Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backhoe boom lock for engaging a hook member of a boom in a transport position. The boom lock includes a pair of side members disposed parallel to one another along a substantially horizontal axis, each side member having a first end and a second end. A transverse member is coupled between the first end of the pair of side members, the transverse member is configured to engage the hook member in the transport position. The boom lock further includes a pivot point defined near the second end of the pair of side members, the pair of side members being pivotally coupled with respect to the pivot point such that the boom lock pivots about the pivot point. A flange is disposed between the second ends of the pair of side members and is further disposed outwardly from the pivot point at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis. The boom lock also includes a counterweight body integrally coupled to the second ends of the pair of side members.

Abstract: A loader for a work vehicle comprises a lift arm, a bucket, a bucket linkage, and a hydraulic bucket cylinder. The bucket and the linkage are pivotally attached to the lift arm. The linkage comprises a first link and a second link, which are pivotally attached to the bucket. The bucket cylinder is pivotally attached to the first and second links and the bucket and operable to pivot the bucket relative to the lift arm. The linkage comprises a debris guard substantially obstructing a space defined between the first and second links and between the bucket cylinder and the bucket.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backhoe boom lock for engaging a hook member of a boom in a transport position. The boom lock includes a pair of side members disposed parallel to one another along a substantially horizontal axis, each side member having a first end and a second end. A transverse member is coupled between the first end of the pair of side members, the transverse member is configured to engage the hook member in the transport position. The boom lock further includes a pivot point defined near the second end of the pair of side members, the pair of side members being pivotally coupled with respect to the pivot point such that the boom lock pivots about the pivot point. A flange is disposed between the second ends of the pair of side members and is further disposed outwardly from the pivot point at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis. The boom lock also includes a counterweight body integrally coupled to the second ends of the pair of side members.

Abstract: A loader for a work vehicle comprises a lift arm, a bucket, a bucket linkage, and a hydraulic bucket cylinder. The bucket and the linkage are pivotally attached to the lift arm. The linkage comprises a first link and a second link, which are pivotally attached to the bucket. The bucket cylinder is pivotally attached to the first and second links and the bucket and operable to pivot the bucket relative to the lift arm. The linkage comprises a debris guard substantially obstructing a space defined between the first and second links and between the bucket cylinder and the bucket.

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 process for forming a moldboard blade for a grader by inducing beneficial residual stresses during fabrication. This increases the strength of the blade without adding additional material and weight. The blade is first bowed towards its supporting structure surface. The supporting structure is welded to the blade and the blade is released. The blade is then bent in the opposite direction towards its working surface and released. The blade is then checked to determine if it is straight. If the blade is not straight it is bent again until it is straight.

Abstract: A main frame construction for a motor grader wherein the main frame comprises a rear unit, a center unit, and a front unit. Both rear and center units are box-like structures in cross sections with constant transverse dimensions, with constant metal specification, with continuous welds at all four corners running longitudinally of each unit, with but one weld junction at a location spaced rearwardly of the knee area supporting a saddle structure for the blade, and without the provision of extra structural members and arrangements at the knee area. Minimum section changes within the box structures of the rear and center units, the elimination of weld starts and stops provides a strong smooth section of main frame alleviating locally high stresses at the knee area for mounting the saddle. The very simplicity of the rear and center unit box-structure as described and depicted is the heart of the improved main frame.

Abstract: In a tractor having a front end adapted to have an optional piece of equipment connected thereto, a front end weight option arrangement which comprises a mounting plate secured to the front end of the tractor, which mounting plate has an exposed front surface adapted for mating engagement with the rear surface of the optional piece of equipment, and the mounting plate further having openings formed therein which are alignable with openings of the optional piece of equipment such that fasteners may be inserted through both sets of openings for securement of the optional piece of equipment to the mounting means. A weight plate is provided for interposition between the mounting plate and the optional piece of equipment, and any number of identical weight plates may be mounted in a longitudinal fore and aft arrangement between the optional piece of equipment and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A saddle construction for use in a motor grader having a fore-and-aft extending main frame comprising an upper portion having a generally longitudinal extending section forming a forward facing and a rear facing. The facings have a generally vertical orientation. The main frame has first and second pins slidably mounted transversely in the main frame in longitudinal spaced apart relationship. The forward facing of the saddle upper portion straddles the main frame and is fixably mounted to opposite ends of the first pin. In like manner, the rear facing straddles the main frame and is fixably mounted to opposite ends of the second pin. The saddle further includes a lower portion straddling the main frame and fixably mounted the rear facing. The main frame has a plurality of recesses formed in respective side walls of the main frame in longitudinal spaced apart relationship for seatably receiving inwardly directed landings formed on the facings.