Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include power machines, track frame assemblies, and apparatus for mounting a track frame assembly to a frame of a power machine. In various disclosed embodiments, mounting structures mount a track frame to the machine frame. In some exemplary embodiments, each mounting structure includes two torsional joints and at least three non-torsional joints between the machine frame and the corresponding track frame. The two torsional joints can be provided by torsion shafts and the corresponding attachments to front and rear arms. In exemplary embodiments, the at least three non-torsional joints are substantially free to rotate and can include a joint between a front axle and the track frame, a joint between a rear axle and a link, and a joint between a link pin and the track frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the front or rear arms are oriented relative to corresponding torsion shafts to improve performance.

Abstract: Power machines such as excavators having a house that rotates about a vertical axis on an undercarriage are disclosed. In certain conditions, a control system on the excavator can limit rotational movement of the house and/or pivoting of a swing function on a lift arm to contain work performed by an implement to a predefined range or work area.

Abstract: A ride control system for a power machine having a lift arm movably coupled to a frame. A hydraulic cylinder configured to selectively control movement of the lift arm relative to the frame. An accumulator is in selective communication with a first end of the hydraulic cylinder. A pressure sensor communicates a signal indicative of a hydraulic pressure at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder. A ride control circuit allows selective communication between the accumulator and the first end of the hydraulic cylinder. A controller receives the signal from the pressure sensor, and prevents communication between the accumulator and the first end of the hydraulic cylinder until the signal from the pressure sensor indicates a pressure below an initial pressure threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include implement carriers and power machines with implement carriers. In some embodiments, the implement carriers have a mounting structure having first and second mounting structure surfaces with first and second pluralities of mounting features located along the first mounting structure surfaces, respectively. Each of the second plurality of mounted features is aligned with one of the first plurality of mounting features. The mounting structure is configured to receive an implement in a first attitude and a second attitude different from the first attitude.

Abstract: Utility vehicle power machines with a frame, single left and right side tracks or tractive elements, a cab, a box supported toward the rear of the frame, and a lift arm supported toward the front of the frame. The utility vehicle power machines can have removable covers on a front of the frame, forward of the cab to provide access to various components.

Abstract: A compressor discharge system, operable to output a flow of compressed air to a service line at a system pressure, includes a compressor operable to produce a flow of compressed air at a discharge pressure. The system also includes a filter positioned downstream of the compressor and operable to receive the flow of compressed air at about the discharge pressure and discharge the flow of compressed air at a filter pressure. The system also includes a control assembly including an actuator and a variable sized orifice movable between a first, open position and a second, restricted position, the variable orifice positioned to receive the flow of compressed air at about the filter pressure and to discharge the flow of compressed air at the system pressure. The actuator is operable in response to pressure feedback in the customer service line to move the orifice to the restricted position.

Abstract: Joystick controllers having one or both of a reference bar and a throat plate. The reference bar substantially surrounds the joystick and is mounted to a control panel, and provides a hand rest surface for an operator while operating the joystick. A top curved surface of the reference bar extends substantially parallel to the path of movement of the joystick in the fore and aft direction of travel. The throat plate has a shape oriented with tapered surfaces and vertices at the furthest fore and aft points to limit turning, caused by movement of the joystick in a side-to-side direction, at higher forward and aft speeds. The joystick can be biased such that, in the neutral position, it is oriented aft of center to allow for a full forward stroke, while limiting rearward stroke.

Abstract: Disclosed seat belt assemblies or mechanisms include a seat belt guide which positions the seat belt for convenient ingress and egress by an operator, but in a position which reminds the operator to fasten the seat belt. The seat belt guide is configured to be stiffer in one direction of movement to maintain the metal tab of the seat belt at a raised position to one side of the operator seat, for example at a position adjacent to an operator joystick or control, but to allow the guide and the seat belt to be moved across the operator seat (and operator) for buckling.

Abstract: Disclosed are power machines with an operator seat proximal to the rear or back of the power machine, hand grip operator supports which can have user input devices positioned thereon, and foot supports configured to comfortably allow an operator to operate the power machine from both seated and standing positions.

Abstract: Power machines, control systems and methods that adjust engine speed based upon actuation of user input controls that control other power machine functions such as travel functions and lift arm functions. By controlling engine speed at least partially in response to the user input devices controlling other machine functions, more optimal engine speeds can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed are power machines, and drive systems for use thereon, as well as methods of providing automatic gear shifting. The drive system includes a controller configured to implement automatic gear shifting. Gear engagement is determined following a gear shift, and a drive pump or other drive system components is automatically controlled to rotate a gearbox gear in first and second directions until the gear is properly engaged.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake mechanism for use in hydraulic systems to provide braking of a hydraulic motor is disclosed. The brake mechanism provides proper braking under a range of operating conditions, including (1) the start of flow from the pump to the brake and motor and braking is not desired; (2) operating conditions in which constant flow is provided from the pump to the brake and motor and braking is not desired; (3) operating conditions in which abrupt decreases of flow from the pump to the brake and the motor occur, for example where flow is reduced due to being drawn by another work element or hydraulic load, but under which a reduced supply flow is still present and braking is not desired; and (4) operating conditions in which the hydraulic flow from the pump to the brake mechanism and the motor is shut off completely and braking is desired.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage between operator input devices and actuators including a junction having a first portion operably coupled to an operator input device and a second portion operably coupled to an actuator. The first and second portions of the junction are connected when a cab is in an operating position and disconnected when a cab is in a service position. When connected, the first and second portions create a solid connection between the operator input device and the actuator. When the first and second portions are disconnected, the operator input will be not be operably coupled to the actuator. Movement of the cab to the operating position will cause the first and second portions to become connected and movement away from the operating position will cause the first and second portions to become disconnected.

Abstract: A system includes a first diesel engine operable to drive a first device, a first DEF tank associated with the first engine and operable to provide DEF to the first diesel engine during operation, a second diesel engine operable to drive a second device, and a second DEF tank associated with the second engine and operable to provide DEF to the second diesel engine during operation. An external DEF tank is arranged to contain a quantity of DEF that is coupled to the first DEF tank and the second DEF tank and operable to selectively deliver DEF from the external DEF tank to each of the first DEF tank and the second DEF tank.

Abstract: Valve assemblies are provided in a track tensioning system or in other applications. The valve assemblies allow pressurized fluid (grease or hydraulic fluid from a power machine) to be introduced or evacuated from the same port. The valve assemblies use either a single check ball or poppet configuration, or a dual check ball or poppet configuration which are moveable from a first configuration, in which fluid is blocked in one direction while allowing flow in the other direction, to a second configuration where the reverse is true. A track tensioning element includes piston retaining features which retain a piston within a track tensioning cylinder tube. A track tensioning element can also include a no-pre-load spring positioned in-line with the tensioning cylinder. Disclosed track tensioning systems and track tensioning elements can, in various embodiments, utilize any combination of all or some of the disclosed features.

Abstract: A power generating set includes an engine operable in response to a flow of fuel to produce a flow of exhaust gas, a generator coupled to the engine and operable in response to operation of the engine to produce a total electrical power, and a primary load electrically connected to the generator to receive a portion of the total electrical power, the primary load having a cyclical pattern. A battery bank is selectively connected to the generator to receive a portion of the total electrical power and an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is positioned to selectively transition between a connected state and a disconnected state. The battery bank is connected to the generator to charge the battery bank when the IGBT is in the connected state and is disconnected from the generator when the IGBT is in the disconnected state.

Abstract: A movable electrical generation system includes a generator operable to produce a supply of electrical energy, a prime mover operable to drive the generator, and a first fuel supply selectively deliverable to the movable electrical generation system in a first pressure range. A second fuel, different from the first fuel is selectively deliverable to the prime mover in a second pressure range. A controller is operable to automatically deliver the second fuel to the prime mover in response to the first fuel having a pressure outside of the first pressure range.

Abstract: Disclosed are power machines, and drive systems for use thereon, as well as methods of controlling the displacement of a hydraulic drive motor. The drive system includes a drive pump capable of providing a hydraulic power output and a drive motor operably coupled to the drive pump that receives the hydraulic power output from the drive pump. The drive motor has an operating displacement that is variable between a minimum displacement and a maximum displacement and it provides a rotational output member. A shift actuator is operably coupled to the drive motor and it is configured to vary the displacement of the drive motor between the minimum displacement and the maximum displacement. A controller controls the shift actuator to cause the drive motor to provide infinitely variable displacement between the minimum and maximum displacements.