Abstract: A loader linkage having a bucket and boom arm mounted to the loader vehicle by way of top and bottom links, the top link being pivotally coupled with a structural member of the vehicle that extends upwardly from the vehicle frame generally at the rear of or behind the operator station. The top link is coupled to the structural member at a point generally above and behind the operator seated on the vehicle. The linkage establishes a bucket path that extends generally vertically initially and that then extends forwardly through the entire range of upper motion of the bucket. The linkage causes the bucket to achieve maximum reach at the bucket's maximum height. The orientation of the top link also reduces the vehicles tendency to tilt rearwardly onto the rear wheel's during leveling operations.

Abstract: A rearwardly swinging operator enclosure is provided for a skid-steer loader having vertical lift arms. The enclosure, as well as the links coupling the lift arms to the loader are both pivotally mounted high on laterally spaced apart support posts carried at the rear of the enclosure. The raised pivotal mountings permit the enclosure to swing rearwardly and high above the loader components housed beneath the enclosure to allow maintenance activities to be conveniently carried out from the front of the loader. The raised pivotal mountings further permit the use of a cross member to reinforce both the support posts and lift arm links and yet avoid interference with swinging movement of the enclosure or lift links. With the cross member positioned near the top of the support posts, rear visibility is enhanced.

Abstract: A skid steer loader control linkage engageable by an operator for controlling speed and direction of the vehicle. The control linkage operatively engages a roll over protection structure that is shiftable between a lowered operating position and a raised position whereat vehicle compartments are exposed for access by the operator. The engagement of the control linkage against the roll over protection structure shifts the control linkage between an operative position and an inoperative position as the roll over protection structure shifts between the raised and lowered positions.