Abstract: Skid-steer type power unit engageable with an implement using an attachment assembly including an attachment frame and a hitch. An arcuate frame member is located forwardly of the attachment frame and is engaged therewith in such a way that the frame member pivots about a vertical axis located forwardly of the frame member and generally centrally positioned relative to the attachment frame. The frame member pivots in response to actuation of a hydraulic cylinder. The power unit includes a system for transferring weight of the implement rearwardly onto the power unit. A belt-drive power-take off system on the power unit powers the implement's operation. An underbelly drop spreader is located between the front and rear wheels of the power unit and a brine delivery system distributes brine from nozzles located rearwardly of the rear wheels. A unique control panel permits operation of all systems on the power unit and implement.

Abstract: A road clearing apparatus that is configured to dislodge snow and ice from a surface of a roadway. The road clearing apparatus includes a housing that is operably secured to a rear of a motor vehicle. The housing is manufactured from a rigid material and includes a first end and a second end. The housing has a plurality of apertures that are formed in the top wall and bottom wall, wherein the plurality of apertures are axially aligned. Operably coupled with the plurality of apertures are rod members. The rod members are movable intermediate a first position and a second position wherein in the second position the rod members are extended downward from the housing so as to engage a roadway surface. Actuators are operably coupled to the rod members and are configured to provide movement thereof. A controller is present to provide an operational interface.

Abstract: A wear pad assembly for an implement of a machine is disclosed. The implement includes a forward face configured to engage and cast material sideways during a forward movement of the machine over a work surface, and a rearward face opposite the forward face. The wear pad assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a wear pad, and a biasing member. The first bracket is configured to be fixedly coupled to the rearward face of the implement. The second bracket is pivotably coupled to the first bracket. The wear pad is coupled to the second bracket and is configured to contact the work surface. Further, the biasing member is engaged with the second bracket and is configured to bias the wear pad in abutment with the work surface during use of the implement.

Abstract: A wing plow assembly includes a mast including a support frame adapted for mounting to a chassis, a moldboard having a toe end and a heel end, and a moldboard connector assembly arranged with the moldboard and the mast to provide a rotatable floating connection between the moldboard and the mast such that the moldboard is rotatably movable over a range of travel between a plowing position and a range of tripped positions. The moldboard connector assembly includes a link arm pivotably mounted with respect to the support frame and a moldboard mount pivotably mounted to the moldboard adjacent the toe end of the moldboard. The link arm and the moldboard mount are pivotably connected to each other to permit relative rotation therebetween. The moldboard can pivot from a plowing position to a tripped position when a cutting edge of the moldboard strikes an obstruction.

Abstract: For a V-plow having a pair of blades hinged together along inboard ends of the blades at a hinge, a gauge on a lower end of the hinge having a spacer, the spacer having a thickness in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the V-plow corresponding to a desired minimum spacing between inboard ends of a pair of cutting edge plates to be installed on the blades, a method of installing the cutting edge plates on the blades is provided. The method comprises positioning one of the cutting edge plates along a lower edge of one of the blades so that the inboard end of the one cutting edge plate abuts one side of the spacer, securing the one cutting edge plate to the one blade, positioning the other cutting edge plate along a lower edge of the other blade so that the inboard end of the other cutting edge plate abuts the other side of the spacer, and securing the other cutting edge plate to the other blade.

Abstract: A safety system for a wireless snowplow controller makes the wireless controller safer and more effective. The system includes a vehicle, a snowplow, a wireless controller and a tether. The controller wirelessly sends one or more control signs to one or more control modules coupled to the vehicle and/or the snowplow. The control signals may be used to control operation of the snowplow. The controller may be configured such that it is only able to send control signals when it is connected, via the tether, to a power supply coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: In a rotation control device for rotating a rotation motor at speed in accordance with a boom raising operation amount, at the time of a combined operation for simultaneously performing a rotation action and a boom raising action, a limitation value of rotation torque in accordance with the boom raising operation amount is determined by rotation torque limitation value setting means of a controller, the limitation value serving as a rotation torque limitation value is sent to rotation speed control means, and a command value of the rotation torque is torque-limited by rotation torque limiting means.

Abstract: A riser for a snow blowing attachment has a snow blowing attachment frame including a wheel axle and two spaced attachment arms extending perpendicularly therefrom; a pair of wheels rotationally connected to the wheel axle and adapted to support the snow blowing attachment frame above a driving surface. A pair of spaced parallel elongated connecting members each pivotally connected to the spaced attachment arms and adapted to be removably connected to two lower points of a three point hitch. A wishbone frame member having two spaced distal ends respectively pivotally connected to the spaced attachment arms, and a proximal end positioned a distance from the wheel axle. A stem member attached at one end to the proximal end of the wishbone frame and extending in substantially the same direction as the two spaced attachment arms.

Abstract: Controller for an all terrain or utility vehicle for automatically raising and lowering an implement to a pre-selected position using an electric winch. The winch is turned for a predetermined time during with the winch is turned, and based on the selected lowered position and the predetermined time the winch may be raised to the same height, denoting a raised position. Based on that predetermined time, a second predetermined time may be determined to run the winch in the opposite direction, with the time corresponding to the amount of time required the snow plow to the selected lowered position. The time to lower the plow may tend to be less than the time required to raise the plow due to the effect of gravity. The controller may raise or lower the plow after the transmission has been set from neutral to reverse or forward, respectively.

Abstract: A self-propelled snow remover has a machine body, a snow-removing implement mounted to a front part of the machine body for undergoing rolling and vertical movement relative to the machine body, and an operating unit mounted to a rear part of the machine body. An alignment operating member is mounted to the operating unit for rolling and vertically moving the snow-removing implement. The alignment operating member is disposed on one of opposite sides of a widthwise central line of the machine body. A return operating member is mounted to the operating unit for automatically returning the snow-removing implement to a predetermined reference position. The return operating member is disposed proximate to the alignment operating member at a position closer to the widthwise central line of the machine body than the alignment operating member and further towards the rear part of the machine body than the alignment operating member.

Abstract: Non-highway vehicle plowing systems are described. The plowing system includes a mount assembly having a lower mount bracket, a plow mount bracket, an upper mount bracket, and an actuator bracket. The lower mount bracket is attached to the non-highway vehicle and the plow mount bracket is pivotably connected to the lower mounting bracket. The upper mount bracket is also secured to the non-highway vehicle and is constructed to engage the actuator bracket at a plurality of positions thereby allowing the plow mount assembly to be operable with a plurality of non-highway vehicles. The systems provide advantages in that the systems are not vehicle specific and are adaptable to different vehicle structures.

Abstract: A snowplow or other landscaping implement for mounting by a single point attachment such as a trailer hitch receiver on a host platform or the rear of a vehicle. The implement includes a main battery for intermittently powering a mechanical actuator or blade lifting mechanism where the functions are remotely controlled by the vehicle or host platform operator controlling at least one solenoid for switching on main battery power when needed. There is also a main battery trickle charging system connectible for power to an electrical circuit on the host platform or vehicle through a connector, and configured to draw only a limited level of current only when the main battery needs it and the source electrical circuit can readily provide it.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic power mechanism provides hydraulic power to a snowplow system for use in moving a snowplow. The hydraulic power mechanism includes a base unit including a base plate, a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic pump unit. To the base unit may be added a first hydraulic module that can be mounted to the base plate and that is designed to meet a specific hydraulic need, such as up and down motion, for the snowplow of a first snowplow system. To the same base unit a second hydraulic module may be mounted that is designed to meet a different hydraulic need, such as side to side motion, for the first snowplow system. Alternately, to the same base unit one or more hydraulic modules can be mounted to the base plate in order to provide all the hydraulic needs of a second snowplow system, such as a V-plow.

Abstract: A combination support stand and bucket locking system for providing both a support stand and a locking device for selectively preventing movement of a bucket with respect to an implement attached to a bucket. The combination support stand and bucket locking system includes a bucket, a locking bracket extending from the bucket, an implement that pivotally attaches to the bucket, an arm member pivotally attached to the implement wherein the distal portion of the arm member is capable of engaging the locking bracket, and an actuator connected between the arm member and the implement. The arm member includes a support stand for supporting the implement when the arm member is within the support position.

Abstract: A lost motion mechanism that is operatively interconnected with a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The lost motion mechanism includes an elongated rod connected with a portion of the hydraulic cylinder. An elongated sleeve member is adapted to receive at least a portion of the rod extension. The sleeve member includes at least one slot of a predetermined length. At least one pin member is attached relative to the rod extension and protrudes into the at least one slot. The pin member together with the slot limits the longitudinal movement of the rod extension and enables an implement to be moved by hydraulic force both upward and downward relative to ground level as well as enables the implement to be free floating relative to the ground level.

Abstract: A snowplow or other landscaping implement for mounting by a single point attachment such as a trailer hitch receiver on a host platform or the rear of a vehicle. The implement includes a main battery for intermittently powering a mechanical actuator or blade lifting mechanism where the functions are remotely controlled by the vehicle or host platform operator controlling at least one solenoid for switching on main battery power when needed. There is also a main battery trickle charging system connectible for power to an electrical circuit on the host platform or vehicle through a connector, and configured to draw only a limited level of current only when the main battery needs it and the source electrical circuit can readily provide it.

Abstract: A Heating System is provided for heating the hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic unit used with a power source and having a reservoir for retaining hydraulic fluid. The heating system comprises a heating element located in the reservoir. A switch is included along with a power line for connecting the power source to the switch. An electrical line is connected to the switch and is connected to the power line when the switch is closed. A relay is connected to the electrical line. A return line is connected to the relay and to the power source and a heater line connected to the relay and to the heater.

Abstract: The invention is related to an attachment to a front end loader. The invention comprises a dual blades having a rear frame which is fixed to the movable arm means at the front of the front end\ loader. The rear frame has a pivotal left arm and a pivotal right arm with a left blade mounting frame pivotal mounted to the forward end of the left arm and a left blade spring mounted to the forward end of the left mounting frame. A right blade mounting frame is pivotally mounted to the forward end of the right arm and a right blade spring mounted to the forward end of the right blade mounting frame. A pair of hydraulic cylinders with one mounted between the left arm and the rear frame and with the other mounted between the left arm and the left blade mounting means.

Abstract: A plow mounting assembly is provided for removably attaching a plow blade to the front end of a vehicle. The plow mounting assembly includes a frame assembly semi-permanently connected to a front end of an associated vehicle. A blade assembly includes a plow blade and a grasping assembly in a closed position removably connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: In summary, therefore, the inventive method and apparatus enables one to mount and dismount an implement, such as a snow plow, from a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, with a heretofore unknown simplicity. The method mounting the plow basically comprises the steps of driving the vehicle toward the blade assembly until the frame assembly mounted on the front of the vehicle is in operative proximity to the blade assembly. Generally, that proximity is established by just touching the blade assembly with the frame assembly.

Abstract: A snowplow blade mount assembly mountable on a vehicle that includes a frame mount assembly which is affixed to a frame of the vehicle and a support assembly that connects to the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is designed to connect to a lift mount assembly and a blade mount assembly. The support assembly enables the blade mount assembly and/or lift mount assembly to be conveniently connected and disconnected from the vehicle.

Abstract: A plow mounting assembly is provided for removably attaching a plow blade to the front end of a vehicle. The plow mounting assembly includes a frame assembly semi-permanently connected to a front end of an associated vehicle. A blade assembly includes a plow blade and a grasping assembly in a closed position removably connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: In a power tilt apparatus in which an operation state of a cylinder apparatus is switched between an extension side and a compression side in accordance with an oil feeding direction of a pump apparatus by a switching valve apparatus provided in a pipe passage connecting the cylinder apparatus and the pump apparatus, where a sintered body filter is provided in the middle of the pipe passage.

Abstract: The blade lifting mechanism includes a counterbalance offsetting the weight of the snowplow blade assembly and enabling the double-acting actuator to position the blade much more easily. IN a first embodiment, heavy duty download pressure springs in conjunction with a toggle link enable the downward force on the blade to be varied between a value which is a fraction of the weight of the blade to an amount which is several multiples of the magnitude of the weight of the blade assembly. In a second embodiment, the toggle link is replaced by a linear slide link.

Abstract: A leveling system designed for use with a vehicle having a reversing assembly including a table, an A-frame and a swivel member. The reversing assembly may be rotatably mounted to the vehicle with a lifting mechanism designed to elevate the reversing assembly for transportation when not in use. The leveling system is rotatably mounted to the A-frame and stabilized with parallel bars which function to achieve leveling of the assembly. Two chains of equal length are fixed to opposite ends of the leveling system, each at an equal distance outward from the center of the system and each connected at its other end to the lifting member of the vehicle. The chains aid in the lifting and leveling of the system.

Abstract: A Z-bar loader linkage having a floating bell crank. A boom is pivotally mounted to a loader frame at one end and an attachment at the other end. The bell crank is pivotally mounted on leveling links extending forwardly from the loader frame. The drive end of the bell crank is provided with an attachment link that extends from the bell crank to the attachment for controlling the angular position of the attachment. A guide link extends between the attachment link and the boom.

Abstract: A wing plow apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle for carrying out a benching operation. The apparatus includes a moldboard having an inboard and an outboard end and a top edge and a cutting edge. A wing post supports and guides the moldboard between a lower and a benching disposition of the moldboard, the benching disposition being higher than the lower disposition. The wing post includes a cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder. A connecting rod has a first and a second end, with the first end being secured to the piston. The second end of the connecting rod is rigidly connected to the vehicle. The wing post also includes a further cylinder and a further piston slidably disposed within the further cylinder. A further connecting rod has a first and a second termination. The first termination is secured to the further piston and the second termination is connected to the inboard end of the moldboard. The cylinder and the further cylinder are rigidly secured to each other.

Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has a hitch mounting mechanism and method that enables the snow plow to be easily and quickly mounted to and detached from a truck without requiring tools. The snow plow hitch mounting mechanism has four points of attachment between a snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus and a hitch frame mounted at the front of a truck, two points of attachment being at each side. The lower points of attachment are made by initially engaging the snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus with the hitch frame, with the upper points of attachment being engaged by using a releasable retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A snow tiller (10) suitable for grooming ski hills, trails, or other areas, provides an adjustable profile tiller assembly. The snow tiller (10) is preferably pulled by a tracked vehicle (12) and has a tiller assembly formed of a plurality of tiller subassemblies (56,58). By varying the respective orientation of the tiller subassemblies (56,58), the snow tiller (10) can selectively provide coactive, level, convex, or more complex snow profiles depending upon the tiller configuration, snow conditions, and the intended uses. The snow tiller (10) also provides a control system to substantially maintain a selected snow profile while selectively permitting individual tiller subassemblies to float, thereby reducing the possibility of damage. The assembly can simultaneously provide an automatic release mode to protect the equipment from damage.

Abstract: A hitch for hitching a plow to a vehicle is disclosed. The hitch includes a vehicle portion and a plow portion. The vehicle portion includes a mounting member having a substantially planar face. The plow can be pivotally mounted to the plow portion of the hitch. The plow portion of the hitch can be removably mounted to the vehicle portion of the hitch. The plow portion can include a pair of clamping members with one clamping member being movable with respect to the other clamping member. The plow portion can also include a lift assembly for moving the plow between a plowing position and an elevated position.

Abstract: A snow plow system for use with a skid steer loader includes a V-plow blade that is repositionable by a hydraulic actuator operated by pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator from the auxiliary hydraulic output of the skid steer loader. A normally open valve diverts hydraulic fluid away from the actuator whenever the plow blade is not being repositioned, enabling the auxiliary hydraulic system to be maintained actuated. The valve is operated to a closed condition by a wireless remote control receiver which receives coded radio frequency signals transmitted by a wireless, portable, battery-powered transmitter locatable within or outside of a cab of the vehicle, or by a voice-actuated control. A mounting panel of the snow plow system includes an anti-slip surface, providing footing for an operator upon entering or exiting the cab of the vehicle.

Abstract: To keep one of three hydraulic pumps unaffected by variations in torque of the remaining hydraulic pumps when the three hydraulic pumps are used, displacements of the first and second hydraulic pumps are controlled based on their own delivery pressures P1, P2 and a pressure P3′ obtained by reducing through a reducing valve 14 a delivery pressure P3 from the third hydraulic pump, while a displacement of the third hydraulic pump 3 is controlled only by its own delivery pressure P3. The pressure oil delivered from the third hydraulic pump 3, therefore, remains unaffected by variations in delivery flow rates from the first and second hydraulic pumps 1,2, in other words, by variations in their torque consumptions, so that the third hydraulic pump is assured to provide a stable flow rate.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder construction having a feature thereon facilitating operative connection with a service kit to enable a quick and injury free removal thereof from a location whereat the hydraulic cylinder is spring biased in a shock absorber installation, particularly for use in a scraper blade mounting assembly.

Abstract: A lift device mounted on a vehicle is provided for lifting a vertically movable assembly mounted to the vehicle. It has a primary lift arm in pivotal relation to the vehicle with a near end and a distal end disposed generally above the assembly. A secondary lift arm is pivotally mounted on the primary lift arm and has a free end. A hanging mechanism secures the assembly to the free end to suspend the assembly from the free end. A positioning mechanism raises and lowers the distal end of the primary lift arm to raise and lower the assembly and to hold the assembly off of the ground on which the vehicle travels. An elastic member attenuates resultant forces originating at the assembly and transmitted from the secondary lift arm to the primary lift. The forces are therefore absorbed preventing transmission of the forces to the vehicle.

Abstract: A coupling system couples an implement to a utility vehicle, such as an agricultural or industrial vehicle, and includes a vehicle-mounted coupling frame and an implement-mounted coupling frame. The position of the vehicle-mounted coupling frame is adjustable by an adjustment mechanism. A position sensor senses the position of the implement-mounted coupling frame. An analysis unit determines the position of the implement-mounted coupling frame relative to the vehicle-mounted coupling frame. A control unit calculates a coupling motion path of the vehicle-mounted coupling frame. In response to a starting signal, the control unit causes the adjusting mechanism to move the vehicle-mounted coupling frame along the coupling motion path.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a moldboard includes a pair of arms having resilient members which are received within a mounting member. The resilient members enable the arms and the moldboard to pivot about the mounting member in the event that an obstruction is encountered by the moldboard. The mounting arrangement for the moldboard includes a series of holes whereby the orientation of the moldboard to the surface to be plowed may be adjusted.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a moldboard includes a pair of arms having resilient members which are received within a mounting member. The resilient members enable the arms and the moldboard to pivot about the mounting member in the event that an obstruction is encountered by the moldboard. The mounting arrangement for the moldboard includes a series of holes whereby the orientation of the moldboard to the surface to be plowed may be adjusted.

Abstract: A pivotal snowplow is provided for mounting to the hitch on the rear end of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The snowplow includes a frame and a blade. The frame includes a tongue for mating receipt in the vehicle hitch socket. The frame also includes rearwardly extending arms and downwardly extending legs mountable to the snowplow blade. A hydraulic cylinder controls movement of the blade between raised and lowered positions. The legs of the frame are pivotally mounted to the arms of the frame such that the blade can be rotated about a vertical axis, thereby angling the blade relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The blade includes trip springs so that the blade can be tilted to pass over obstacles encountered during plowing. A pair of down pressure springs on the frame apply a downward force on the blade for improved snow removal.

Abstract: A plow support assembly provides support of a plow assembly when the plow assembly is disconnected from a vehicle. The support assembly includes a support foot and is operable to move the support foot to a lowered, support position whereby the support foot engages the ground or support surface. The support assembly includes a control device which is operable to limit the downward movement of the support foot in response to a signal indicative of the support foot engaging the support surface, such that movement of the support foot is stopped once the support foot contacts a support surface or ground. The signal may be provided by a switch which is operable to communicate the signal in response to detection of a threshold position of the support foot, engagement of the support foot with the support surface, or a threshold hydraulic fluid pressure within the actuator, respectively.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a moldboard includes a pair of arms having resilient members which are received within a mounting member. The resilient members enable the arms and the moldboard to pivot about the mounting member in the event that an obstruction is encountered by the moldboard. The mounting arrangement for the moldboard includes a series of holes whereby the orientation of the moldboard to the surface to be plowed may be adjusted.

Abstract: A snowplow blade mount assembly mountable on a vehicle that includes a frame mount assembly which is affixed to a frame of the vehicle and a support assembly that connects to the frame mount assembly. The support assembly is designed to connect to a lift mount assembly and a blade mount assembly. The support assembly enables the blade mount assembly and/or lift mount assembly to be conveniently connected and disconnected from the vehicle.

Abstract: A plow support assembly provides support of a plow assembly when the plow assembly is disconnected from a vehicle. The support assembly includes a support foot and is operable to move the support foot to a lowered, support position whereby the support foot engages the ground or support surface. The support assembly includes a control device which is operable to limit the downward movement of the support foot in response to a signal indicative of the support foot engaging the support surface, such that movement of the support foot is stopped once the support foot contacts a support surface or ground. The signal may be provided by a switch which is operable to communicate the signal in response to detection of a threshold position of the support foot, engagement of the support foot with the support surface, or a threshold hydraulic fluid pressure within the actuator, respectively.

Abstract: An attachment adapted to be coupled with a zero turning radius prime mover is provided. This attachment includes a tongue adapted to be received by the zero turning radius prime mover, a mounting tab coupled with the tongue, and an implement coupled with the tongue. A first electric cylinder coupled with the prime mover is also coupled with the mounting tab and is able to move the tongue and implement up and down. This first cylinder also provides a downward force on the tongue and implement when it is in a lowered position. Still further, a second electric cylinder is coupled with the tongue for moving the implement from side to side or up and down. The implement may be any useful attachment such as a blade, a bucket, or a broom. In the preferred embodiment, the tab is comprised of a first bracket member rigidly coupled with the tongue and a second bracket member coupled with the first bracket member. The first electric cylinder is coupled with the second bracket member.

Abstract: A hitch assembly provides removable connection of a plow assembly to a push beam assembly installed on a vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a draw latch assembly which engages the push beam assembly and pulls the plow assembly into position for pivotal attachment of the plow assembly to the vehicle. The draw latch assembly is activated by a power source, such as an hydraulic cylinder, and is further interconnected with a lift arm assembly such that further extension or activation of the hydraulic cylinder results in a raising or lowering of the plow blade. Also included is an easy connection and release mechanism for inserting and retracting pivot pins through corresponding brackets on the lift arm assembly and push beam assembly. A light tower assembly is removably attached to the push beam assembly such that when the plow is not in use, only the push beam assembly and its mounting brackets remain on the vehicle in a position below and rearward of a front bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: Control system for a jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis. The control system includes several safety features that prevent the jack from being deployed when the snow blade is raised, and that automatically retract the jack when the snow blade is raised.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a moldboard includes a pair of arms having resilient members which are received within a mounting member. The resilient members enable the arms and the moldboard to pivot about the mounting member in the event that an obstruction is encountered by the moldboard such as during snow and ice removal.

Abstract: A hitch assembly provides removable connection of a plow assembly to a push beam assembly installed on a vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a draw latch assembly which engages the push beam assembly and pulls the plow assembly into position for pivotal attachment of the plow assembly to the vehicle. The draw latch assembly is activated by a power source, such as an hydraulic cylinder, and is further interconnected with a lift arm assembly such that further extension or activation of the hydraulic cylinder results in a raising or lowering of the plow blade. Also included is an easy connection and release mechanism for inserting and retracting pivot pins through corresponding brackets on the lift arm assembly and push beam assembly. A light tower assembly is removably attached to the push beam assembly such that when the plow is not in use, only the push beam assembly and its mounting brackets remain on the vehicle in a position below and rearward of a front bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the positions of a vehicle snow plow hydraulic lift control cylinder for raising the plow upon activation of a first solenoid by a first control signal, and at least one hydraulic pivot cylinder for pivoting said plow with respect to the vehicle upon activation of a second solenoid by a second control signal, where the vehicle has an electrical network.

Abstract: The snowplow of the present invention is adapted to mount to the bed of a pickup truck. The snowplow includes a mounting base and a frame which is rotatably coupled to the base. The snowplow blade is coupled to the frame so that it moves with the frame. By attaching a hydraulic system to the frame and base, the blade can be raised and lowered over a very wide range. The frame and blade are adjustable so that the same snowplow can be used on trucks with differing heights or with lift kits.An alternative embodiment, the frame of the snowplow is mounted to the ends of the cross bar of the vehicle hitch. Hydraulic cylinders move the frame assembly and blade between raised and lowered positions. A conventional spreader may be mounted to the central receiver of the hitch so as to be positioned between the spaced apart arms of the frame assembly. In both embodiments, trip action springs are provided such that the blade is normally biased to an upright snow removing position but will pivot to override obstacles.

Abstract: A plow having a frame attached to a vehicle and a pair of hinged plow blades pivotally mounted on the frame, a first single acting hydraulic actuator extending between the frame and a first one of the plow blades, a second single acting hydraulic actuator extending between the frame and a second of the plow blades, a first tension spring extending between the first one of the plow blades and the frame, a second extension spring extending between the second plow blade and the frame. Each of the single acting cylinders includes a piston on a cylinder, characterized by each single acting hydraulic actuator includes hydraulic valve elements for locking the blades in position to prevent loss of material mass behind the blades when the plow is being used to back blade. In one embodiment, the single acting hydraulic actuators include a counterbalance valve located in the position of the cylinder to provide hydraulic locking and overload protection.