Abstract: A method and apparatus assists coupling a loader with a work vehicle. A pre-position instruction signal is generated to pre-position the loader in a predetermined orientation to facilitate the coupling. A forward movement instruction signal is generated for initiating movement of the associated work vehicle 1 towards the loader. A coupled confirmation signal representative of the loader being coupled with the associated work vehicle is received. A forward movement pause instruction signal for pausing the movement of the associated work vehicle towards the loader is generated responsive to receiving the coupled confirmation signal. One or more of the pre-position instruction signal, the forward movement instruction signal, and/or the forward movement pause instruction signal may be automated signals delivered to the work vehicle for executing the commands or images rendered on a human readable display unit for instructing an operator actions to take for coupling the loader with the work vehicle.

Abstract: A device (5) is provided for the mechanical handling of a flexible bag (6) placed in a holder (7), the bag having a mouth with at least one flap (6a) that can close or open the mouth of the bag. The device comprises a brush wheel (8) that is mounted in rotation about a shaft (9), the brush wheel comprising fins (10) each consisting of a curved flexible portion (11) which extends from the shaft, and a straight end portion (12) which extends in continuation of the curved portion, the set of straight portions substantially forming a rim, and the brush wheel being arranged in such a way that, when it is rotated close to the mouth of the bag, centrifugal force straightens the curved portions, thus increasing the radius of the rim in order to allow the straight portions to rub against the flap of the bag.

Abstract: A device (5) is provided for the mechanical handling of a flexible bag (6) placed in a holder (7), the bag having a mouth with at least one flap (6a) that can close or open the mouth of the bag. The device comprises a brush wheel (8) that is mounted in rotation about a shaft (9), the brush wheel comprising fins (10) each consisting of a curved flexible portion (11) which extends from the shaft, and a straight end portion (12) which extends in continuation of the curved portion, the set of straight portions substantially forming a rim, and the brush wheel being arranged in such a way that, when it is rotated close to the mouth of the bag, centrifugal force straightens the curved portions, thus increasing the radius of the rim in order to allow the straight portions to rub against the flap of the bag.

Abstract: An automatically actuated shunt valve system opens and closes a passage between two chambers of a powered element operated by a power source. The shunt valve system includes a coupler connecting the powered element with the power source through two mating coupling elements. One of the coupling elements includes a valve contact and the other includes a shunt valve assembly. The shunt valve assembly includes a valve chamber connected with both chambers of the powered element, a valve element opening or closing a flow path between the conduits, and a shaft for moving the valve element. The shaft engages the valve contact to move the valve element to close the flow path when the coupling elements are mated together, and moves the valve element to open the flow path when the shaft disengages from the valve contact as the coupling elements are disconnected from one another.

Abstract: A loader for a tractor includes a loader arm, a parking support, and a lock brace. The parking support includes a support pivot end pivotally coupled to the loader arm, a ground engagement end opposite the support pivot end, and a plurality of connection regions disposed between the support pivot end and the ground engagement end. At least one connection region of the plurality of connection regions includes an obstruction. The lock brace includes a brace pivot end pivotally coupled to the loader arm and an attachment end opposite the brace pivot end. The attachment end is made to removably couple to any of the connection regions. The obstruction obstructs coupling of the attachment end of the lock brace to the respective connection region of the parking support.

Abstract: A front loader includes a mast, and a mounting bracket that defines a channel configured to receive a mounting frame of a work vehicle. The front loader includes a latch disposed within the channel and pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket, and the latch is pivotable between a first, latched position configured to couple the mast to the mounting frame, and a second, unlatched position. The front loader includes a latching lever disposed within the channel and coupled to the latch. The latching lever is configured to move the latch between the first, latched position and the second, unlatched position based on a position of the mounting frame. The front loader includes an indicator lever coupled to the latch. The indicator lever is movable by the latch to indicate whether the latch is in the first, latched position or the second, unlatched position.

Abstract: A tractor front loader (10) includes a parking stand device (28) mounted on a front loader arm (12). The parking stand device (28) comprises a parking support (30), which is pivotally attached to the front loader arm (12) and can be pivoted between an operating position (P1) and a parked position (P2), a locking brace (32), which is pivotally attached at one end to the front loader arm (12). Detent elements, which can be brought into engagement with one another, are disposed on the parking brace (30) and on a free end of the locking brace (32), by means of which the parking brace (30) can be snapped into multiple positions supporting the front loader, with the detent elements being formed on a free end of the locking brace (32) and on a locking carriage (58), which is hinged to the locking brace (32).

Abstract: A front loader includes a mast, and a mounting bracket that defines a channel configured to receive a mounting frame of a work vehicle. The front loader includes a latch disposed within the channel and pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket, and the latch is pivotable between a first, latched position configured to couple the mast to the mounting frame, and a second, unlatched position. The front loader includes a latching lever disposed within the channel and coupled to the latch. The latching lever is configured to move the latch between the first, latched position and the second, unlatched position based on a position of the mounting frame. The front loader includes an indicator lever coupled to the latch. The indicator lever is movable by the latch to indicate whether the latch is in the first, latched position or the second, unlatched position.

Abstract: An automatically actuated shunt valve system opens and closes a passage between two chambers of a powered element operated by a power source. The shunt valve system includes a coupler connecting the powered element with the power source through two mating coupling elements. One of the coupling elements includes a valve contact and the other includes a shunt valve assembly. The shunt valve assembly includes a valve chamber connected with both chambers of the powered element, a valve element opening or closing a flow path between the conduits, and a shaft for moving the valve element. The shaft engages the valve contact to move the valve element to close the flow path when the coupling elements are mated together, and moves the valve element to open the flow path when the shaft disengages from the valve contact as the coupling elements are disconnected from one another.

Abstract: A mast coupling arrangement for mounting a front loader to a work vehicle at a mounting frame defining connection points and a load point includes a mounting bracket mounted at an end of a mast of the front loader, and a first mast connector removably coupling the mounting bracket and one of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached. The mast coupling arrangement includes a load element mounted to the mast that, when the front loader is attached, is in load transferring contact with the load point of the mounting frame. The mast coupling arrangement includes a second mast connector removably coupling the mounting bracket and another of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached to. The second mast connector and the associated connection point of the mounting frame are separable when the front loader is attached.

Abstract: A loader includes a tool carrier arranged on a loader boom. The tool carrier is connected at a first pivot point to the loader boom and at a second pivot point to a pivot linkage. The pivot linkage has first and second links which are pivotably connected to one another at a first link point. The first link is pivotably connected at a second link point to the loader boom, and the second link is pivotably connected at a second link point at the second pivot point to the tool carrier. A sensor senses a pivot angle between the tool carrier and loader boom. The sensor is positioned in a cavity on the loader. An actuating device is connected to the sensor.

Abstract: A parking stand for a detachable front loader assembly including a support leg pivoted to a boom, which is able to pivot between an extended and a retracted position. A set of parallel struts engage a locking plate, which is attached to the support leg. Being engaged within locking mechanism divots, the support leg is secured within an optimally extended position. Extending the parking stand support leg into a parking configuration is achieved by way of a series of semi-automated actions that are triggered and propelled by way of hydraulic movement of a loader's boom and bucket. Such semi-automated actions include unlocking, extending, and securing the support leg. Retraction of the support leg is similarly executed.

Abstract: A tractor front loader (10) includes a parking stand device (28) mounted on a front loader arm (12). The parking stand device (28) comprises a parking support (30), which is pivotally attached to the front loader arm (12) and can be pivoted between an operating position (P1) and a parked position (P2), a locking brace (32), which is pivotally attached at one end to the front loader arm (12). Detent elements, which can be brought into engagement with one another, are disposed on the parking brace (30) and on a free end of the locking brace (32), by means of which the parking brace (30) can be snapped into multiple positions supporting the front loader, with the detent elements being formed on a free end of the locking brace (32) and on a locking carriage (58), which is hinged to the locking brace (32).

Abstract: A parking stand for a detachable front loader assembly including a support leg pivoted to a boom, which is able to pivot between an extended and a retracted position. A set of parallel struts engage a locking plate, which is attached to the support leg. Being engaged within locking mechanism divots, the support leg is secured within an optimally extended position. Extending the parking stand support leg into a parking configuration is achieved by way of a series of semi-automated actions that are triggered and propelled by way of hydraulic movement of a loader's boom and bucket. Such semi-automated actions include unlocking, extending, and securing the support leg. Retraction of the support leg is similarly executed.

Abstract: The tool carrier disclosed herein has a locking device with a low degree of complexity, a low diversity of parts, and a high degree of reliability. By the completely automated locking process, the setting up of the tool on the tool carrier is considerably simplified for the operator or the driver, since neither has to leave the cabin any longer in order to lock the tool. The actuation of the setting up and holding devices by the tool during the setting up of the tool ensures that the locking device is used only if a tool is also set up. An erroneous movement of the lock into its locking position due to vibrations or by a movement of the tool carrier or the front loader without a set-up tool is effectively avoided.

Abstract: A front loader arrangement includes a hydraulically sprung lift cylinder arrangement coupled between opposite loader arm sides and respectively mounting masts. In order to permit the masts to pivot freely about their pivotal connections with the loader arm sides to aid the coupling of the masts to respective mounting frames fixed to a carrying vehicle, the hydraulic system in which the lift cylinder arrangement is incorporated includes a device, including a shut-off valve and an accumulator arrangement for establishing a float condition in the lift cylinder arrangement after a source of hydraulic fluid and associated control valve is decoupled by separating a hydraulic quick coupler.

Abstract: The tool carrier disclosed herein has a locking device with a low degree of complexity, a low diversity of parts, and a high degree of reliability. By means of the completely automated locking process, the setting up of the tool on the tool carrier is considerably simplified for the operator or the driver, since neither has to leave the cabin any longer in order to lock the tool. The actuation of the setting up and holding devices by the tool during the setting up of the tool ensures that the locking device is used only if a tool is also set up. An erroneous movement of the lock into its locking position due to vibrations or by a movement of the tool carrier or the front loader without a set-up tool is effectively avoided.

Abstract: A front loader arrangement (12) includes a mounting frame (16) and a mounting mast (18), wherein the mounting mast (18) can be quickly coupled to, and decoupled from, the mounting frame (16), and wherein a locking device for locking the mast to the frame is provided and includes a pivoting locking bar (54) pivotable between locking and unlocking positions. Simple coupling and decoupling is enabled by a supporting hinge (62) that is pivotally mounted to the locking bar (54) and is configured in such a manner that a pivoting movement of the pivoting locking bar (54) into the locking position is blocked by the supporting hinge upon a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for decoupling purposes and is released by the supporting hinge upon a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for coupling purposes.

Abstract: A front loader arrangement (12) with a mounting frame (16) and mounting mast (18) is proposed, wherein the mounting mast (18) can be coupled to the mounting frame (16) and can be decoupled therefrom. Furthermore, a loader arm (20) is connected to the mounting mast (18) for being pivoted vertically by a hydraulic cylinder (24) extending between the loader arm (20) and the mounting mast (18). In order to facilitate coupling of the mounting mast (18) to the mounting frame (16), it is proposed that a hydraulic system (85) be coupled to the hydraulic cylinder working chamber(s) (90, 96) and include adjusting means by which the hydraulic cylinder (24) can be brought into a floating position when the hydraulic fluid supply is decoupled from the hydraulic system (85).