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.

Abstract: A valve to provide a controlled loss of hydraulic fluid from a closed loop hydrostatic transmission. A method of converting a bleed-off valve from one sensitive only to loop pressure to one sensitive to both loop pressure and charging line pressure. A pressure sensitive surface in flow communication with charging line pressure is used to position the valve to shut off flow in the event that charging line pressure is lost. In the event that charging line pressure and loop pressure are normal the valve provides a controlled bleed of hydraulic fluid. Finally, in the event that loop pressure becomes unacceptably high, flow is shut off.

Abstract: A fluid pump control for a tractor having a fluid pump controlled by an operator's handle connected to the pump by force-responsive members which do not transmit the pump vibration to the handle. The control is for a tractor transmission driven through a variable displacement pump which inherently develops vibrations. The handle is a pivotally mounted lever and the connections between the handle and the pump are four cables, and two intervening compression springs, all for transmitting the force on the lever to the pump while avoiding transmitting the pump vibrations back to the lever. The springs also are arranged with the cables to automatically return the pump to a neutral position when the operator releases hand force on the lever.

Abstract: A hand control system for a tractor having several controllable units such as hydraulic and brake units. A tubular member is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis and it connects to one of the units for actuating the same, and a member is pivotally mounted on the tubular member and has a handle thereon which connects to a linkage extending partly through the tubular member and connects to another of the units for operating same. The tubular member can be rotated to actuate its connected unit, without requiring actuation of the handle, and, conversely, the handle can be actuated to move its linkage and actuate its connected unit, without moving the tubular member and its unit. Also, another tractor unit, such as a brake, is connected into the system such that when the one member is pivoted upwardly on the tubular member the handle is placed in an inoperative position and the brake is automatically operated, as desired.

Abstract: A reverse linkage loader bucket arm with an enclosed cylinder assembly and wherein a loader bucket is pivotally mounted on the arm and the cylinder assembly induces the pivotal action. The lift or support arm for the bucket is hollow along its longitudinal axis and the cylinder assembly is mounted within the hollow arm and projects through an open end thereof to pivotally connect with the bucket and the point of pivotal connection is to the side of the pivotal connection of the arm in the bucket away from the bucket. The cylinder fluid lines are also disposed within the hollow boom or lift arm, and thus the cylinder assembly and the lines or hoses are enclosed and thereby protected and arranged for reverse linkage connection relative to the arm and the bucket.