Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is also provided and overlays at least a portion of the cutting device. Also provided is a tree securing device for securing at least one tree on the tree accumulation member, and an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the position of the tree securing device relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A work machine, such as a landfill or soil compactor, includes at least one wheel having a plurality of compactor tips. Often, debris or dirt builds up on the wheel between the compactor tips and must be removed. A cleaner finger assembly, including a support member having at least three leg portions and a cleaner finger attached to one of the leg portions is mountable to the work machine. As the wheel rotates, the relatively stationary cleaner finger assembly removes material which would otherwise cause build-up between the compactor tips on the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing a work machine to a customer is disclosed. An embodiment includes at least one machine sensor and at least one computer. Signals indicative of the work performed by the machine are provided. The computer receives the signals and calculates the productivity of the machine.

Abstract: A base edge protection system is provided for use with a base edge having at least one securing structure attached therewith. The base edge protection system comprises a base edge protector having a shroud portion and a tail portion, attached to said shroud portion, which is structured and arranged to extend through a securing structure opening attached to the base edge. A retaining device is adapted for attachment to the tail portion and retains the base edge protector on the base edge by contact with the securing structure.

Abstract: An ejector truck requires an ejector mechanism to remove hauled material from the ejector truck body. Often, these ejector mechanisms are costly and require precise manufacturing and maintenance because they include a telescoping linear actuator. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of a multi-actuator ejection mechanism. The multi-actuator ejection mechanism includes an anchor member, an ejection carriage, an ejector blade, a first linear actuator, and a second linear actuator. The ejector blade is located a predetermined distance from the anchor member and is adapted to move longitudinally with respect to the anchor member. The first linear actuator has a first end secured to the anchor member and a second end secured to the ejection carriage, and is adapted to move the ejection carriage longitudinally with respect to the anchor member.

Abstract: Trucks and other work machines require strong and easily operated and maintained tailgate assemblies. Often, the operating structure of the tailgate assembly requires precise alignment and relatively large clearance space to operate effectively. The operating structure is also commonly under great stresses from the tension and compression forces that power the operating structure to move the tailgate. A tailgate assembly including a tailgate and an; operating structure is provided. The tailgate is attached to a platform in a hinge d manner and allowed to move pivotally with respect to the platform. The operating structure includes a linear actuator and a linking member. The linear actuator is attached to the platform. The linking member has a first end portion pivotally attached to the linear actuator, a fulcrum pivotally attached to the platform, and a second end portion attached to a tracking member. The tracking member is adapted to contact the tailgate and to move vertically with respect to the tailgate.

Abstract: A work machine is often used to spread material from an initial location across a wider area. It is desirable to raise and lower a work implement of the work machine such that the material can be quickly and easily spread to a uniform or otherwise desirable thickness. The present invention provides a method and apparatus of automatically controlling the position of the work implement. The automatic implement control system of the present invention lowers and raises the work implement based on at least one of a directional characteristic of the work machine and a position of an operator input device. The work implement is then automatically lowered or raised to the desired position to facilitate an efficient work cycle for spreading material.

Abstract: An ejecting device for a dump truck has a truck bed with a bed surface, a pair of side walls, and a pivotally moveable tailgate. The ejecting device has a pair of guide rails, one each mounted to a top edge of the side walls of the bed. A generally vertically oriented ejector plate is disposed between the side walls extending transversely there across and has a roller member assembly attached to each side edge. The roller assemblies are carried one in each of the guide rails. The ejector plate is moveable between a fully retracted position at a first end of the truck bed to a fully extended position at a second end of the truck bed adjacent the tailgate. An extendable cylinder is carried on the truck frame and attached to the ejector plate for moving the plate between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position to eject material from the bed.

Abstract: A tree harvesting apparatus is provided. The harvesting apparatus comprises a frame member, a cutting device mounted to the frame member, and at least one cutting member attached to the cutting device. A base member partially overlays the cutting device. A tree accumulation member is positioned adjacent the base member and is co-planar therewith and extends over at least a portion of the cutting member.

Abstract: An articulated work machine has a front frame and a rear frame connected for pivotal movement therebetween for steering the machine by an articulation joint. Each of the front and rear frames has two driven wheels, spaced laterally, each having a brake associated therewith. As the machine articulates during steering, one or more of the wheels may lose traction and slip. An electronic traction control system receives measured wheel speed signals and an articulation angle signal, calculates a desired wheel speed responsive to the wheel speed and articulation angle signals, and selectively applies the brakes until the measured wheel speed is equal to the desired wheel speed.

Abstract: An hydraulic pressure control system in the hydrostatic system of a split torque transmission uses a shunt circuit to redirect hydraulic fluid in a loop between a first pump and a second pump or motor. The shunt is opened by restricting a variable area or valve in the primary loop and opening a variable area or valve in the shunt. Adjusting the openings of the valves prevents overloading of the engine, lugging under instantaneous loads and overspeed due to backloading.

Abstract: A high capacity bucket arrangement for a work machine having a pair of opposite side plates and a moldboard extending between, and attached to, the side plates. The trailing portion of a base plate is attached to the top portion of the moldboard, while the leading portion of the base plate is outwardly curved, relative to the bottom portion of the moldboard, which allows for a greater bucket capacity as well as the generated bucket breakout force.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of processing logs. The apparatus includes a linkage having a boom and a stick. The boom is adapted for attachment to a support platform. A delimbing assembly is connected to the boom, and a loading assembly is connected to the stick. The method includes the steps of picking up a log, delimbing the log, and placing the log into a desired position.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a method and apparatus for controlling a fan on a work machine is provided. The method includes the steps of sensing a temperature of air at an inlet manifold, sensing a temperature of an engine coolant fluid, sensing a temperature of a hydraulic fluid, and sensing a temperature of a transmission fluid. The method also includes the step of controlling the fan responsive to at least one of the sensed temperatures.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines having an ejector blade pivotally coupled to a cylinder by cylinder-attached pivot pins, it has been a problem reducing the stress acting on the pivot pins caused by, for one example, improperly set yaw rollers. The present invention provides for an ejector arrangement for a work machine in which a coupler is pivotally coupled to the cylinder and pivotally coupled with the ejector blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axle mounting arrangement for mounting an axle assembly to the frame of a vehicle. A plurality of attachment structures are provided on the frame, and at least one support structure is provides for coupling the axle assembly with the attachment structures at different locations along the frame.

Abstract: In the operation of a work machine attachment of the type utilizing fluid cylinders, it is desirable provide a way to conveniently operate each of the fluid cylinders while locating any hydraulic conduits required to operate the fluid cylinders away from the operator cab. The present invention provides for a hydraulic positioning system for use with a work machine attachment of the type having a frame, a tool, and a plurality of fluid cylinders coupling the tool with the frame. A fluid deflection device is coupled to at least one fluid cylinder and is in fluid communication with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit having a fluid source. A primary hydraulic circuit is in fluid communication with the fluid deflection device and operable to selectively deflect the fluid source of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit to at least one of the fluid cylinders.

Abstract: A quick coupler for manually coupling a tool, such as a bucket, to an earth working machine. The latching mechanism of the quick coupler includes a pair of mounting plates, each having a pair of openings therein, affixed between two laterally spaced plates of the coupler, wherein one of the mounting plates include threaded openings therein. A latch bar which is slidably mounted between the plates. A pair of fasteners extending from the latch bar, wherein the fasteners include a first and second threaded region, separated by a non-threaded region. The threaded regions of the fasteners threadedly engage the threaded openings of the one mounting plate, while the non-threaded region bypasses the opening.

Abstract: A protection assembly for protecting the base edge and an attached cutting edge of a bucket or other implement of a work machine. The protection assembly is readily attachable and detachable to buckets having both new and worn base and cutting edges when the use of teeth is required for excavating, especially in hard packed virgin soil. The protection assembly includes a digging plate and a cover plate that form an elongated edge recess for receiving the base and cutting edges of the bucket. Positioning devices are provided on the bucket and the protection assembly to consistently position the protection system at the same location on the bucket regardless of the amount of wear on the base and cutting edges. The positioning devices prevent movement of the protection system relative to the bucket when the bucket is used for excavating.

Abstract: In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement. In this type of machine, the two frames are normally pinned together and the front frame is articulated with respect to the rear frame by a pair of steering cylinders to provide steering for the machine. In the area in which the two frames are pinned together it is necessary to provide structural support, especially in the hitch area of the front frame. The present invention provides a front frame assembly (12) that has an upper and lower hitch plate (118, 120) that are positioned between and secured to the rear portion of a pair of side plates (62, 64) defined by the front frame assembly (12).