AIR-ASSISTED LOADING BUCKET SCRAPER AND AIR-ASSISTED LOADING METHODS

Devices and methods for air-assisted loading of soil in an earth-moving apparatus are disclosed. One aspect of a device includes a source of a current of air and at least one conduit for directing the cur-rent of air towards soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus. The device is configured to be operatively connected to the earth-moving apparatus. An earth-moving apparatus is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame having opposing sides, supported by at least two ground-engaging wheels, and a bucket having a floor and a pair of upstanding sidewalls. A cutting blade may be attached to the bucket or disposed between the opposing sides of the frame. An air supply system for delivering a current of air to soil moved by the earth-moving apparatus is also included. Methods for loading soil into an earth-moving apparatus are also disclosed.