Abstract: A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements.

Abstract: A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements.

Abstract: Referring more particularly to FIG. 4, the present invention red ices such shear loading on the bolts, by utilizing a wedge member or a tapered block 106, inserted and wedged into a space 108 between wedge surfaces 70 and 88, and having oppositely facing outer surfaces 110 and 112 thereby placed into abutment with those surfaces, respectively, so as to exert a fore and aft directed force against those surface, denoted by arrows C, effectively acting to push those surfaces apart and counteracting the shear loads B. Such forces will also act in opposition to and reduce tensile loads acting on bolts 100. Tapered block 106 has at least one passage 114 therethrough (FIG. 3) for the passage of bolts 104 therethrough, to allow insertion of those bolts into threaded holes 98 and tightening those bolts to exert compressive forces against tapered block 106, denoted by arrows D, for holding that block in position.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle having a grille screen and a front end bumper is described herein. The bumper has a top surface and is disposed below the screen. The screen includes a plurality of convolutions having lower edges with open ends. Adjacent convolutions define intervening channels that provide a guided track on which impacting debris can move downwardly toward the lower edges to fall either on the ground or on the top surface of the bumper. The lower edges of the convolutions and the top surface of the bumpers are spaced apart by a gap sized to permit accumulated dirt and chaff to be wiped off the top surface of the bumper.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle having a grille screen and a front end bumper is described herein. The bumper has a top surface and is disposed below the screen. The screen includes a plurality of convolutions having lower edges with open ends. Adjacent convolutions define intervening channels that provide a guided track on which impacting debris can move downwardly toward the lower edges to fall either on the ground or on the top surface of the bumper. The lower edges of the convolutions and the top surface of the bumpers are spaced apart by a gap sized to permit accumulated dirt and chaff to be wiped off the top surface of the bumper.

Abstract: A system for moving a step assembly in response to maneuvers of an articulated work vehicle. The step assembly moves to avoid interference with the vehicle's wheels or tracks. A push rod assembly provides actuation to the step assembly in response to the vehicle motions.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first section having a first set of ground engaging motive members, a second section having an operator station, and a third section having a second set of ground engaging motive members. The first section is pivotally coupled to the second section about the first pivot axis, while the second section is pivotally coupled to the third section about a second pivot axis. Preferably, the operator station has an arcuate front contour with a radius centered proximate the first pivot axis.

Abstract: A control console for a mobile machine includes a lower support device, a first platform and a pair of links pivotally coupled between the support device and the first platform. A second platform is mounted atop the first platform for sliding movement parallel thereto and a compression mechanism coacts with the platforms and secures them in respective positions. More specifically, each platform includes a horizontal support member and a web extending downwardly from such members. The platform webs are closely proximate one another and when the compression mechanism is tightened, the webs and one of the links are compressed together. Web/link compression prevents up-down movement of the platforms in unison and also prevents movement of the second platform with respect to the first platform. A new method for moving the position of a control lever mounted on the console is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implement-positioning apparatus used on an implement-towing vehicle such as a tractor includes a draft arm, a lift link, and a mechanism coupling the arm and the link together. The mechanism selectively permits floating arm movement (and therefore floating implement movement) relative to the link. In the improvement, the mechanism includes a clevis-like attachment member fixed on the link and having two arms, each with a slot extending therealong. A pivot-mounted selection member is coupled to the attachment member by a pin through the slots and moves between a first position engaging the attachment member and a second position away from the attachment member. When the selection member is in the second position, the pin is free to move along the slots and thereby permit the draft arm and the implement coupled thereto to "float" and, within limits set by the length of the slots, seek its own elevation under the urging of external forces.

Abstract: The invention is a ring-like lubrication device used in a pivot joint of the type connecting two members such as on an articulated agricultural tractor or wheeled loader. Such joint has a joint pin and a bearing permitting relative oscillating and articulating movement of the members one to the other. The device includes a hollow, annular reservoir-like chamber which holds lubricant for the joint/bearing sliding surfaces. The device also seals the joint to obstruct the entry of dirt. In a highly preferred arrangement, a device is mounted at the top and bottom of a joint for lubrication and obstruction of dirt entry. The device is configured and arranged to accommodate oscillating and articulating movement between the joined members.