is powered, operated and moved by the power industrial truck/forklift  350 , and in particular, by the hydraulic and/or pneumatic system of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the power industrial truck/forklift  350  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . As is typical of most power industrial truck/forklifts, the hydraulic lines of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 , include installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the power industrial truck/forklift  350  to the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the power industrial truck/forklift  350  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by the batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the power industrial truck/forklift  350 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with additional batteries, larger batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the power industrial truck/forklift  350  and the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by the control panel  332 , similar to control panels  232  or  32 , that is mounted in the existing cab of the power industrial truck/forklift  350  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternatively, the control panel  32  may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  20  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that are operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 22, the attachment frame  22  includes insertion slots  355  that slidably receive and engage the forks  352  of the powered industrial truck/forklift  350 , to thereby couple the fork lift  350  to the attachment frame  22 . By engaging the supporting frame  19  of the attachment frame  22  with the forks  352 , the powered industrial truck/forklift  350  is operable to pick up and lift the entire directional boring attachment  20  in the same way that it normally lifts a pallet. In an exemplary embodiment, the supporting frame is pinned through the forks  352 , and the attachment frame  22  may be chained to the body of the powered industrial truck/forklift  350 . Alternately, the fork  352  of the forklift can be chained to a rearwardly mounted mounting bracket (not shown). Again, the specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the powered industrial truck/forklift  350 , the size of the directional boring attachment  20 , and the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  lowered to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation. 
     FIG. 23 illustrates the direction boring attachment  20  being coupled to, and primarily powered by a trencher  400 . In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring attachment  20  is powered by the hydraulic system of the trencher  400 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the trencher  400 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the trencher  400  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . As is typical of most trenchers, the hydraulic lines of the trencher  400 , include installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the trencher  400  to the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the trencher  400 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the trencher  400  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the trencher  400 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, generators, and/or alternators of the existing electrical system of the trencher  400  and regulated as needed. Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the trencher  400 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with larger batteries, additional batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate existing equipment of the trencher  400  and directional boring attachment  20 . 
     In the embodiment shown, directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by the control panel (not shown) that can be mounted in the existing cab of the trencher  400  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     Alternatively, the control panel may be mounted upon the directional boring attachment  20  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that are operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     In one embodiment, the trenching tool  402  or backfill blade (not shown) that is attached to powered arm  404  of the trencher  400  is unpinned from coupling point  405  and removed. The directional boring attachment  20  is then pivotably coupled via the extendable/retractable coupler  33  to the undercarriage of the trencher  400  or to the point at which either the trenching tool  402  or backfill blade  404  is removed. As trenchers generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  of the directional boring attachment  20  may need custom fitting and/or fabrication for each type of trencher that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  22  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon: (1) the dimensions of the trencher  400 ; (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring tool  21 ; (3) clearance requirements of the trencher  400  and the directional boring tool  21 ; and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled to the trencher  400 , the attachment frame  22  may be bolted and/or welded to the trencher  400 . In one embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders (not shown) for the trenching tool  402  or the backfill blade  404  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which to control the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 23, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation, thus relieving the trencher  400  of total support responsibilities. 
     FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b  illustrate the direction boring attachment  420  being coupled to a vehicle such as a truck  450 . The directional boring attachment in FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b  is generally similar to directional boring attachment  20 , except that the supporting frame  419  is either fixedly coupled to the truck bed and/or bed frame; or else the supporting frame  419  is a part of the truckbed and/or frame. The boring attachment  420  is powered, operated and moved by the power system of the truck  450 , and in particular, is powered by the hydraulic and/or pneumatic system of the truck  450 . 
     Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  420  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the truck  450 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the truck  450  and the attached directional boring attachment  420 . As is typical of most trucks, the hydraulic lines of the truck  450  include various hydraulic components such as installed tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the truck  450  to the directional boring attachment  420 . 
     In lieu of being powered by the hydraulic system of the vehicle/truck  450 , the directional boring attachment  420  may be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the truck  450  and/or the vehicle&#39;s engine shaft. The directional boring attachment  420  may also be powered by batteries, alternators, and/or generators of the existing electrical system of the truck  450 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  420  and the capacity of the existing electrical system of the truck  450 , the electrical system may need to be upgraded with additional batteries, larger batteries, additional alternators, larger alternators, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the vehicle/truck  450  and the directional boring attachment  420 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  421  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  420  are operated by a control panel (not shown) mounted in the existing cab of the truck  450  and operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  420  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. Alternatively, the control panel (not shown) may be mounted upon the attachment frame  422  of the directional boring attachment  420  or incorporated into a portable remote unit that is operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  420  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     One way in which the directional boring attachment  420  may be attached to the truck  450  is to fixedly couple the attachment frame  422  to the main frame of the truck  450  via the extendable/retractable coupler  33 , and other points of the supporting frame  419 . The attachment frame  422  of the directional boring attachment  420  may need custom fitting for each type of truck  450  that the directional boring attachment  420  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  422  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon: (1) the dimensions of the truck  450 ; (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring tool  421 ; (3) clearance requirements of the truck  450  and the directional boring tool  421 ; and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  421 . Additionally, the rear portion of a lower longitudinal member should be pivotably coupled to the supporting frame  419  to enable the device to pivotably tilt, in a manner similar to a dump type bed. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic lift cylinders  452  of the vehicle/truck  450  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  422  in order to provide a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  421 . Furthermore, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position, and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  420  during operation, thus relieving the backhoe loader  250  of total support responsibilities. 
     A second way for attaching the directional boring attachment to the truck  450  is to pin the attachment frame  22  to the tilt bed of the truck  450 . Instead of being pinned to the tilt bed of  10  the truck  450 , the attachment frame  422  may be bolted and/or welded to the tilt bed of the truck  450 . The tilt bed provides a mechanism for controlling the angle of attack for the directional boring tool  21 . 
     A third means for attaching the directional boring attachment to the truck  450  is to fixedly couple the attachment frame  422  to an isolated center section (not shown) of a flat bed that tilts. Again, instead of pinning the attachment frame  422  to the center section of the flat bed, the attachment flame  422  may be bolted and/or welded to the center section of the flat bed In an exemplary embodiment, the surrounding section of flat bed remains immovable as the center section tilts to afford some angle of attack for the directional boring tool  421 , thus providing a flat working surface for the operator of the directional boring tool  421 . The center section may further include guardrails (not shown) around the direction boring tool  421  and the perimeter of the flat bed to protect the operator of the directional boring tool  421  from injury. The specific size of attachment plates, sleeves, and locations will vary according to the size of the truck  450 , the size of the directional boring tool  421 , and the supported angles of attack. A hydraulic cylinder under the directional boring tool  421  would generally be attached to the secondary attachment frame to perform angle of attack adjustments, In some cases, additional screw type jack supports may be added between the truck&#39;s main frame and the frame of the tilt bed to maintain stability and rigidity. 
     FIG. 25 illustrates an example of the directional boring attachment  20  (similar or identical to the boring attachment  20  of FIG. 1) being coupled to a road grader  500 . The directional boring attachment  20  in FIG. 25 is powered, operated and moved primarily by the road grader  500 , and in particular by the hydraulic and/or pneumatic system of the road grader  500 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the road grader  500 , the hydraulic system may need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the road grader  500  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . The hydraulic lines of the road grader  500  include installed hydraulic fluid carriers and fluid flow controllers such as tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the road grader  500  to the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the road grader  500 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the road grader  500  and/or engine shaft. The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, alternators, and/or generators of the existing or supplemental electrical system of the road grader  500 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by a control panel mounted either in the existing cab of the road grader  500  or upon the directional boring attachment  20 , or incorporated into a portable remote unit that is operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link 
     As illustrated in FIG. 25, the road grader&#39;s  500  front blade is unpinned and removed from blade connection member  507 . The attachment frame  22  is then pivotably coupled to connection member  507 . As road graders generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  may need to be custom fitted and/or fabricated for each type of road grader that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. More specifically, the dimensional parameters of the attachment frame  22  such as pin placement and pin size depend upon: (1) the dimensions of the road grader  500 ; (2) the size, dimensions, and weight of the directional boring tool  21 ; (3) clearance requirements of the road grader  500  and the directional boring tool  21 ; and (4) the angles of attack supported by the directional boring tool  21 . 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled to the road grader  500 , the attachment frame  22  may be bolted and/or welded to the road grader  500 . In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders (not shown) for the front blade are pinned to the attachment frame  22  in order to provide a mechanism by which the angle of attack may be adjusted. Furthermore, the first stabilizer assembly  26  may be locked into its ground-engaging position and the wheel assembly  24  extended downward to provide further support for the directional boring attachment  20  during operation, thus relieving the road grader  500  of total support and stress absorbing responsibilities. 
     FIG. 26 illustrates the exemplary direction boring attachment  20  being coupled to a roller compactor  550 . The directional boring attachment  20  in FIG. 26 is primarily powered, operated and moved by the roller compactor  550 , and specifically by the hydraulic system of the roller compactor  550 . Depending upon the requirements of the directional boring attachment  20  and the capacity of the hydraulic system of the roller compactor  550 , the hydraulic system may a need to be upgraded with larger hydraulic pumps, additional hydraulic pumps, and/or regulated to operate the existing equipment of the roller compactor  550  and the attached directional boring attachment  20 . The hydraulic lines of the roller compactor  550  include installed hydraulic system fluid carriers, connectors and fluid flow controllers, such as tees, valves, quick couplers, and additional lengths of hydraulic lines that facilitate coupling the hydraulic system of the roller compactor  550  to the directional boring attachment  20 . 
     Besides being powered by the hydraulic system of the roller compactor  550 , the directional boring attachment  20  may alternatively be powered by a power take-off (P.T.O.) of the roller compactor  550  and/or engine shaft located underneath, behind, or in front of the roller compactor  550 . The directional boring attachment  20  may also be powered by batteries, alternators, and/or generators of the existing or supplemental electrical system of the roller compactor  550 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the directional boring tool  21  and the other controllable components of the directional boring attachment  20  are operated by a control panel (not shown) that is either mounted at the existing cab of the roller compactor  550 ; mounted upon the directional boring attachment  20 ; or else is incorporated into a portable remote unit that is operatively coupled to the directional boring attachment  20  via a wired and/or wireless communications link. 
     To attach the directional boring attachment  20  to the roller compactor  550 , the front dozer blade  552  of the roller compactor  550  is first unpinned and removed from attachment point  557 . The attachment frame  22  is then pivotably coupled to attachment point  557 , where the dozer blade was removed. As roller compactors generally do not have standardized parts, the attachment frame  22  may need to be custom fitted and/or fabricated for each type of road grader that the directional boring attachment  20  is to be coupled to in this manner. 
     Instead of being pivotably coupled to the roller compactor  550 , the attachment frame  22  may be bolted and/or welded to the roller compactor  550 . In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders (not shown) for the front blade  552  are pivotably coupled to the attachment frame  22  such as at attachment yoke  30  or else to a rear-positioned mounting bracket (not shown) in order to provide a mechanism by which the angle of attack may be adjusted. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Category: 0