Abstract: In the operation of a construction machine, such as a wheel loader, it is essential to provide load distribution capabilities for improved strength characteristics in the components. Additionally, high visibility is required for an operator to view a work implement during normal operation or coupling. The present invention includes a hydraulic coupler utilizing a pair of separate coupler assemblies which are connected at opposing ends of an upper and lower coupler pin boss at a pair of pin joints including a pair of pins to define a spatial relationship therebetween. The pins each have a cylindrical central portion and rectangular shaped end portions which are fixed within rectangular shaped pin mounting openings in first and second end portions of the coupler assemblies. The separation of the coupler assemblies provides enhanced visibility for an operator.

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 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: In the operation of a wheel loader, the linkage arrangement that mounts the bucket to the machine must provide components with adequate loading capabilities while maintaining good visibility to the bucket for an operator. The present linkage arrangement includes a tilt lever with a pair of spaced side walls and a tilt link with a pair of spaced side rails. Each spaced side rail of the tilt link has a pair of legs, respectively, which straddle one of the pair of spaced side walls of the tilt lever in a connection which improves visibility while possessing superior strength capabilities.

Abstract: The box boom lift arm assembly of the present invention includes a single plate steel top wall and a bottom wall connected with a substantially non-transverse weld to a pair of single plate steel inner side walls and a pair of single plate steel outer side walls to define a closed box section having a rectangular cross section along the entire length, varying only in height and width. The unique configuration and shape of the plates and the use of non-transverse weld during manufacturing improve the fatigue characteristics, load distribution and strength of the box boom lift arm assembly without increasing the weight of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention includes a box boom loader mechanism utilizing a box boom lift arm assembly with a single plate steel top wall and a bottom wall connected with a non-transverse weld to a pair of single plate steel inner side walls to define a rectangular cross section therealong. The connection of the top and bottom walls and the inner side walls defines a bifurcated second end portion straddling a central portion of a frame and being connected therewith. A tilt linkage means is connected to the box boom lift arm assembly and includes a tilt lever, tilt link and tilt cylinder. The connection of the components of the tilt linkage means achieves high visibility and optimal linkage performance. The connection of the bifurcated second end portion to the frame and the non-transverse weld improves strength and fatigue characteristics of the box boom loader mechanism without increasing the weight of the machine.