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blade retaining system which automatically locks the ejector blade in a loading position when the ejector blade has been retracted into the load position by operation of the hydraulic cylinder or ram to which it is attached.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: In the operation of a construction machine, such as a wheel loader, it is essential to provide load distribution capabilities for improved strength characteristics in the components. Additionally, high visibility is required for an operator to view a work implement during normal operation or coupling. The present invention includes a hydraulic coupler utilizing a pair of separate coupler assemblies which are connected at opposing ends of an upper and lower coupler pin boss at a pair of pin joints including a pair of pins to define a spatial relationship therebetween. The pins each have a cylindrical central portion and rectangular shaped end portions which are fixed within rectangular shaped pin mounting openings in first and second end portions of the coupler assemblies. The separation of the coupler assemblies provides enhanced visibility for an operator.

Abstract: An improved landscape rake including a rotatably operable rake mechanism for performing a raking function, a bucket for receiving material raked by the rake mechanism, and a fluid actuator connected to the rake mechanism operable for moving the rake mechanism relative to the bucket, the fluid actuator having a first port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for receiving the pressurized fluid therefrom for moving the rake mechanism to a position proximal to the bucket and a second port adapted for connection via a fluid path to a fluid receiver for discharging fluid thereto, the improvement including a fluid control system for the fluid actuator including a second fluid path connecting the first port of the fluid actuator with the first named fluid path and a valve disposed in the second fluid path operable for allowing fluid flow therethrough from the first port to the first named fluid path while preventing fluid flow from the first named fluid path to the first port to allow the rake mec

Abstract: A main frame assembly is assembled by manufacturing a lower frame assembly with a pair of spaced side rails. A front wall extends continuously between the side rails and a pair of spaced and separated transmission housings are connected to the front wall and extend rearwardly therefrom a predetermined distance along a respective side rail. An upper frame assembly is manufactured with a pair of spaced tower assemblies and a pair of side members connected to a respective tower assembly. The upper frame assembly is mounted to the lower frame assembly by a horizontal connection exclusively between the side members of the upper frame assembly and the respective side rails of the lower frame assembly.

Abstract: An operational state sensor for controlling certain operations of a work machine such as a skid steer loader based upon the fulfillment of certain operator conditions, the operational state sensor including a first switch coupled to an operator restraint mechanism and actuatable between a first mode of operation corresponding to the condition when the operator restraint mechanism is in a non-restraining condition and a second mode of operation corresponding to the condition when the operator restraint mechanism is in a restraining condition, a second switch coupled to the operator seat and actuatable between a first mode of operation corresponding to the condition when an operator is not present in the seat and a second mode of operation corresponding to the condition when an operator is present in the seat, and an electronic controller coupled to the first and second switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller being operable to receive a first signal indicative of when the first switch is either

Abstract: A mounting and stabilizing arrangement for an engine with first and second end portions is disclosed. The mounting and stabilizing arrangement is adapted for use in a work machine with a frame assembly which includes a pair of side rails. A crossmember is connected between the pair of side rails. A bumper assembly is connected to the frame assembly at one end portion of the work machine. A pair of spaced mounts are connected to the crossmember. Each of the pair of mounts are positioned in a spaced relationship from a respective side rail. A single stabilizer is connected on the bumper assembly so that the first end portion of the engine is connected on the stabilizer and the second end portion of the engine is mounted on the pair of mounts to align the engine parallel with the pair of side rails of the frame assembly.

Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism has a lockbar which locks a hydraulic cylinder in an extended position for holding a liftarm assembly of a machine in a raised position. The lift cylinder has a body and an extendable rod which incorporates structure thereon acting upon the lockbar to release the locked hydraulic cylinder so that the liftarm assembly is moved from the raised position to a lowered position with minimal operator intervention. The operator intervention occurs only when the liftarm assembly is in the lowered position or when the lift cylinder is locked in the extended position. The lockbar is movable between an inoperative position wherein the lockbar is releasably connected to the liftarm assembly and an operative position wherein the lockbar is in bearing engagement with the body of the lift cylinder to prevent retraction of the rod.

Abstract: An upper frame assembly for a skid steer loader machine includes a pair of spaced tower assemblies. Each of a pair of side members has a rear end portion connected to a respective tower assembly so that a front end portion of the side members extends longitudinally from the tower assemblies. A crossmember assembly extends between the pair of tower assemblies at a position between the front and rear end portions of the side members. The crossmember assembly and front end portions of the side members define an open access area. The crossmember assembly and rear end portions of the side members define an open service area. Both the open access area and open service area are unobstructed by structural elements of the upper frame assembly.

Abstract: An interlock control system for controlling certain operations of a work machine wherein such system includes a first switch coupled to an operator restraint mechanism, a second switch coupled to the operator seat, a third switch operable to control the operation of the parking brake mechanism, and an electronic controller coupled to all three switches for receiving signals therefrom, the controller outputting a signal to enable the drive mechanism and the implement control system when the controller receives signals from the first, second and third switches indicative of the fact that the operator is present in the seat, the operator restraint mechanism is positioned in its restraining position, and the parking brake switch has been actuated to release the parking brake. With the drive mechanism and implement control system enabled, a second activation of the parking brake switch will disable the drive mechanism and set the parking brake, but it will not disable the implement control system.

Abstract: A pilot valve mounting system for lift arm control of a work machine having an operator's cab compartment includes a shroud for the pilot valve mounting. Utilizing the pilot valve mounting system as a hot air duct for bringing hot air to the machine operator's feet and the machine windshield reduces the need for additional components and maximizes usage of space within the operator's cab compartment. A cab heater motor/blower exhausts heated air into the pilot valve mounting shroud whereby the hot air is delivered through directionally movable louvered grills into the operator's cab compartment to direct the heated air where desired.

Abstract: A method of assembling a work machine, such as a skid steer loader, includes manufacturing a lower frame assembly with a pair of laterally spaced side rails which extend along the entire length of the lower frame assembly and a pair of spaced engine mounts distanced from the side rails. Then, manufacturing an upper frame assembly with a pair of laterally spaced side members which extend along the entire length of the upper frame assembly. A rear end portion of an engine is then mounted to the pair of engine mounts. The upper frame assembly is then mounted to the lower frame assembly by connecting the respective side members exclusively to the respective side rails to define a main frame assembly. A bumper assembly is then mounted to the main frame assembly through a connection with the lower frame assembly and includes an engine stabilizer. Finally, a front end portion of the engine is then connected to the bumper assembly at the engine stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an angle blade assembly capable of angular motion relative to a frame of a work machine. The angle blade assembly includes a blade assembly, a subframe connected to the blade assembly, and an actuating cylinder with a line of action. The subframe includes connecting and lever portions that are connected to define a primary vertical axis. The actuating cylinder is connected to the connecting and lever portions so that a secondary vertical axis is defined between the actuating cylinder and the lever portion. The connection of the actuating cylinder to the connecting and lever portions produces the angular motion of the blade assembly when the actuating cylinder is operated. During the angular motion of the blade assembly, the secondary vertical axis moves about the primary vertical axis and a substantially constant distance is maintained between the line of action of the actuating cylinder and a parallel line extending through the primary vertical axis.

Abstract: The present invention includes an angle blade assembly with a blade assembly pivotally connected to a subframe. In certain operating conditions, such as pushing material along the ground, a spring trip mechanism, including a plurality of springs, is connected between the blade assembly and the subframe. The springs are preset at a desired tension therebetween to control the pivotal movement of the blade assembly relative to the subframe when the blade assembly encounters variances in the ground elevation. When the angle blade assembly is used for a different operating function that does not require the spring trip mechanism, a locking device is connected between the blade assembly and the subframe. The locking device restricts the pivotal movement of the blade assembly relative to the subframe and, thereby, disables the control action of the springs. The disablement of the control action of the springs is accomplished without removal of the springs, saving the time and energy of an operator.

Abstract: An ejector blade carriage mounting system for connecting the ejector blade carriage to the ejector blade in a manner to accommodate variations in the fabrication of a truck body in which the ejector blade is utilized by connecting the ejector blade carriage to the ejector blade through a tri-pod arrangement of mounting bolts which incorporate shims and spherical seating washers to compensate for such variations and to ensure true axial loading of the connecting bolts. A fourth connecting bolt is provided to help lock the assembly in the desired position once the spacial accommodations have been effected.

Abstract: A hold-open mechanism for a canopy of a skid steer loader machine is described herein. The hold-open mechanism includes a support block secured to a frame of the machine, a wedging block secured to the canopy, and a prop device. A bracket is connected at a body portion to the support block and extends therefrom for termination at a head portion. A pair of arms extend perpendicularly from the body portion. The prop device has a bar with first and second end portions and a lever connected to the bar and supported within the arms of the bracket. A biasing spring is positioned on the bracket adjacent the bar for biasing the prop device to a working location from a resting location. In a closed position, the canopy is forced against the biasing action of the spring to maintain the prop device in the resting location.

Abstract: An upper frame assembly is mounted to a lower frame assembly to define a main frame assembly for a work machine, such as a skid steer loader, which has distributed loading throughout the mounting therebetween. The distribution of loading is achieved by mounting the upper frame assembly along a pair of side members which extend along its length to a respective pair of side rails of the lower frame assembly which extend along its length. The side members and respective side rails of the upper and lower frame assemblies are connected by exclusive horizontal bolting therebetween.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a central tower portion having a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The first side wall portion has a first leg and a first arm each extending therefrom, and the second side wall portion has a second leg and a second arm each extending therefrom. The frame assembly also includes a hitch support assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate vertically spaced from each other. The hitch support assembly also includes a connecting member interposed between and connected to the upper plate and the lower plate. The hitch support assembly is secured to the central tower portion such that a lower end of both the first leg and the second leg are supported on the lower plate. The frame assembly further includes an axle mount assembly having a first axle plate, a second axle plate, and a support member extending therebetween, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are secured to the support member. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydraulic hoses coupled between the tractor and trailer units of an articulated vehicle are connected to each of the units by a swivel joint to permit the hydraulic hoses to swivel at the point of connection to the respective tractor and trailer units. The hydraulic hoses are individually positioned within separators to separate the hydraulic hoses and position them in a predetermined manner relative to forming a hose bundle. Each of the hydraulic hose supporting separators is positioned on a steel spring bow to control the shape of the hose bundle, with each end of the spring bow terminating in a coil spring at the point of connection with the tractor and trailer units. A support frame, preferably joined to the trailer unit, retains the hose bundle in a predetermined position to provide vertical stability and a spiral plastic or rubber outer wrap encircles the hose bundle to protect and keep the bundle together.

Abstract: The cooling system for a skid steer loader provides a unitary assembly that is pivotally mounted to the body portion of the loader above the engine. The unitary assembly includes a frame, first and second heat exchangers, a shroud, a guard, a drive mechanism, and a fan. During times of maintenance on the work machine the entire cooling system can be moved to a second position providing unencumbered access to the engine compartment.