Abstract: A lift arm including an attachment assembly and an electrical supply line having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed in relation to the lift arm and the second end has a connector coupled to a mounting plate. The lift arm includes a first bracket affixed to the lift arm and a second bracket affixed to the attachment assembly. The mounting plate is moveable between and removably securable to the first bracket and the second bracket.

Abstract: An electric loader is provided with a plurality of independently driven wheels. For example, a four-wheeled electric loader includes four independently operated wheels, each directly coupled to a dedicated electric motor. A fifth independent electrical motor powers the lift arm and/or any attachments coupled to an auxiliary hydraulic. A central forced-air system supplies pressurized air to each independent electric motor to cool the electric motor during operation. In some embodiments, the auxiliary electric motor powers the fan and/or air conditioner of the central forced-air system. A lever and/or electric brake may be applied to an axle of the electric motors. A pivotable battery panel locks a plurality of battery cells to provide a central source of power, counter-weight the loader arm, and rotate away to provide the operator access to an internal cavity of the cab.

Abstract: A joystick controller is provided that has a housing and a correlated output device supported within the housing. A socket has a shaft and a base. As the shaft is moved, the base interacts with the correlated output device to control a vehicle and/or an attachment. The operator user grips a handle that is transversely coupled to the shaft at an angle. The joystick has two control axes that provide a rotational feel for the control of the vehicle and/or attachment.

Abstract: A boom extension monitoring system is provided that uses a combination of sensors to determine an absolute location and a relative location of the boom. As the boom extends or retracts, the monitoring system can determine the absolute location of the boom as the sum of the absolute at relative distances. These distances can be obtained through a combination of a grid, low-resolution sensors, high-resolution sensors, counters, processors, and other components according to various embodiments described herein. A process to obtain the total boom extension of multiple telescoping beams by monitoring the extension of a single beam element is also described.

Abstract: A retractable pallet fork carriage assembly is provided that enhances the safe operation of a lift vehicle, such as a loader or telehandler. A carriage assembly is coupled to a fork tyne assembly through scissor links that expand and retract the tynes relative to the carriage assembly. When the scissor links are closed, the fork tynes extend through the carriage assembly to receive a payload (e.g., a pallet). When an operator wants to remove the payload, the fork tynes retract while the payload is supported against the carriage assembly. In this way, the load remains in one stationary position while pallet fork tynes are retracted under the payload to release the payload. Various sensors generate and/or send signals to limit the operation of the boom lift, boom, and/or retractable attachment when a distance or load is out of a threshold range.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for multi-position attachment points for hydraulic implement coupling. Hydraulic hoses associated with an implement attachment assembly may be removably coupled to a lift arm when in a non-operating configuration, and removably coupled to the attachment assembly when in an operating configuration.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement includes a first bracket, a second bracket including a slot, and a series of washers, with two resilient washers. First and second bolts extend through the first bracket, a first and second of the washers, the slot of the second bracket, a third and fourth of the washers, the resilient washers, and a fifth and sixth of the washers. The second bracket frictionally engages the first and second washers, and frictionally engages the third and fourth washers. The resilient washers are each located between the respective first, second, third and fourth washers, and the fifth and sixth washers. The bolts are engaged by nuts compressing the first and second resilient washers with a compressive force between the washers, supporting the first bracket and the second bracket relative to each other and permitting the first bracket and the second bracket to slide relative to each other.

Abstract: A boom extension monitoring system is provided that uses a combination of sensors to determine an absolute location and a relative location of the boom. As the boom extends or retracts, the monitoring system can determine the absolute location of the boom as the sum of the absolute at relative distances. These distances can be obtained through a combination of a grid, low-resolution sensors, high-resolution sensors, counters, processors, and other components according to various embodiments described herein. A process to obtain the total boom extension of multiple telescoping beams by monitoring the extension of a single beam element is also described.

Abstract: A loader having a seat assembly mounted in the loader cab for movement along 2 axes. The cab pivots relative to the loader to permit access to loader components. The main operator controls in the loader are pilot valves operated by the loader operator without any electronic interfacing between the operator and the pilot valves. The pilot valves are supported directly by the seat assembly to move with the seat assembly and reduce inadvertent pilot valve motion induced by vehicle movement. Also provided is a hydraulic hose channeling arrangement which permits the support of hydraulic pilot valves relative to a seat assembly which is moveably mounted in a pilotable loader cab.