I get the idea, but it's no good if the IK handle is to folow a motion path.
As for the rig you described, it has only a 2-dimensional freedom of movement as far as the IK handle is concerned. The 3'rd dimension still depend on being operated "manually", like the hydraulic wrecking machine on Scrapheap Challenge (DiscoveryChannel).

If I try to attatch the IK-handle/EndEffector to a motion path.. The arm would bend unnaturally.


Is it really that hard to achive my goal in a simple manner in MAYA? The same rig is a piece of cake to set up in 3DSMax, but the IK in Max is somewhat "jumpy"...



Anyways.. I think I got a solution to the problem, but I can't try it out until later.