Abstract: A unitary frame (12) which is particularly adapted for skid steer loaders includes an elongate transmission case (66, 68 and 70) secured to the underside of a flat forward floor plate (56) extending between a pair of longitudinal side plates (52). The upper ends of the side plates (52) are formed into fenders (54). A front cross member (64) is secured between the front ends of the side plates (52). A pair of uprights (28) are secured to the rear ends of the side plates (52) and a rearward floor plate (58) extending beyond the side plates. Braces (78, 80) are provided for the axle housings (74, 76) extending outwardly from opposite sides of the transmission case (66, 68 and 70). A hydraulic fluid reservoir (102) is preferably secured beneath the rearward floor plate (58).

Abstract: The specification discloses a seatbelt-activated operator restraint/control lockout system (40) which is particularly adapted for use with industrial vehicles such as skid-steer loaders. A pivotal arm (46) connected to one side of the seatbelt (36) is moveable between a forward position corresponding to the seatbelt being fastened, and a rearward position corresponding to the seatbelt being unfastened. The pivot arm (46) is normally biased by a spring (74) to the rearward position, and means (70, 78) are provided for selectively locking out a control valve (86) against operation except when the pivot arm is in the forward position. A second embodiment (112) of the invention is particularly adapted for use with solenoid-activated control valves.

Abstract: The specification discloses a brake system (84) which is particularly adapted for vehicles such as skid steer loaders in which the wheels on each side of the vehicle are driven independently by separate transmissions. The brake system (84) includes a caliper assembly (86) overlying brake discs (66) which are mounted for rotation about a common axis but are individually connected to the transmissions. The brake pucks (98) are actuated by a manual lever (132) connected to a rotatable cam (112) associated with an axial plunger (120). The cam (112) is rotatable about an axis parallel to the bore (96) in the caliper assembly (86) containing the brake pucks (98) and plunger (120), to provide a wider range of motion in a more compact space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle carrying a grinder-mixer providing a low bin profile and improved mixing through the use of complementing horizontal and vertical circulatory paths of the ground feed, which is produced by a pair of cooperating parallel auger conveyors extending in a horizontal plane along the bottom of the mixing bin in side by side relationship and rotating so as to move the feed in opposite directions, each feeding the other, in cooperation with a pair of vertical cooperating augers spaced axially of the horizontal augers and moving and mixing the ground feed along a circulatory path in vertical planes, the said horizontal and vertical circulatory paths intersecting to thereby greatly increase the mixing action. One of the horizontal augers is connected to a discharging system and is reversible to cooperate with the latter to empty the bin.

Abstract: A machine (10) for forming material into cylindrical bales of density increasing from the center to the periphery, comprising a mobile structure (11) including first (14) and second (15) body portions pivotably secured together on a generally horizontal transverse axis, a baling chamber (20), in the structure, defined by portions of the peripheries of a plurality of closely spaced conveyors in the form right circular cylinders (21-39) mounted with their axes parallel and passing through points lying on a smooth closed curve in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis, the lower half of the curve being generally a circular arc and the upper half departing outwardly from circularity by an amount which varies smoothly to and from a maximum in the vertical direction: a pickup mechanism (80-83) is provided for gathering material to be baled from the ground and introducing it as a ribbon peripherally into the chamber at its bottom, and a drive arrangement (17, 60-67, 70-73, 84, 85) is provided for causing operati

Abstract: A switch operating mechanism associated with a motor driven hydrostatic system operative in forward or reverse directions with respect to a neutral inoperative state, for rendering a motor starting circuit operative only when the hydrostatic system is in its neutral state. An axially movable switch operating shaft has a notch therein which receives a detent on the control stem of the switch, only when the shaft is in a position generally centrally between opposite limits of its axial movement, to close the switch. A centering spring urges the shaft toward its centrally disposed position.

Abstract: A frame mounted on the lifting arms of a vehicle for lifting and loading materials, the frame having a releasable connection to an implement to be carried by the lifting arms and frame and operated from the vehicle. A locking device, carried by the frame, is operative to releasably lock the implement to the frame and to hold the implement against movement relative to the frame when locked thereto.

Abstract: A plurality of fluffer shields mounted in generally end-to-end relationship on the frame of a crop harvester and conditioner. Each fluffer shield is pivotally adjustable independently of the other shields to control the rearward movement of portions of the cut crop delivered rearwardly of the harvesting machine by the crop conditioner rolls of the machine, so as to control the cross-sectional shape and density of a windrow produced by the machine.

Abstract: A crop harvester having a mobile frame to be pulled by a tractor and movable between paths of travel at opposite sides of the path of travel of the tractor. The frame includes front and rear longitudinal frame members extending transversely of the direction of travel and a generally central transverse frame member connected to the longitudinal frame members above harvesting mechanism mounted in the frame. A draft tongue has a rear end pivotally connected to the frame on a vertical axis adjacent the connection between the front and transverse frame members, and a front end for pivotal connection to a tractor hitch. A fluid pressure operated device is connected to the frame and to the draft tongue for imparting swinging movements to the draft tongue relative to the mobile frame and for holding the draft tongue in desired set positions of the swinging movement thereof.

Abstract: A four point mounting system for a header type implement mounted on a support vehicle or tractor in which the lower support or push arms are solid and of a greater length than of the upper arms which are telescopic and provided with knuckle joints or dual pivot couplings on either end of the telescopic parts connecting the tractor and the vehicle. This provides for a greater range of oscillation of the implement relative to the support vehicle for traversing uneven terrain.

Abstract: A stack forming apparatus comprising a chassis with a stack forming container thereon and a crop pick up means for directing harvested crop into the container. The stack forming container includes a pivoted roof having sloped forward and rearward sections and actuators for pivoting the same through varying arcs to provide a resultant stack sloped at the front and rear edges thereof. The container contains a pivoted floor and a push-out fork mechanism which moves the stack within the container causing pivoting of the floor. The pivoted rear door at the top edge of the container will be opened either by tilting of the container floor or operating of a latch means to engage a door pivoting linkages with raising of the roof to facilitate discharge of the stack after formation.