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: 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 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: 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 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: 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).

Abstract: The present invention includes a resilient cab mounting apparatus for resiliently mounting a cab structure, incorporating a roll over protective structure, onto a vehicle frame. The cab mounting apparatus includes a first resilient member which is positioned between the cab structure and the frame members and held in place by use of a mounting structure having an attached upper flange.

Abstract: A material eject system includes an ejector mounted to a bed of a vehicle which is movable between a rear end and a forward end of the bed for ejecting material from the bed. The ejector is powered by a cylinder having different fluid volumes depending on the direction of motion of the cylinder. A control circuit operates with the ejector motor to automatically move the ejector through eject and return cycles. Further, the control circuit detects different positions of the cylinder and automatically operates the cylinder at different speeds to maintain a constant motor and ejector speed throughout the material eject cycle.

Abstract: In the operation of wood cutting machines such as delimbing machines which use chain saw cutting devices, it is common to either position the lubricating oil reservoir above the chain saw cutting device to create a gravity-fed system or couple a pump apparatus to the chain saw cutting device. Both arrangements may limit the flexibility of placement of the components comprising the lubrication system. The present invention provides a lubrication system for a wood cutting machine in which a receptacle receives lubricating fluid from the reservoir by use of a source of supply pressure within the receptacle. A source of discharge pressure operates on the receptacle to transport the lubrication fluid to the cutting chain device.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines, it has been a problem providing a dashboard with sufficient durability to withstand the oftentimes rigorous operating environments and which does not require the use of metal brackets for support. The present invention provides for a dashboard which has a front portion and a reinforcing structure attached to the front portion.

Abstract: A first tree engaging device is attached to the first trimming member and maintains the first trimming member at a transverse position relative to the tree trunk during relative longitudinal movement of the tree trunk. The first trimming member includes a knife portion which includes a knife edge portion structured and arranged to form an angle (&phgr;) relative to the tree trunk surface when placed adjacent to the tree trunk.

Abstract: An over-center ejector blade retaining system which automatically locks the ejector blade in a loading position when the ejector blade has been retracted into the load position by operation of the hydraulic cylinder or ram to which it is attached. Movement of the ejector blade into the load position rotates a lock plate attached to the vehicle body into engagement with a locking roller attached to the ejector blade thereby compressing a spring attached to the lock plate. Upon movement of the connection between the lock plate and the spring over the center of rotation of the lock plate, the compressive force on the spring is released and the ejector blade held in the load position. When the ejector blade is moved from the load position to discharge materials, the process is reversed and the lock plate held in an open position for again receiving the locking rollers upon the return of the ejector blade to the load position.

Abstract: A work machine having a receptacle adapted to receive and carry loads is disclosed. The receptacle has a first lateral sidewall, a second lateral sidewall spaced apart from the first lateral sidewall, and a floor extending between the first lateral sidewall and the second lateral sidewall. The work machine further includes a tailgate which extends transversely from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, the tailgate being pivotable between a closed position which prevents loads from exiting a rear portion of the receptacle, and an open position which allows loads to exit the rear portion of the receptacle. The work machine yet further includes a cylinder movable between a first rod position and a second rod position and a linkage. The linkage of the tailgate in the closed position when the cylinder is located in the first rod position, and positions the tailgate in the open position when the cylinder is located in the second rod position.

Abstract: In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and the majority of the drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement and related structure. 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 order to provide the required structural support for the components of the work implement and to accommodate the steering forces, the front frame is necessarily quite large. The present invention provides a front frame (12) structure that includes a pair of main side plates (62, 64) that are positioned a preselected distance (W) from one another and mount a lift arm assembly (30) therebetween to minimize the overall width of the frame assembly. The forward end portion of the front frame assembly (12) has a preselected height (H) that permits the front frame to have a low profile.

Abstract: In articulated machines it has long been a desire to provide a steering system that will permit the incorporation of machine controls into a steering wheel assembly and yet provide the operator with mechanical feedback through the steering wheel. The present invention accomplishes this goal by providing a steering wheel assembly on a first frame of the machine and a control valve on the second frame that articulates with respect to the first. The steering wheel assembly and control valve are connected by a shaft assembly that includes a pair of constant velocity U-joints interposed along the length thereof. The shaft assembly translates substantially equal amounts of rotation between the steering wheel assembly and the control valve. The control valve is operable in a first and second condition, depending upon the amount of rotation of the steering wheel assembly, to provide different modes of steering that compliment the operation of the machine.