Abstract: A mounting frame for a moldboard of a motor grader is provided with first and second retainers having V-shaped notches that cooperate with V-shaped engagement portion located on the mounting rails of the moldboard. Each of the V-shaped notches are provided with first and second wear strips defining the wings of the V-shaped notch. The wear strips have a sliding surface in sliding contact with the mounting rails and a contact surface which contacts the adjoining wear strip in the V-shaped notch. Locating protuberances are located at each end of the wear strips and cooperate with retainer clips to hold the wear strips in proper position. The ends of the wear strips are also provided with abutment surfaces which contact the base of the retainer clips.

Abstract: A three-function control lever is provided with a main ball joint operatively coupling the control lever to a console. An operator plate is coupled to the control lever for manipulating a first and second control link for manipulating an first and second hydraulic control valve. The first and second control links are coupled to the operator plate by first and second auxiliary ball joints. A radially extending arm projecting from the control lever controls the positioning of a third link for manipulating a third hydraulic control valve. The third link is coupled to the radially extending arm by a bell crank and auxiliary link. The auxiliary link is operatively coupled to the radially extending arm by a third auxiliary ball joint. A stabilizing link is operatively coupled to the operator plate and a fixed element to preventing the rotation of the operator plate when the control lever is twisted.

Abstract: A steering unit and control console for a vehicle comprising a pedestal assembly for supporting the vehicle steering unit and at least one vehicle control lever, a platform device secured to the vehicle and pivotally mounting the pedestal assembly in an upwardly position thereon for movement of the pedestal assembly about a transverse axis to adjust the position of the pedestal assembly, a locking unit pivotally mounted on the platform device for locking the pedestal assembly against the pivotal movement out of any one of a plurality of adjusted positions of the pedestal assembly, and a release unit for disengaging the locking unit whereby the pedestal assembly is pivotally movable to an adjusted position, the console including further the release unit having a handle which protrudes forwardly from the pedestal assembly and which is disposed below the steering unit, and further wherein the locking unit provides for a firm locked engagement of the locking mechanism to eliminate potential means of looseness.

Abstract: The function control levers of an earth moving vehicle such as a motor grader are mounted on a pedestal which may be selectively pivotally tilted for optimum position for the operator, sitting or standing. The pedestal comprises a trapezoidal-type configuration of an upwardly extended pair of parallel panels pivotally mounted at their base and pivotally connected across their upper ends by a steering wheel unit such that two horizontally spaced pairs of vertically spaced shafts define the articulating corners of the pedestal. A series of hydraulic valves are mounted forwardly of the pedestal. The function controls are pivotally mounted on one of the upper pedestal shafts for manipulation and includes linkage connecting the function controls to the valves which maintain the controls in a substantially constant position relative to the operator regardless of the pedestal tilt position.

Abstract: A method of arranging function controls for a vehicle, which method provides a control system that is easily converted from a two-hand control for left and right blade lift functions to a one-hand control for the same functions. The method comprises the steps of placing the blade lift levers at the extreme left and right ends of a pivot shaft inserted through the control console, with the third lever for the optional functional control placed adjacent to the right blade lift lever; and placing the left and right blade lift control valves at opposite ends of the control valve stack similarly to the placement of the left and right control levers, with the optional functional control valve placed adjacent to the right blade lift control valve as with the optional control lever.