Abstract: The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements.

Abstract: The sway restrictor includes a bracket attachable between the draft link or arm and an adjacent upwardly and downwardly extending structural element of a work machine, and is operable for substantially restricting or preventing relative sideward movement therebetween, particularly swaying of the hitch, while allowing relative upward and downward movements thereof, including tilting movements.

Abstract: An articulated wheel loader provides a cushioned deceleration at the limits of its turning to the left and to the right by reducing fluid flow through a hydraulic steering cylinder as the articulated frames approach abutment. The throttled fluid flow causes a variable displacement pump to de-stroke, which further cushions the deceleration.

Abstract: A variable metering fluid control valve comprising a valve body having at least one work port and one exhaust port with the ports in fluid communication with a spool bore and an exhaust core, said exhaust core having an exhaust core land and a reciprocating valve spool in the spool bore to control communication of fluid between the work port and the exhaust core, with said valve spool having a land portion with a plurality of variable length metering notches, wherein the land portion of the valve spool remains in contact with the exhaust core land through the full stroke of the valve spool. The variable length metering notches may be varied in width, depth, and cross-section so that precise control of the fluid system is achieved.

Abstract: A construction machine, e.g., a backhoe, has a chassis and a digging tool mounted for movement, e.g., swinging movement, with respect to such chassis. A machine hydraulic circuit includes a pump, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the tool for tool movement, and a directional valve between the pump and the actuator. In several specific embodiments, the circuit includes first and second flow restrictors coupled between the pump and the actuator. There is also a valve device for selectively disabling the second flow restrictor, thereby configuring the circuit to provide either of two maximum rates of tool movement. In other embodiments, the circuit uses a variable delivery, fluid-pumping power source and a load-sensing line coupled between the pump and the actuator. The valve device is in series with the load-sensing line and includes a restriction-free path and a flow-restricted path therethrough, thereby configuring the circuit to provide either of two maximum rates of tool movement.