Abstract: A frame for a work machine includes a first side wall portion having a first and second bore hole defined therein. The frame further includes a second side wall portion having a third and fourth bore hole defined therein. The first bore hole is linearly aligned with the third bore hole, and the second bore hole is linearly aligned with the fourth bore hole. The frame also includes a central wall portion having a fifth and a sixth bore hole defined therein. The central wall portion is positioned such that the fifth bore hole is linearly aligned with the first and third bore holes and the sixth bore hole is linearly aligned with the second and fourth bore holes. The frame has relatively few parts, lower manufacturing costs, and provides greater visibility to an operator of a work machine on which it is mounted.

Abstract: Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various components deflect or bend edge loading occurs between the various components. The subject joint assembly includes a bushing positioned in one structure and a pin positioned in a second structure. An insert has an inner diameter positioned around the pin and an outer surface diameter positioned to interact with the bushing. The outer surface being a crowned surface. The joint assembly having the crowned insert directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading and deflection of the pin will be followed by the insert.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a work machine which includes (i) a boom and (ii) a coupling mechanism secured to an end of the boom is disclosed. The arrangement includes a first control assembly having (i) a first gripping portion and (ii) a first actuator secured to the first gripping portion so that the first actuator can move relative to the first gripping portion.

Abstract: A linkage assembly for connecting an implement to a frame of a work machine which provides greater visibility for an operator of the work machine is disclosed. The linkage assembly includes a box-boom lift arm having a frame end portion and an implement end portion, wherein (i) the frame end portion is pivotally coupled to the frame, (ii) the implement end portion is pivotally coupled to the implement, and (iii) the frame end portion includes a first extension and a second extension spaced apart from each other so as to define a first lever space therebetween. The linkage assembly also includes a lift cylinder having a frame end and a lift arm end, wherein (i) the frame end is pivotally coupled to the frame, and (ii) the lift arm end is pivotally coupled to the box boom lift arm. Moreover, the linkage assembly includes a rear tilt link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a track chain assembly includes a bushing having a passageway defined therethrough. The cartridge assembly also includes track pin having a longitudinal axis. The track pin is located within the passageway so that a first end portion and a second end portion of the track pin extends outwardly from the passageway of the bushing. The cartridge assembly further includes a first insert having a first bore defined therethrough. The first insert is positioned relative to the track pin such that the first end portion of the track pin is disposed within the first bore. The cartridge assembly also includes a first collar having a first hole defined therein.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having central passage defined therein with (i) a first end of the central passage of the roller rim defining a first access opening, and (ii) a second end of the central passage of the roller rim defining a second access opening. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft having a first end portion which is positioned outside of the central passage of the roller rim and a second end portion which is positioned within the central passage of the roller rim, the second end portion of the roller shaft having an outwardly extending annular flange secured thereto. Yet further, the roller assembly has a retainer press fit into the second access opening. In addition, the roller assembly has an axial thrust bearing interposed between the outwardly extending annular flange of the roller shaft and the retainer. A method for manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A link includes a body member having (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The body member has a rail surface and a shoe surface. A central axis passes through the rail surface and the shoe surface so as to define a substantially 90° angle between (i) the rail surface and the central axis and (ii) the shoe surface and the central axis. The body member is symmetrical about the central axis. The first aperture is off-set from the second aperture so that the first aperture is not coplanar with the second aperture.

Abstract: A link for a track chain assembly of a track type work machine includes a body member having (i) a first side, (ii) a second side, (iii) a first aperture defined therethrough, and (iv) a second aperture defined therethrough. The link also includes a first extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The first extension member has a point P1 defined thereon. The link also includes a second extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The second extension member has a point P2 defined thereon. The link also includes a third extension member extending outwardly from the first side of the body member. The third extension member has a point P3 defined thereon. The first extension member, the second extension member, and the third extension member are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A radiator mounting arrangement for a work machine is described. The radiator mounting arrangement includes a work machine having a forward end, a rearward end, and a lateral sidewall interposed between the forward end and the rearward end. The radiator mounting arrangement also includes a radiator having an inner side edge. The inner side edge has an upper end and a lower end. The radiator is secured to the work machine such that (i) the inner side edge of the radiator is positioned adjacent to the lateral sidewall, (ii) the upper end of the inner side edge is positioned a distance D1 from the lateral sidewall, (iii) the lower end of the inner side edge is positioned a distance D2 from the lateral sidewall, and (iv) the distance D1 is greater than the distance D2 so that the inner side edge and the lateral sidewall define an angle a therebetween.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling actuation of an actuator of a track tensioning system for adjusting tension on a drive track chain includes a valve housing defining (i) a master chamber, (ii) a slave chamber, (iii) a fluid passage which fluidly couples the master chamber to the slave chamber, and (iv) a fluid outlet which fluidly couples the slave chamber to the actuator. The valve assembly also includes a master valve member positioned within the master chamber. The master valve member (i) isolates the master chamber from the slave chamber when the master valve member is positioned in a first master position, and (ii) places the master chamber in fluid communication with the slave chamber when the master valve member is positioned in a second master position.

Abstract: A bucket assembly is disclosed. The bucket assembly includes a bucket having a base edge. The bucket assembly also includes a base edge protection assembly having (i) a digging plate having a forward edge with a pair of notches defined therein so that a tooth is formed from a portion of the digging plate that is interposed between the notches and (ii) a cover plate secured to the digging plate so that an edge slot is defined between the digging plate and the cover plate. The base edge protection assembly is secured to the bucket such that the base edge of the bucket is positioned within the edge slot of the base edge protection assembly.

Abstract: A work machine includes a boom body having a top boom support structure, a bottom boom support structure, a first lateral boom support structure, and a second lateral boom support structure which cooperate with each other to define a boom void therein. The boom body also has a machine frame coupling defined therein. The work machine also includes a coupling subassembly which is positioned within the boom void and attached to the boom body. The coupling subassembly includes (i) a first coupling support structure and a second coupling support structure which are spaced apart from each other so as to define a boss space therebetween and (ii) a boss positioned within the boss space and secured to the first coupling support structure and the second coupling support structure.

Abstract: A braking apparatus includes a brake cylinder having a first brake opening and a second brake opening defined therein. The first brake opening is adapted to allow a flow of brake fluid to enter the brake cylinder and the second brake opening is adapted to allow the flow of brake fluid to exit the brake cylinder. The braking apparatus also includes a first transmission opening and a second transmission opening defined in the brake cylinder. The first transmission opening is adapted to allow a flow of transmission fluid to enter the brake cylinder and the second transmission opening is adapted to allow the flow of transmission fluid to exit the brake cylinder. The braking apparatus further includes a movable member located within the brake cylinder.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a central tower portion having a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The first side wall portion has a first leg and a first arm each extending therefrom, and the second side wall portion has a second leg and a second arm each extending therefrom. The frame assembly also includes a hitch support assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate vertically spaced from each other. The hitch support assembly also includes a connecting member interposed between and connected to the upper plate and the lower plate. The hitch support assembly is secured to the central tower portion such that a lower end of both the first leg and the second leg are supported on the lower plate. The frame assembly further includes an axle mount assembly having a first axle plate, a second axle plate, and a support member extending therebetween, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are secured to the support member. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A traction assembly of a work machine having (i) a differential housing having an axle passageway extending therethrough and (ii) an axle positioned within the axle passageway is disclosed. The traction assembly includes a gear mechanically coupled to the axle. The gear includes (i) an outer peripheral surface having a plurality of sensor teeth defined therein, (ii) a first shoulder extending in a first lateral direction, and (iii) a second shoulder extending in a second direction. The traction assembly also includes a bearing assembly attached to the differential housing, wherein (i) the bearing assembly includes a first bearing member and a second bearing member, (ii) the gear is interposed between the first bearing member and the second bearing member, (iii) the first shoulder of the gear contacts a first journal surface of the first bearing member, and (iv) the second shoulder of the gear contacts a second journal surface of the second bearing member.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a central tower portion having a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The first side wall portion has a first leg and a first arm each extending therefrom, and the second side wall portion has a second leg and a second arm each extending therefrom. The frame assembly also includes a hitch support assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate vertically spaced from each other. The hitch support assembly also includes a connecting member interposed between and connected to the upper plate and the lower plate. The hitch support assembly is secured to the central tower portion such that a lower end of both the first leg and the second leg are supported on the lower plate. The frame assembly further includes an axle mount assembly having a first axle plate, a second axle plate, and a support member extending therebetween, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are secured to the support member. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for quickly and easily coupling and decoupling a work implement to and from a stick assembly is disclosed. The quick coupling device includes a hook member defined in the stick assembly. The hook member defines a recess. An implement pin secured to the work implement is positionable within the recess. The quick coupling device further includes an over-center spring which biases or otherwise secures the implement pin within the recess. The quick coupling device yet further includes an actuator which selectively loads the over-center spring so as to secure the implement pin within the recess, or alternatively removes the load from the over-center spring so as to allow the bucket to be decoupled from the stick assembly. In one embodiment the actuator includes a operator controlled fluid cylinder, whereas in another embodiment the actuator includes a lever assembly having a lever with a cam lobe secured thereto.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a work machine includes a fan housing which has a fan guard and a fan shroud defined therein. The fan housing includes a rotationally molded, hollow exterior shell structure. The exterior shell structure is filled with a filler material so as to enhance the structural rigidity and stiffness of the fan housing. The fan assembly of the present invention utilizes fewer components relative to fan assemblies which have heretofore been designed thereby decreasing costs and assembly time associated with the work machine.

Abstract: A liner for a work machine body, such as the body of an off-highway truck, protects the body from wear. The liner has a plate with openings through the plate arranged in a preselected pattern. The plate is of a size to fit a particular portion of the body and is typically removably fastened to the body. The plate has raised strips of abrasion-resistant cladding, such as chromium carbide, bonded to the top surface thereof. The raised strips cause material to tumble, instead of to slide, when being removed from the truck. The tumbling action reduces wear on the liner.