Abstract: A seed planter assembly for planting seeds in rows throughout a field includes at least one tank for storing the seeds and a seed hose in communication with the at least one tank for delivering the seeds to the field. The seed planter assembly also includes a support frame for supporting the at least one tank and the seed hose, and a linkage assembly (e.g., including a four-bar linkage) coupled with the support frame and the at least one tank. The linkage assembly is configured for lifting the at least one tank from a first orientation proximate to a support surface to a second orientation spaced farther apart from the support surface. The seed planter assembly can also include an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic actuator) connected between the support frame and the linkage assembly for moving the at least one tank between the first orientation and the second orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle side or step rail includes a longitudinal extending vehicle side rail having a vehicle frame-facing side arranged to mount to the frame of a motor vehicle and an outward-facing side to which a leading end of one or more steps is connected to the rail but the trailing end is not. The connection may be in the form of a brace. Depending on where the vehicle mounting points are located relative to the leading end of the step, one or more additional braces can be added. Regardless of whether additional braces are used, the trailing end of the step is not braced or connected to the rail and always extends past the brace. The step surface of the step is always spaced apart from the rail, leaving a gap between it and the outward-facing side of the rail.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body which has a passage including a rear passage, and a movable fence rotatably supported to the vehicle body around a rotation axis which extends in a vertical direction between a normal position which extends in a width direction of the vehicle body along a rear edge of the rear passage and a retreat position which extends backward from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is provided with a lower traveling unit, an upper structure, an engine, a hydraulic pump, an engine compartment, a pump compartment and a plurality of filter devices. The upper structure is rotatably disposed on the lower traveling unit. The pump compartment provided on the upper structure for housing the hydraulic pump. The pump compartment has a door that allows access to an interior of the pump compartment. The filter devices, which are disposed adjacent to each other, are disposed at positions that are mutually offset in a height direction of the hydraulic excavator.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a front boarding section, a rear boarding section having a rear seat unit, a ROPS delimiting space including a front boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the front boarding section and a rear boarding space acting as a ride-in space of the rear boarding section, and a loading platform mounted rearward of the vehicle body. The ROPS includes a plurality of posts and an upper frame supported to the posts and delimiting upper space of the front boarding space and the rear boarding space. The loading platform is switchable between a first position in which a front end of the loading platform is positioned rearward of the rear boarding space and a second position in which the front end of the loading platform enters the rear boarding space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively activating a gravity down mode of a hydraulic system during operation of a lift gate. An electronic control circuit is added to hydraulic control circuitry and is configured to selectively interrupt the power down mode or gravity down mode of operation of the hydraulic system based on either a manual input (override) or a sensed condition and switch to the other mode of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auxiliary apparatus of a carrier mounted to a rear portion of a vehicle, including a locking unit fastened to the carrier, the locking unit including a locking pin to be extracted or retracted in response to operation of a switch unit, a rotary plate rotatably coupled to the locking unit, and a fastening member mounted to the rotary plate, the fastening member having at least a fastening hole into which the locking pin is selectively inserted and locked according to the operation of the switch unit.

Abstract: Restraints for restraining a vehicle at a loading dock are described. An example restraint described herein includes a brace movable between a holding position and a release position. A first portion of the brace engages a supporting portion of the vehicle and a second portion of the brace engages a non-movable location at the loading dock to restrain the vehicle relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the holding position. For the holding position, the first portion of the brace moves in one direction underneath the vehicle to engage the supporting portion and the second portion moves in a second direction underneath the vehicle to engage the non-movable location. The first and second portions retract to allow the vehicle to move relative to the loading dock when the brace is in the release position.

Abstract: A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively activating a gravity down mode of a hydraulic system during operation of a lift gate. An electronic control circuit is added to hydraulic control circuitry and is configured to selectively interrupt the power down mode or gravity down mode of operation of the hydraulic system based on either a manual input (override) or a sensed condition and switch to the other mode of operation.

Abstract: A selectively deployable extender is provided on the rear of a platform assembly of a stand-on lawnmower so as to permit an operator to position his or her feet further from the rear wheels than would otherwise be possible in order to increase operator comfort and/or to improve traction and/or maneuverability. By making the platform selectively deployable as opposed to simply providing a longer platform, the length of the machine can be reduced for storage and transport, and the risk of making damaging contact with an obstruction or with the ground while traveling up a hill is reduced. The extender may, for instance, be a plate or similar device pivotally attached to a rear end of a main platform and the main platform can be resiliently mounted to or at least partially isolated from a frame of the stand-on lawnmower.

Abstract: A platform assembly for a trailer includes a first bracket and a platform. The first bracket is configured to be fixed to the trailer. The platform is coupled to the first bracket and rotatable about a lateral axis of the trailer when the first bracket is fixed to the trailer.

Abstract: Rigidity of a frame of a working vehicle is improved by a simple structure and production costs are reduced by reducing the number of parts of a working vehicle. Pipes 66 are provided on both left and right sides at the center in the front-rear direction of a side frame 62, and each pipe 66 has a rectangular cross-section and penetrates an intermediate partition in the front-rear direction from a mast section 64 up to a transmission section. Tie-down holes are formed in a front face plate 61 to which the front end of a frame 9 is connected, and a plate 64b connected to a side frame 62 is provided at the bottom surface of each mast section 64 protruding outward from the side frame 62. Tanks installed on the working vehicle are suspended from the plate bodies 64b, and a lift arm installation boss provided at each mast section 64 is supported at both ends. A U-shaped reinforcement member 81 connects the upper surface of mast partition plate of a mast section 64 and left and right bosses.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a rear-removable attachment for a lawn and garden vehicle such as a residential zero-turn rider, and more specifically, to an attachment system made with two parallel fixation plates with a two-point hook-up where one point is locked in position and the second is slideably connected in the plates before the first point is locked. The attachment interface allows for the connection and removal of different attachments such as a bumper, a spreader, or any other lawn and garden equipment.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling an accessory to a vehicle chassis. The coupler assembly includes a male portion having a male attachment end and a conical male portion, the male side walls each having a male pin aperture, a female portion having a female attachment end and a conical female portion, the conical female portion adapted to at least partly receive the conical male portion, the female side walls each having a female pin aperture, the female pin apertures adapted to be aligned with the male pin apertures when the conical male portion is at least partly received in the conical female portion and two pins adapted to be displaced from a retracted configuration wherein the pins are one of fully contained within the conical male portion and outside the conical female portion and an extended configuration wherein the tip ends of the pins extend through both the male pin apertures and the female pin apertures when the conical male portion is at least partly received in the conical female portion.

Abstract: A counterweight device comprises a first engaging groove formed at a counterweight, a second engaging groove formed at a body frame, a first engaging member projecting at the counterweight, which engages at the second engaging groove when mounting the counterweight, a second engaging member projecting at the body frame, which engages at the first engaging groove when mounting the counterweight. A locking device that locks the counterweight to the body frame when the first engaging member is engaged at the second engaging groove and the second engaging member is engaged at the first engaging groove.

Abstract: A bolt-on, adjustable vehicle side step for a sports utility vehicle, pick-up truck or four wheel drive vehicle utilizing a pair of rocker panel attaching brackets (20) with an outward-extending integral male cog gear (22) that fastens onto a vehicle rocker panel. A pair of arms (34) having a female cog gear bore (36) and a step receiving hole (38) are juxtaposed on the bracket, with each male cog gear penetrating a bracket bore at an angle accommodating the configuration of a given vehicle and a desired step location. A pair of length adjustable legs (42) are nested together and attached to the brackets. Each pair of legs adjustably expand between the vehicle's frame and the brackets, thus forming an unyielding, compressible rigid structure. A step platform (64) is disposed within each connecting arm step receiving hole on each end such that the platform spaces the arms apart and provides a convenient footstep to assist a person who is entering or exiting the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attaching a ground following implement, such as a power rotary broom, to a front portion of a vehicle comprises a frame pivotally attachable to the vehicle about a first pitch axis such that a front end of the frame is positioned in front of the vehicle. The front end of the frame is pivotally attachable to an implement about a second pitch axis. Castor wheels are arranged to support the frame for movement along the ground. A front mounted broom is driven at a mid-point so that no drive parts protrude from either end thereof.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle has a removable foot board arrangement. The foot boards are removably mounted to a mounting fixtures. The mounting fixtures are removably mounted to a set of corresponding mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are secured to the frame of the all-terrain vehicle. The foot boards extend outward beyond an outermost portion of the rims of the front wheels and serve as side guards.

Abstract: Construction equipment such as an excavator is provided with a counterbalance assembly positioned at the aft end of the construction equipment. The counterbalance assembly includes a pair of enclosures and a counterweight. The pair of enclosures is separated by a back panel and a bottom panel connected to opposed side walls of the enclosures. The back panel, the bottom panel and the opposed side walls form an aperture for receiving the counterweight. The pair of enclosures and the counterweight are separable from each other and from the construction equipment to enable transportation of the construction equipment apart from the pair of enclosures and the counterweight.

Abstract: A revolving construction machine includes a lower track structure, an upper revolving structure mounted on the lower track structure and a working device mounted to the front of the upper revolving structure. A floor panel portion is provided on the upper revolving structure. A walk-through passageway is defined by a left-hand floor panel portion, a left side portion of a cabin cover and a left-hand cover of an engine cover for allowing a person to walk through the construction machine in the front and rear directions by passing the left side of an operator's seat, the cabin cover and the engine cover.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled lawn mower, the sulky being interconnected by a pivot frame and a horizontal pivot to the mower frame, and a vertical pivot between the sulky frame and wheels in order to retain the operator in a constant position in respect to the mower under all operator conditions.

Abstract: A sulky for a self propelled lawn mower, the sulky being interconnected by a pivot frame and a horizontal pivot to the mower frame, and a parallelogram link structure to mount the seat to the sulky for automatic adjustment of the seat to lawn mower distance as the mower moves over uneven ground.

Abstract: An improvement in a walk-behind, self-propelled lawn mower including a mower deck having an upper deck surface, a deck rear end and deck rear edge, several mower wheels, a mower engine, a pair of handle bars extending upward from the mower deck at the rear of the mower deck and steering controls includes a plate member for supporting a mower operator during mower use, a hinge pivotally connecting the plate member to the rear end of the mower deck, plate member abutment structure for stopping the plate member from pivoting to a position substantially below the plane of the mower deck. The hinge preferably includes a first hinge pin receiving element secured to the upper surface of the deck and spaced apart from the rear edge of the mower deck, and a second hinge pin receiving element secured to the plate member, and where the plate member abutment structure includes a portion of the mower deck between the first hinge pin receiving element and the rear edge.

Abstract: Devices for supporting an LPG tank bracket between overhead guard rear pillars of an LPG fork lift. Each supporting device comprises a mounting member which is removably mounted around the rear pillar and a member for supporting one end of the tank bracket, the supporting member being welded on the mounting member. Therefore, the LPG tank bracket can be supported between the pillars, even if the rear pillars are not specially designed for an LPG fork lift.

Abstract: A hunting stand for an all terrain vehicle is characterized by a collapsible frame connected with the vehicle and including front and rear pairs of legs formed of hinged upper and lower sections pivotal between folded and extended positions. A locking sleeve is slidably connected with each leg for locking the hinges when the leg sections are in the extended position. A pair of braces are releasably connected between the front and rear legs on each side of the stand to stabilize the legs when they are in the extended position. A platform is connected with the top of the frame to define a support surface. When the leg sections are in the folded position, the platform is arranged generally vertically behind the seat of the vehicle. When the leg sections are in the extended position, the platform is arranged horizontally and is spaced above the vehicle.

Abstract: A combinaion utility attachment and support stand for conventional riding lawn mowers which includes a vertically oriented frame that is attached to the rear end of the lawn mower so as to extend perpendicularly to the length thereof and which supports an upper load carrying receptable having a pivotable rear wall which is generally vertically aligned in parallel relationship with the frame when in a closed position and a lower load support shelf wherein the load support shelf is pivotable into substantially flush engagement with the frame thereby creating an elongated platform with the rear wall of the load carrying receptable upon which the lawn mower may be supported on its end.

Abstract: A foot protector apparatus for a multi-wheeled motorcycle type recreational vehicle which substantially prevents contact of the operator's feet or legs with the rear wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a grille assembly positioned on opposing sides of the vehicle for supporting each of the operator's feet in a traveling position, and a bracket assembly for mounting each of the grille assemblies to the recreational vehicle. Each of the grille assemblies, when connected to the recreational vehicle by the bracket assembly an effective distance from the adjacent rearward wheels, prevents the passage of the operator's feet beyond a barrier plane formed by the grille assemblies.

Abstract: A saddle construction for use in a motor grader having a fore-and-aft extending main frame comprising an upper portion having a generally longitudinal extending section forming a forward facing and a rear facing. The facings have a generally vertical orientation. The main frame has first and second pins slidably mounted transversely in the main frame in longitudinal spaced apart relationship. The forward facing of the saddle upper portion straddles the main frame and is fixably mounted to opposite ends of the first pin. In like manner, the rear facing straddles the main frame and is fixably mounted to opposite ends of the second pin. The saddle further includes a lower portion straddling the main frame and fixably mounted the rear facing. The main frame has a plurality of recesses formed in respective side walls of the main frame in longitudinal spaced apart relationship for seatably receiving inwardly directed landings formed on the facings.

Abstract: An auxiliary tank mount carried by the rear axle and rear axle housing of a tractor for supporting a tank on the exterior side of each rear wheel. The mounting structure is attached to the axle housing between the rear wheel and cab, and extends around the front of the wheel to bear on an extension of the rear axle.

Abstract: A collapsible platform assembly secured to a hopper of a sanding truck allows an individual to safely observe and/or facilitate the loading of the truck hopper. The platform is pivotally mounted to a side of the hopper and is driven by an hydraulic actuator, powered by the hydraulic system of the truck, between a substantially horizontal, operational position, and a substantially vertical, storage position. The platform assembly also includes an integrated collapsible railing, an automatic lighting system to illuminate the platform area when the platform is in its operational position, and a warning indicator within the truck cab which is activated when the platform is not in its storage position.

Abstract: This invention is a simple, relatively inexpensive tool bar structure featuring a rigid rectangular frame work pivotally mounted on the rear axle of a tractor. When the tractor is equipped with a hydraulic lift system, and said hydraulic lift system is flexibly linked with the invention, a tilting rigid tool bar structure is provided thereby. This tool bar structure will allow many implements that are adapted to commonly used 2 and 3 point hydraulic lift systems to be used on any and all sides of the invention if so desired.An unusually heavy implement's weight may be counter balanced over the pivotal mounting of invention by counter weights or with other elements of their construction that can be placed forwardly to relieve the overload of tractor's hydraulic lift system. The lateral stability of the tool bar is also greatly improved with the anchoring of tool bar structure on the tractor's rear axle shaft.

Abstract: A mounting and dismounting system for a rear-mounted cotton harvester or similar implement which permits the tractor to be removed from under the crop receptacle without utilizing a hoist or other large equipment. By attaching dismounting stands to the rear cross auger frame and to the rear lift frame assembly, the rear basket posts which normally are connected to the tractor axle can be lifted therefrom by extending the hydraulic cylinders connected to the rear lift frame assembly. The front basket support posts are unpinned from the forward frame of the basket, and as the rear basket posts tilt rearwardly, the basket is lifted to provide clearance in the forward direction. The tractor can then be driven out from under the basket. An extension hose is connected to the lift cylinders so that they remain connected to the source of pressure on the tractor as the tractor is driven forwardly.

Abstract: A bale roller inclusive of an upstanding support frame that can be mounted on the front end of a dirigible and self-propelled vehicle such as a tractor or truck with an auxiliary frame pivotally mounted on the lower end of the support frame for vertical swinging movement about a transverse axis between a raised retracted position and a forwardly projecting operative position. The forward end of the auxiliary frame is constituted of a fixed transverse member having oppositely projecting end portions on which are rotatably mounted a pair of wheels. The wheels have pneumatic tires thereon, and are mounted on the transverse member in the same manner as is conventional for the mounting of automotive front wheels on their spindles. A chain can be used to adjustably support the auxiliary frame from the support frame, or alternatively a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly can connect the frames to control their relative positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing fast hitch tractor side mounting of agricultural spray tanks including a carry-through frame adapted for relatively permanent securement to the tractor therebeneath by securement to the tractor frame and for supporting the weight of the tanks. Each tank is carried upon a tank-carrying frame. The latter and carry-through frame are configured for fast hitch two-point interengagement providing securement of the tank-carrying frames at opposite sides of the tractor to corresponding sides of the carry-through frame. Each tank-carrying frame is preferably also equipped with landing gear including retractable legs carrying dolly wheels, as well as a jack leg, for stably supporting the tank when not attached to the tractor and facilitating rolling of the tank up to the tractor for fast hitching of the tank-carrying frame to one end of the tractor mounted carry-through frame. The tank-carrying frame members can be selectively oriented for various desired positions of the tanks.

Abstract: A pair of opposite side arm assemblies each including upper and lower support arms having front and rear ends are provided. The front ends of the arms includes structure for attaching to upper and lower mounting portions of the rear of an all terrain vehicle and transverse bracing structure extends between and interconnects the arm assemblies adjacent the rear ends of at least one pair of corresponding upper and lower arms. A horizontal and forwardly opening rigid V-shaped tow bar including rearwardly convergent bars joined at their rear ends to define an apex is provided and the forward ends of the bars are rigidly anchored to the rear ends of the aforementioned one pair of support arms. The rear apex of the tow bar includes structure for attachment of a towed vehicle thereto and the upper portions of the opposite side arm assemblies, if desired, may include structure for supporting opposite end portions of an elongated transverse carrier extending between the arm assemblies.

Abstract: A frame for attachment to the forward end of a farm tractor and defining upstanding guide structure thereon including a substantially vertical lower portion and an upwardly and rearwardly inclined upper portion. A follower is supported from the guide structure for movement up and down the latter and includes a forwardly projecting horizontal spear assembly for spearing the center of a round bale of hay lying upon the ground toward which the associated tractor is advanced. A hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected between the frame and the follower for moving the latter upwardly and downwardly along the guide structure.

Abstract: A safety guard for work platforms, such as on a wheeled earth working vehicle, wherein the guard comprises a handrail assembly mounted on the platform, with mounting portions of the assembly being formed with a reinforcing member in the area of normal greatest strain, providing structural integrity, and with mounting attachment means being confined within the peripheral outline of the platform, and therebelow, and hidden from view.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a transport platform which is easily attachable to a three point hitch assembly of a tractor and provides a platform on which to haul a variety of articles. The transport platform of the present invention may be converted into a transport box and may be either supported above the ground by the hitch assembly or may be drawn along the ground supported by integral skids.

Abstract: A self-propelled unit comprises a work facilitating implement coupled to a high-clearance chassis vehicle, the implement being provided with a support for supporting it on longitudinally and horizontally extending flanges fixed on the chassis. The vehicle is relatively movable between the support of the vehicle and the implement to allow disengagement of the latter from the vehicle by longitudinal movement of the vehicle relative to the implement when the latter is supported on the ground, the relative movement being effected independently of the implement support and providing for support of the chassis on the ground.

Abstract: An offset type tractor, especially for agricultural work, comprising a structural unit including an engine and transmission casing directly connected to the engine, the unit being offset to one lateral side of the longitudinal center line of the tractor. The rear drive wheels of the tractor are mounted on the transmission casing. A reinforcement frame is securely affixed on a continuing lateral surface both of the engine and the transmission casing, on the side thereof nearer to the longitudinal center line of the tractor.

Abstract: An arrangement of a detachable ballast weight, especially at the front side of an agricultural motor vehicle, which includes a holding device connected to the vehicle transverse to the driving direction of the latter for receiving the ballast weight. The ballast weight is adapted non-rotatably to be suspended on the holding device by catching behind the holding device or a protrusion thereof and is adapted to be locked in its suspended position by means of a locking shaft when the latter extends transverse to the ballast weight and behind a portion thereof. The two ends of the locking shaft are by means of radially engaging clamping elements detachably connectable to the holding device or to a part connected thereto.

Abstract: A brush guard attached to the side of a tractor between the front and rear wheels. Deflector bars attached to the outer extension of a cross-piece prevent branches from springing up and striking the tractor driver after the front axle of the tractor has passed over the vegetation and before the rear axle begins to deflect the same vegetation downward. The deflector bars and cross-piece also prevent large obstructions from slipping between the wheels and coming to rest against an axle, thereby immobilizing the tractor when, due to the slope of the terrain the tractor cannot drive itself away from the obstruction.

Abstract: A longitudinal member is used for bracing the lower parts of the legs of the front and rear wheels on one side of the chassis of a straddle vehicle and for the attachments of implements thereto; the front and rear parts of the longitudinal member are equipped with slide means adapted to be associated with steering means and means for vertical displacement fitted to the straddle vehicle.