Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably locking a cab enclosure or rollover protective structure to a frame of a skid steer loader. The protective structure is mounted to the frame of the skid steer loader for pivotal movement between operational and nonoperational positions. The latch mechanism of the present invention is a multipiece assembly including first and second subassemblies. The first subassembly is arranged on either the frame or the protective structure in spaced relation from that end about which the protective structure pivots. The second subassembly is mounted before cooperating and releasable engagement with the first subassembly and is mounted on either the frame or the protective structure on which the first subassembly is not mounted. In a first operating condition, the first and second subassemblies are operably engagable with each other to inhibit pivotal movement of the protective structure relative to the frame.

Abstract: In an industrial, agricultural, or earth-moving vehicle, a charging pump, which delivers hydraulic fluid under pressure remaining substantially constant while the vehicle is operating and a coupler are combined. In the coupler, a hydraulically actuated piston-cylinder mechanism is used to wedge a pin into an orifice in an implement, thereby to couple the implement to the vehicle, and to withdraw the pin, thereby to uncouple the implement from the vehicle. A directional valve, which is connected between the pump and the piston-cylinder mechanism, is switchable by an operator of the vehicle between a first stage wherein the directional valve allows hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump to actuate the piston-cylinder mechanism in a forward direction, thereby to wedge the pin into the orifice, and a second stage wherein the directional valve allows hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump to actuate the piston-cylinder mechanism in a reverse direction, thereby to withdraw the pin.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly enabling a bucket to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a front-end loader with lifting and tilting means. A female coupling structure is integral with the bucket. A back plate of the female coupling structure bears against a front plate of a male coupling structure with no gap between such plates. An upper flange on the front plate bears upwardly against an upper flange on the back plate. Means are provided to latch the male coupling structure releasably to the female coupling structure. Vertical play between the male coupling structure and the female coupling structure is limited precisely to a specified gap between and adjustable member on the male coupling structure and a fixed block on the female coupling structure.

Abstract: A modular machine including several removable components which are structurally interconnected in a manner to result in a rigid unit which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to service or repair. The modular machine includes as its basic components a base frame assembly, an operator's control station, and a cab assembly. The base frame assembly comprises an open frame construction including opposed rectangular end members and opposed hollow rectangular side members. Ground-engaging wheels are mounted to the side members by using a unitized axle assembly including a hub and sprocket which extends into the interior of a side member. A fluid motor is mounted to the inner wall of each side member for driving the ground-engaging wheels connected to that side member. The operator's control station includes a front wall portion and rearwardly extending side wall portions.