Abstract: With a hydrostatic multi-motor drive unit with a least two hydraulic motors acting upon a common load, a solution should be created, with which a further operating range is covered by the use of several motors and at the same time a simple as possible and problem free coupling of the motors is assured. Furthermore, a method for controlling the drive unit is indicated, which permits continuous transitions between the different operating ranges. This is achieved in that the motors (2, 3) are connected with each other through at least one freewheel device (4), in which the motor (2) arranged after the freewheel device has a variable displacement volume.

Abstract: A method of measuring the quantity of wrap remaining on a round baler supply roll uses the existing wrap measuring apparatus of a round baler. An on-board microprocessor is programmed to calculate the minimum amount of wrap required for each bale, subtract the amount of wrap used to wrap a bale from the amount of wrap on the supply roll before wrapping the bale, and signal the operator if the amount on the roll is insufficient to wrap a bale. The microprocessor can also be programmed to signal the operator if the amount of wrap on the roll is insufficient to wrap a number of bales specified by the operator.

Abstract: An interlock for a skid steer vehicle with a rear engine compartment and a rear door to that compartment includes a beam that is mounted transversely to the bottom of the door and has an upward facing surface that, like the beam, extends across the entire rear engine compartment opening. An interlocking second member is fixed to the chassis and extends across the rear engine compartment opening. When the door is impacted and forced upward, the first beam engages the second interlocking member over its width and transfers the force from the door (and beam) to the chassis When the door is impacted with a forward-directed force, the first beam also contacts the second member and transfers the forward forces through the second member to the chassis. Injury to the door is reduced or eliminated by transferring door impact forces to the chassis since the first beam extends substantially the entire distance across the door and is fixed to an inner surface of the door's frame.

Abstract: A radiator mounting system for a skid steer vehicle includes an air box with a front wall having an opening sized to receive engine fan blades, an oil cooler disposed in the air box, a radiator; and a radiator frame supporting the radiator that is hingeably coupled to the air box. The radiator has plastic tanks and an aluminum core and the frame extends around the periphery of the radiator.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor rear suspension has a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis of the tractor at a forward pivot joint. A guide roller and interengaged guide track are coupled to and between the chassis and the arm to prevent the arm from flexing laterally outward away from the chassis and flexing laterally inward toward the chassis, thus reducing stress on the pivot joint.

Abstract: A control system and method for detecting variable load types and controlling the operation of a PTO clutch to effect engagement of the clutch with variable loads, and especially to more optimally effect the engagement of a clutch with a very light load or an associated over-running clutch is disclosed. The control system includes a controller that receives input and output clutch shaft speed signals and generates control signals to control the pressure applied by the clutch. If no appreciable engine droop is detected at the time of initial movement of the output clutch shaft, the load is considered to be of a very light load type, and a set of control signals based upon such load type designation, which control signals define a control curve that is flatter and more gentle than would otherwise be considered desirable, is thereafter applied to the clutch to effect engagement of the load.

Abstract: A control system and method for detecting variable load types and controlling the operation of a PTO clutch to effect engagement of the clutch with variable loads, and especially to more optimally effect the engagement of a clutch with a heavy load is disclosed. The control system includes a controller that receives input and output clutch shaft speed signals and generates control signals to control the pressure applied by the clutch. When heavier loads are applied to the PTO shaft, during the time when control signals are being generated before detection of initial movement of the output shaft, the controller generates one or more shock signals of short duration to cause momentary applications of significantly greater pressure to the clutch in order to break loose the applied load.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has a suspension that includes a control arm pivotally coupled to the vehicle chassis that is supported by a hydraulic cylinder connected to an accumulator to provide springing. A hydraulic circuit coupled to the cylinder and accumulator permit the operator to raise and lower the chassis, to lock the suspension while the vehicle is loaded, and to automatically charge or discharge the accumulator to match the cylinder pressure during loading and unloading. In this manner, when the suspension is unlocked after loading, the vehicle chassis neither rises nor falls.

Abstract: A door interlock for a door of a work vehicle is provided, the door interlock including a switch, wherein the door interlock is movable between (a) an operating position in which the switch alternately indicates (1) that the door is open and (2) that the door is closed, and (b) an override position in which the switch indicates the door is closed regardless of the presence or absence of the door.

Abstract: An operator seat for a work vehicle is provided that is pivotable between at least two operating stations.

Abstract: A quick-release steering wheel for a work vehicle is configured to engage with and quickly release from one or more steering posts in an operator compartment of a vehicle. The operator compartment has two operator stations, each station having a steering post to which the steering wheel can be quickly and releasably attached. In use, the operator can pivot the operator seat in the operator compartment to face one or another of the two steering stations. The operator can quickly move the steering wheel from one operator station to the other without tools by depressing a spring-loaded pin. By removing the wheel from one station and moving it to the other, the operator makes additional room into which he can pivot or slide the seat. This arrangement permits the operator compartment to be made smaller and more compact by positioning the two steering posts and operator stations closer together.

Abstract: A rear tractor suspension for a tractor includes a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis of the tractor, and a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the suspension arm to support it. The hydraulic cylinder conveys only longitudinal forces in a first mode of operation in which the suspension is not substantially loaded. When a substantial load is placed upon the suspension and the suspension arm begins to bend within normal operational and design limits, the hydraulic cylinder counteracts the load applied to the suspension, the torsional moment it produces, and the torsioning of the suspension arm by automatically applying a counteracting torsional moment to the suspension arm.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrostatic control system that adjusts in length to locate mutual neutral locations while transmitting the necessary torque through mating sliding spines.

Abstract: A tractor has sprung left and right rear suspensions, each suspension including a suspension arm pivotally coupled to the tractor chassis to pivot about a pivot point. A planetary gear system is fixed to the suspension arm having a sun gear driven by the engine and a planetary gear carrier that is coupled to and drives an axle supporting a rear wheel. The ring gear is fixed with respect to the suspension arm.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a cab supported on the chassis by means of a support system which maintains the cab level. The support system comprises two pairs of hydraulic actuators. Each pair of actuators is operative to tilt the cab relative to the chassis about a respective one of two mutually inclined axes. The two actuators of each pair are connected to a common pumping element in such a manner that whenever the volume of hydraulic fluid in one of the actuators in the pair is reduced, the volume of hydraulic fluid in the other actuator of the same pair is correspondingly increased.

Abstract: A skid steer vehicle has two drive motors that are connected by belts to spring-mounted front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A retractable tie down for tying a work vehicle down to a cargo vehicle is disclosed, the tie down including a retractor assembly fixed to the outer surface of a work vehicle; a belt with one end connected to the retractor assembly; and a coupling connected to the other end of the belt, wherein the belt has a length sufficient to reach the cargo vehicle.