Abstract: A work vehicle has a boom assembly for a work implement that provides an improved sightline between the cabin and work implement. The boom assembly can be a dual function boom having a wishbone configuration with an elongated body supporting the work implement and at the other end having branch sections extending outwardly at acute angles with open space therebetween. A boom support arch can provide an elevated boom mount on which the boom can pivot about a boom pivot axis at pivots located on the branches of the boom. The boom support arch can have its own pivotal mounting connection to the work vehicle. Actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, can be coupled to the boom and support arch to independently pivot the boom and the support arch with respect to each other and the work vehicle.

Abstract: A work vehicle is disclosed having a chassis, a work tool rotatably coupled to the chassis, and one or more hydraulic dampers. The hydraulic damper includes a moveable body that resists rotation in a hydraulic chamber to resist rotation of the work tool relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling fluid levels within an axle tube, the method comprising: (a) establishing a first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within a transmission and an electric motor operatively coupled to the electric motor, the axle tube housing the electric motor and the transmission, where a cavity interposing a wall of the axle tube and the electric motor is occupied by the liquid lubricant reservoir at a second predetermined level; and, (b) lowering the first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within the electric motor and the transmission by changing a gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant, where changing the gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant within the axle tube raises the second predetermined level of liquid lubricant within the cavity.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for controlling fluid levels within an axle tube, the method comprising: (a) establishing a first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within a transmission and an electric motor operatively coupled to the electric motor, the axle tube housing the electric motor and the transmission, where a cavity interposing a wall of the axle tube and the electric motor is occupied by the liquid lubricant reservoir at a second predetermined level; and, (b) lowering the first predetermined level of a liquid lubricant within the electric motor and the transmission by changing a gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant, where changing the gas pressure exerted upon the liquid lubricant within the axle tube raises the second predetermined level of liquid lubricant within the cavity.

Abstract: A differential housing support assembly includes a pivot pin which projects from an end of the housing and is pivotally received in an annual ring of a support bracket which is bolted to a vehicle frame member. A cover plate is bolted to an end fact of the ring and includes a central portion which is directly engageable with an end of the pivot pin. Free play between the pivot pin and the cover plate is adjusted by controlling the number of annular shims placed between the annular ring and the cover plate.

Abstract: A winch control valve is provided for controlling the flow of fluid to and from a clutch and a brake of a winch transmission which are operable for establishing a hold condition in the winch when no fluid pressure is connected to the clutch and brake, a free spool condition wherein pressure fluid is connected to only the brake, and a wind-in condition wherein fluid pressure is connected to both the clutch and the brake. In addition, the valve spool is provided with lands which are dimensioned slightly smaller than service ports leading to the clutch and brake of the winch so that pressure fluid may selectively be routed to the service ports and at the same time, be metered to sump whereby a partial clutch engagement pressure may be effected in the clutch to thereby establish an inching condition and whereby partial pressure may be established in the brake passage for effecting a partial release thereof so as to establish a controlled release condition in the winch.