Abstract: A method of lifting a boom assembly for a machine along a lift path is provided. The machine has a work implement coupled to the boom assembly. The method includes initially moving the work implement vertically from a lowered position to a first intermediate position forward of the lowered position. The method also includes subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the first intermediate position along a slightly rearwardly inclined direction to a second intermediate position rearward of the first intermediate position. The method also includes subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the second intermediate position along a slightly forwardly inclined direction to a third intermediate position forward of the second intermediate position. The method also includes finally moving the work implement vertically from the third intermediate position along a slightly rearward inclined direction to a final position rearward of the first, second, and third intermediate positions.

Abstract: A coupler for a machine is disclosed. The coupler includes a housing sized to matingly engage a corresponding coupler housing. An electrical connector, disposed within the coupler housing is configured to create an electrical connection between the tool and the machine at a communication node. The electrical connection provides a circuit pathway for a conductor delivering both power and data to a plurality of devices connected to the machine. A message containing tool identification information is transmitted from the communication node when the coupler housing is connected to the complimentary coupler housing.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a work machine having at least one work tool. The method includes sensing at least one operational characteristic of the work machine indicative of an application of the work tool. The operation of the work machine is altered in response to a new application of the work tool.

Abstract: A cooling system for a machine is provided. The machine has an operator compartment, a front end, and an engine cooled by a first heat exchanger and mounted within an engine compartment. The engine compartment is positioned behind the operator compartment in relation to the front end. A fan is mounted within the engine compartment and has an inlet and a first and a second outlet. A second heat exchanger is fluidically coupled to the fan and the engine and mounted within the engine compartment. A first fluid flow path extends from ambient to the inlet. A second fluid flow path extends from the first outlet to ambient and extends through the second heat exchanger. A third fluid flow path extends from the second outlet to ambient and extends through the first heat exchanger, and is thermally isolated from the second fluid flow path.

Abstract: A work machine includes a machine cab and a machine work body. The work body includes an HVAC unit mounted below a floor of the machine cab. The machine cab includes an HVAC duct system configured to move with the machine cab and seal with the HVAC unit of the work body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein an operator traverses the work machine within an operator selected speed range. The operator positions a speed-range control device to select the operator selected speed range, thus, sending a speed-range signal from the speed-range control device to an electronic control module indicative of the position of the speed-range control device. The speed-range signal is converted to a scaling factor to re-calibrate at least one drive map indicative of the scaling factor. The operator then may position a control device to traverse the work machine within the operator selected speed range.

Abstract: A boom assembly for a work machine including a boom extending from a forward portion of the work machine toward a rear portion of the work machine, a rear link member connected between a frame of the work machine and the boom by a first frame pivot connection and a first boom pivot connection, and a forward link member connected between the frame of the work machine and the boom by a second frame pivot connection and a second boom pivot connection. The boom assembly also includes an actuator connected between the frame of the work machine and the boom by a third frame pivot connection and a third boom pivot connection. The second frame pivot connection is located vertically below the first frame pivot connection and above the second boom pivot connection when the boom assembly is in a lowered position.

Abstract: A frame for a tracked skid steer loader machine or multi-terrain loader machine is provided having a structural design that enables the loader machine to be modularly assembled using a variety of pre-assembled components, namely a lower frame assembly, an upper frame assembly and an undercarriage. The lower frame assembly includes a pair of recessed channels formed on a base portion of the lower frame assembly and extending the width of the lower frame assembly. The undercarriage includes right and left track assemblies connected by a pair of crossmembers. Each recessed channel is engagingly associated with a respective crossmember of the undercarriage, thereby allowing for the modular assembly of a loader machine when the recessed channels of the lower frame assembly are mounted over the crossmembers of the undercarriage. An upper frame assembly may be mounted on the lower frame assembly before or after the lower frame assembly is mounted onto the undercarriage.

Abstract: A method of flowing hydraulic fluid in a work machine is disclosed. The method includes generating a control signal from an input mechanism and generating a property signal indicative of a viscosity of the hydraulic fluid. The control signal and the property signal are received at a control module. The method also includes determining a desired volume flow rate for the control signal and determining a valve control signal required to achieve the desired volume flow rate for the control signal. The valve control signal is based upon the property signal. The valve control signal is output to a proportional valve to provide the desired volume flow rate through the valve for the command signal.

Abstract: A method of modulating a boom assembly to perform in a linear manner. The boom assembly includes a boom and a stick. The method comprising the steps of sending at least one lever signal to a control device indicative of operator desired direction and desired velocity of the boom and the stick, calibrating the lever signals to provide a boom command signal and a stick command signal, applying an algorithm-to-the boom command signal and the stick command signal, which the algorithm uses command signal mapping, and providing a modulating factor to the control device as a result of the algorithm.

Abstract: An attachment frame is connected with a loader arm of a work machine for connecting an implement thereto. A latch member is operatively associated with the attachment frame and movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. A link has a first end portion connected to the latch member and a second end portion. A pivot member has a first end portion pivotally connected on the attachment frame, a second end portion pivotally connected on the second end portion of the link, and a central portion. A cylinder has a head end portion connected to the attachment frame and a rod end portion connected to the central portion of the pivot member. The cylinder is connected with a supply of hydraulic fluid so that upon pressurization thereof the cylinder is actuated for moving the latch member between the disengaged and engaged positions to respectively detach and attach the implement to the work machine.

Abstract: A work machine is operably coupled to an interchangeable hydraulically-driven implement via at least one hydraulic line. When changing the hydraulically-driven implement, high pressure trapped within the hydraulic line may cause difficulties in disengaging the attached hydraulically-driven implement from a body of the work machine. The present invention relieves the pressure in the hydraulic line by energizing at least one electronically controlled valve while an engine of the work machine is inactive. The valve is operably coupled to an electrical actuator and is moveable between, at least, a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position, the hydraulic line is fluidly connected to a low pressure line. A control system includes a pressure release controller that is operably coupled to energize the electrical actuator and move the valve to the first position when the engine is inactive.

Abstract: The addition of emission control devices to engines of work machines has increased the cooling demands placed on the engine cooling system. This increased cooling demand can lead to the use of larger engine heat exchangers, thus requiring larger engine enclosures that may restrict the visibility of the machine operator. In accordance with one aspect of this invention, the engine enclosure of a work machine is devoid of an heat exchanger. An engine heat exchanger is mounted to a machine frame rearward of an operator cab and positioned so that an upper edge of the heat exchanger cooling core extends along a line that intersects the longitudinal axis of the machine frame at an angle other than 90°. This arrangement permits the use of a larger heat exchanger without substantially obstructing the view of the machine operator.

Abstract: An ejector truck requires an ejector mechanism to remove hauled material from the ejector truck body. Often, these ejector mechanisms are costly and require precise manufacturing and maintenance because they include a telescoping linear actuator. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of a multi-actuator ejection mechanism. The multi-actuator ejection mechanism includes an anchor member, an ejection carriage, an ejector blade, a first linear actuator, and a second linear actuator. The ejector blade is located a predetermined distance from the anchor member and is adapted to move longitudinally with respect to the anchor member. The first linear actuator has a first end secured to the anchor member and a second end secured to the ejection carriage, and is adapted to move the ejection carriage longitudinally with respect to the anchor member.

Abstract: A material eject system includes an ejector mounted to a bed of a vehicle which is movable between a rear end and a forward end of the bed for ejecting material from the bed. The ejector is powered by a cylinder having different fluid volumes depending on the direction of motion of the cylinder. A control circuit operates with the ejector motor to automatically move the ejector through eject and return cycles. Further, the control circuit detects different positions of the cylinder and automatically operates the cylinder at different speeds to maintain a constant motor and ejector speed throughout the material eject cycle.

Abstract: Trucks and other work machines require strong and easily operated and maintained tailgate assemblies. Often, the operating structure of the tailgate assembly requires precise alignment and relatively large clearance space to operate effectively. The operating structure is also commonly under great stresses from the tension and compression forces that power the operating structure to move the tailgate. A tailgate assembly including a tailgate and an; operating structure is provided. The tailgate is attached to a platform in a hinge d manner and allowed to move pivotally with respect to the platform. The operating structure includes a linear actuator and a linking member. The linear actuator is attached to the platform. The linking member has a first end portion pivotally attached to the linear actuator, a fulcrum pivotally attached to the platform, and a second end portion attached to a tracking member. The tracking member is adapted to contact the tailgate and to move vertically with respect to the tailgate.