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.