Abstract: Lift structure particularly useful with front mounted implements for providing both lift and weight transfer functions from a single valve. The valve acts as an adjustable bleeder for the lift cylinder and includes a control knob which is movable both axially and rotationally to respectively provide lift and adjustable flotation. The valve is normally biased to an adjustable orifice position for operating the implement in a lowered, flotation position. To momentarily lift the implement, the operator moves the control knob against the bias to direct flow to the lift cylinder thereby raising the implement off the ground. When the operator releases the valve, it automatically returns to the preset orifice position to provide the desired flotation.

Abstract: Lift structure particularly useful with front mounted implements for providing both lift and weight transfer functions from a single valve. The valve acts as an adjustable bleeder for the lift cylinder and includes a control knob which is movable both axially and rotationally to respectively provide lift and adjustable flotation. The valve is normally biased to an adjustable orifice position for operating the implement in a lowered, flotation position. To momentarily lift the implement, the operator moves the control knob against the bias to direct flow to the lift cylinder thereby raising the implement off the ground. When the operator releases the valve, it automatically returns to the preset orifice position to provide the desired flotation.

Abstract: An implement lift system for a machine such as a front mouted mower having a pair of transversely spaced lift arms operable by a single life cylinder. The lift cylinder is transversely adjustable utilizing a special cylinder bracket arrangement and a transverse member extending between bend locations on the lift arms forwardly of the pivotal connections of the lift arms with the vehicle. The transverse member is connected to provide lift to both arms from the single cylinder while permitting independent vertical movement of each of the arms. Compensation for unequal forces acting on the lift arms can be provided by moving the cylinder laterally to achieve even lift and flotation characteristics.

Abstract: A hitch linkage for hitching an implement to a front mount riding mower including a plurality of hitch arms detachably mounted to the lift arms of the riding mower. A cross-link is pivotally mounted between the hitch arms. The support struts of a support wheel are fixably mounted to the cross-link. A cylinder selectively pivots the cross-link to raise or lower the support wheel. When the support wheel is lowered into ground engaging position, the support wheel is leading to the drive wheels of the riding mower during implement transport.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is mounted at the rear end of a vehicle adapted for having an implement mounted to its forward end. The counterweight assembly is incorporated into a rear bumper assembly and includes rectangular weights having notched lower edges received on a pair of transversely spaced bumper mounting rods. The mounting rods are received in holes provided in a rear cross member of the vehicle frame and have nuts received on threaded forward ends.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end portion which extends above a portion of an implement mounted to the front of the vehicle by a pair of hydraulically controlled lift arms. A latch link is connected to one and has a hook engageable with the other of the vehicle forward end portion and the implement when the implement is in a raised, inoperative position.

Abstract: An axle and hydraulic motor mounting arrangement for vehicle wherein the vehicle has parallel sidewalls between which an axle tube is fixably mounted. A hydraulic motor is fixably mounted into each end of the axle tube such that torsional resistance between the motors is provided by the axle tube. The axle tube also resists opposing motion of the vehicle mounting sidewalls.

Abstract: A hitch structure includes a pair of arms each having their opposite ends vertically pivotally connected to a vehicle and an implement. The arms each include first and second sections pivotally inter-connected to each other at a location between the vehicle and an adjacent end of the implement. A stop block is carried by each first section and limits the flexure of the sections about their pivotal inter-connection. The remote end of the implement is supported on a pair of caster wheels and flexible members support the adjacent end of the implement from the arms. Lift actuators are connected to the arms and are operable to lower the first sections of the arms to the extent that the adjacent end of the implement rests on the ground.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift arm assembly for vehicle including parallel sidewalls between which an axle tube is fixably mounted. The lift arm assembly is rotatably mounted around the axle tube.

Abstract: A skid steer loader includes lift arms which are supported by two pairs of guide links arranged such that the bucket undergoes substantially vertical movement as it moves between lowered and raised positions. One of the pairs of guide links serves as part of a self-levelling linkage which maintains the bucket in a substantially level attitude throughout the movement of the bucket between the lowered and raised positions thereof.