Abstract: A ROPS-capable cab frame beltline support member for a vehicle cab frame which includes left and right rear corner posts. The beltline support member extends between the rear corner posts and is spaced apart above the lower ends of the posts. The support member includes first and second parts welded together. The support member includes a central portion, a left end fixed to the left rear corner post and a right end fixed to the right rear corner post. The central portion is offset rearwardly with respect to its left and right ends. The first part includes a midportion, a left flange portion and a right flange portion. The midportion has a C-shaped cross sectional shape. The midportion of the first part has a wider upper side, a back plate and a narrower lower side. The second part includes flanged ends and an elongated member having a first edge which engages an inner surface of the first part, and having a side surface which engages an edge of the first part.

Abstract: A debris guard is provided for an assembly having a variable length cylinder coupled to a housing. The cylinder has a barrel pivotally coupled to the housing and a rod which extends and retracts with respect to The barrel. The debris guard includes a body of flexible material filling a space between the barrel and the wall of the housing and preventing debris from entering the space. The body compresses as the barrel moves toward the housing wall and expands as the barrel moves away from the housing wall. The body of flexible material is bonded to a surface of the barrel and to the wall of the housing. The flexible material is molded and comprises a closed cell elastomeric material.

Abstract: A ball/socket link end assembly includes a link opening formed in the link end. A portion of the opening forms a spherical inner surface. A pair of ball entry slots are formed in the link end. The slots are spaced apart and positioned on opposite sides of the opening, and extend only part way into the link end from one side thereof. The assembly also includes a removable truncated ball member with a spherical perimeter which matches the spherical inner surface. A clamp member is attachable to the link end. The clamp member is engagable with the ball to prevent removal of the ball from the link end when the ball is aligned with the entry slots. The clamp member is received in a recess formed in the link end adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: A quick coupler has a frame with a hook, and an operator movable control bar. The hook has a recess for receiving a hitch pin. A latch mechanism includes a latch, a one-piece trigger, a spring, and a stop fixed to the coupler frame. The latch is pivotally coupled to the frame and moves to open and closed positions permitting and preventing the hitch pin to move into and out of the hook recess. The trigger is pivotally coupled only to the latch and to the control bar. The trigger engages the hitch pin and moves the latch to the open position. When the hitch pin is in the hook recess, the stop engages the trigger and prevents the latch from moving to its open position. A central portion of the trigger is pivotally coupled to a central portion of the latch. A shoulder surface is formed in a lower end of the latch, and a tab projects from an end of the trigger. The tab engages the shoulder surface to limit pivoting of the latch to its open position when the trigger engages the stop.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly includes a pair of coupling yokes, each having a threaded rod projecting therefrom. First and second lock members projecting from the corresponding first and second yokes. The first and second yokes are threadably coupled to opposite ends of a threaded central body. The body has a central non-cylindrical adjusting portion located between first and second indexing portions. A bracket is slidable over the body. The bracket is rotatable with respect to the body when the bracket is positioned over the indexing portions and being non-rotatably coupled to the body when the bracket is positioned over the central adjusting portion. A lever is pivotally coupled to the bracket so that an end of the lever may be coupled to either of the lock members to prevent rotation of the central body relative to the yokes.

Abstract: A method of making an investment or lost foam casting assembly of a first part movable with respect to a second part includes making first and second separate wax or foam patterns of portions of the first part. Then, a third wax or foam pattern of the second part is made. Next, ceramic core pieces are made. At least one of the core pieces is mounted on the first pattern to form a subassembly. The subassembly is combined with the third pattern so that the core pieces maintain a separation between the third pattern and the first pattern. The first and second patterns are bonded together to trap the subassembly and to form a complete casting assembly.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a work vehicle includes a coupler frame for mounting to the work vehicle and a pair of dual hook members mountable on the frame. Each dual hook member has a body with first and second hooks projecting from opposite ends the body. The ends of the body define a body plane extending therebetween. The first and second hooks project on the same side of the body plane. Each hook forms a coupling recess, and each of the recesses opens away from the body plane. The first hook is smaller than the second hook. The dual hook member is mountable in a first orientation wherein the first hook is in an operative position and is mountable in a second orientation wherein the second hook is in an operative position.

Abstract: An implement quick coupling mechanism for a work vehicle includes a frame having a cross member and left and right side members projecting from the cross member. The cross member and side members have mounting parts which permit different implement coupling parts to be mounted thereon. A first set of hook members having a first type of dimensional characteristics may be mounted on the frame to form a first category of coupling mechanism. A second set of coupling members having a second type of dimensional characteristics may be mounted on the frame to form a second category of coupling mechanism.