Articulation:  Method of connecting front and rear sections of the machine together to provide a steering action by hinging left or right.

 

Bed: The rear cargo area of a hauling unit. 

 

Blade: An elongated piece of metal used to push or move materials.

 

Boom: An extension section hinged to the main frame of a crane or backhoe.

 

Bucket: A device attached to backhoes, loaders and excavators used to pick up materials.

 

Cab: An enclosure to protect a machine operator from the elements.

 

Circle: On a motor grader, the rotary table which supports the blade (moldboard) and regulates the blade angle.

 

Counterweight: Set of weights added to a piece of equipment opposite the working end of a machine.

 

Cowling: Body or framework forward of instrument panel.        

 

Cross-member: Frame member running perpendicular to the frame rails.

 

Disk: A ground engaging tractor attachment made with circular steel parts, affixed to the rear of the machine for tilling soil. 

 

Drum: A large horizontally positioned cylinder used for compaction, also part of a winch.

 

Elevator: A device that raises materials from one level to another; may be powered by a belt or chain.

 

Feeder: A pushing device or short belt that supplies material to a conveyor or crusher.

 

Forks: Material handling attachment affixed to the lifting end of a piece of equipment.

 

Frame: Metal structural foundation of a machine.

 

Frame Rail: Individual frame component running in line with the equipment body.  

 

Fuel Injection Pump: An engine component which pressurizes and sends fuel to the engine intake system.

 

Grapple: Jaw-like attachment used to grip and move material.

 

Head Carrier: Mounting point on a Harvester for attachments.  

 

Hinge-pin: A steel rod which serves as the pivot point of an articulation joint .

 

Hitch: Means of connecting a towed unit to a self-propelled unit.

 

Hydraulic Cylinder: Generic term for a component consisting of piston and ram which creates push and pull force.  

 

Hydraulic Pump: A pump which circulates hydraulic fluid.

 

Hydraulics: Transmission of energy or power through a liquid.

 

Hydrostatic Drive: Power transfer utilizing hydraulic pumps rather than gears, clutch plates, etc.

 

Injector: In a diesel engine, the unit that sprays fuel into the combustion chamber.

 

Jack: Device for raising and lowering the hitch portion of a towed unit.           

 

Jib: An extension section attached to the end of a crane boom.

 

LGP: Low Ground Pressure.  The use of wider tracks on a dozer to lower ground pressure.

 

Lift Piston: Hydraulic cylinder used to raise and lower a dozer blade or loader bucket.

 

Loader: An attachment which is designed to lift material using a bucket.  Also used to refer to either a wheel loader or backhoe.

 

Low Boy: An equipment trailer with a low deck used for transporting equipment.

 

Mast: Vertical structure used to raise and lower a payload.

 

Moldboard: Blade attachment on a motor grader for the cutting and leveling of soil.  

 

Outrigger: Hydraulically controlled retractable support braces used to stabilize equipment during operation.

 

Pitch Cylinder: Hydraulic cylinder which controls the tilt of a bucket.    

 

Plow : A ground engaging tractor attachment made with rigid steel parts, affixed to the rear of the machine for tilling and turning soil.  

 

Prime Mover: A tractor or other vehicle used to push or pull other machines.

 

PTO: Power Take Off.  Device used to divert power to an attachment, such as a mower.

 

Ripper:  A finger-like rigid steel ground engaging attachment used to break up the ground surface.   

 

ROPS: Roll Over Protection System.  Steel frame around operating area which protects driver in the event of roll over.  May be enclosed (EROPS) or open (OROPS).

 

Rotary Joint:  A device consisting of two parts, one affixed to the undercarriage of a unit and the other attached to the operating mechanism which allows transfer of hydraulic fluid or electrical power.

 

Steering Axle: Axle used to control the direction of travel.

 

Stick: Beam connecting the excavator or backhoe boom to the bucket.

 

Three Point Hitch: A device at the rear of a tractor for mounting and raising attachments.

 

Tongue: On a towed unit, the portion of the frame coming to a point at the hitch.

 

Transaxle: A drive-train component which directs power from the motor to the drive wheels.  

 

Transmission: Mechanical or hydraulic system which transfers engine power into movement.

 

Turntable: A base that supports a machine part and allows it to rotate.  

 

Undercarriage:  The lower portion of a tracked unit which includes the running gear.   

 

Winch: A rotating drum which is used to provide pulling force to a cable.