Abstract: A lift arm assembly for a skid steer loader comprises a pair of lift arm links that are pivotally mounted together at first ends of the links. A first lift arm link is of substantial length and is pivotally mounted to the frame of the skid steer loader adjacent the rear lower portion of the frame and extends upwardly. A second lift arm link extends forwardly from the first lift arm link pivot to a position ahead of the skid steer loader frame. A control link is provided that has one end pivotally mounted to the loader frame adjacent a forward end of the loader frame, and a second end pivotally mounted to the second lift arm link to guide the second lift arm link as it is raised. An extendable and retractable actuator is pivotally mounted at a first end to the first lift arm link adjacent to the pivot of the first lift arm link to the frame. A second end of the actuator is pivotally mounted to the second lift arm link forwardly of the first lift arm length link.

Abstract: A pivot pin is provided for pivotally connecting a hydraulic actuator to a power machine. The pivot pin includes a first pin part having a first bolt-receiving passageway. The pivot pin also includes a second pin part having a second bolt-receiving passageway. In addition, the pivot pin includes a bolt that extends through and is engaged by the first and second bolt-receiving passageways.

Abstract: An extension cylinder is provided and includes an elongated tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first fluid opening formed proximate the proximal end. The extension cylinder also includes an elongated rod that is telescopically received within the elongated tube through the distal end thereof. The elongated rod has a second fluid opening formed proximate a rod distal end. A fluid communication tube is disposed between, and enables fluid communication between, the first and second fluid openings. The fluid communication tube includes a length that varies depending on how far the elongated rod is extended or retracted from the distal end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has an operator's cab mounted thereon pivoting about a horizontal pivot adjacent a forward edge of the frame of the loader and at the forward edge of the operator's cab. In a working position the cab overlies a portion of the frame that has operating components therein, and the cab can be pivoted to raise the rear of the cab to pivot it forwardly to an open position to permit access to components beneath the cab when its in its working position. The cab has positive latches for holding it in its working position, and an automatic stop to hold it in its open position. The latches are operated by levers on the back wall of the cab that are moved between a latched and unlatched position, and when they are in their unlatched position, a cover for the engine components cannot be closed.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly has a pair of lift arms that are pivotally mounted onto the frame of a loader that has a forwardly pivoting cab. The forward ends of the lift arms each have a front frame assembly that is secured to the respective lift arm. The front frame assemblies includes separate box section frames with depending leg portions that have pivots at lower ends thereof for supporting attachments for the loader. The upper ends of the box section frames have sockets that receive the lift arms. The depending portions are offset inwardly from the lift arms, and tilt cylinders for controlling the pivoting of attachments are mounted on the depending portions to align with connections for loader attachments while providing clearance above the depending portions for forward pivoting of the cab. The depending portions are secured together with a torsion resisting cross member adjacent the lower ends to provide rigidity to the lift arm assembly.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a rear mounted engine and a tailgate that pivots about a vertical axis, and the tailgate in turn carries an engine cover panel that is pivoted to the tailgate about a horizontal axis. When the tailgate is closed, the engine cover panel overlies the loader engine and other components for the skid steer loader, and provides protection and covers such components. The engine cover panel is made so that it will move upwardly for access to the components and swings away with the tailgate for access to the engine compartment.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a rear mounted engine and a tailgate that pivots about a vertical axis, and the tailgate in turn carries an engine cover panel that is pivoted to the tailgate about a horizontal axis. When the tailgate is closed, the engine cover panel overlies the loader engine and other components for the skid steer loader, and provides protection and covers such components. The engine cover panel is made so that it will move upwardly for access to the components and swings away with the tailgate for access to the engine compartment.

Abstract: A telescoping lift arm assembly has an outer lift arm tube that is formed with a cross section configuration that has spaced side walls, and outwardly extending flange guide panels at the lower portions of the side walls. An inner lift arm tube is generally bell-shaped and fits into the outer lift arm tube and has outwardly flared flanges that are parallel to the flange guide panels of the outer lift arm tube. The inner lift arm tube is held in place with a cross support plate that is supported to the side walls of the outer lift arm tube, to hold the inner lift arm tube in place. There are linear bearings between the mating outwardly flared flanges and panels, as well as between the support plate and mating lower surfaces of the inner lift arm tube. Fasteners are provided to adjustably hold the support plate secured to the outer lift arm tube.

Abstract: A pivot pin is provided for pivotally connecting a hydraulic actuator to a power machine. The pivot pin includes a first pin part having a first bolt-receiving passageway. The pivot pin also includes a second pin part having a second bolt-receiving passageway. In addition, the pivot pin includes a bolt that extends through and is engaged by the first and second bolt-receiving passageways.

Abstract: A speed reduction drive is used with a crawler track that is an endless member mounted on suitable supports including a ground engaging portion for moving a vehicle attached to a track frame. The speed reduction drive comprises a drive case having an input shaft and an output shaft. The output shaft has a pair of track drive wheel sections mounted on opposite ends thereof that protrude out from the drive case. The input shaft has a sprocket drivably mounted thereon and carrying a chain that drives a sprocket on the drive shaft. The input shaft is driven with a hydraulic motor and has a normally spring-applied pressure released brake on the input shaft. The track drive wheel sections have bars or drive elements that engage lugs on the track to effect the driving arrangement when the track drive wheel sections are rotated.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly is formed by providing a cylindrical pin portion with a boss at one end. The boss has a flat shoulder surface, so that its periphery is non-circular. A lever arm is provided with a bore that fits over and is complimentary to the boss, and the lever arm is held in place on the boss with a removable threaded fastener that secures the lever arm and the cylindrical pin portion together.

Abstract: A pivot pin assembly is formed by providing a cylindrical pin portion with a boss at one end. The boss has a flat shoulder surface, so that its periphery is non-circular. A lever arm is provided with a bore that fits over and is complimentary to the boss, and the lever arm is held in place on the boss with a removable threaded fastener that secures the lever arm and the cylindrical pin portion together.

Abstract: A telescoping lift arm assembly has an outer lift arm tube that is formed with a cross section configuration that has spaced side walls, and outwardly extending flange guide panels at the lower portions of the side walls. An inner lift arm tube is generally bell-shaped and fits into the outer lift arm tube and has outwardly flared flanges that are parallel to the flange guide panels of the outer lift arm tube. The inner lift arm tube is held in place with a cross support plate that is supported to the side walls of the outer lift arm tube, to hold the inner lift arm tube in place. There are linear bearings between the mating outwardly flared flanges and panels, as well as between the support plate and mating lower surfaces of the inner lift arm tube. Fasteners are provided to adjustably hold the support plate secured to the outer lift arm tube.

Abstract: A combined liquid tank and fan air flow housing is molded as a unit to combine needed functions in a compact preassembled unit. Separate spaced side tank portions are formed that are joined together with a front end tank to form a central opening with upper and lower ends. The opening is closed with a top plate that defines a plenum chamber and a lower fan support plate that forms a fan chamber in the central opening. A fan in the fan chamber creates an airflow from the exterior through the plenum chamber and out lateral ducts formed in the side tank portions. The inlet air flows through an oil cooler, water radiator and if desired, an air conditioner condenser in the plenum chamber. The tank formed is used for storage of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A parking lock for a vehicle such as a skid steer loader is designed to provide a positive lock of drive elements when certain conditions are present on the loader, such as the absence of an operator on an operator seat or the movement of an operator restraint to its non restraining position. The lock member comprises a disc on a final drive axle, that has a member that engages lugs on the disc to provide the locking function, and a friction brake manually operable to engage the discs to reduce the speed of rotation of the discs. The discs having lugs thereon formed in relation to the forces urging lock member toward the discs, such that the lock member will ride on the outer periphery of the disc until the speed has been reduced to a selected amount generally by operation of the brake.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls movement of a lift arm and tool on a skid steer loader. Power actuators are coupled to the lift arm circuit and the tool circuit for moving the lift arm and tool along a path. A sensor is coupled to the skid steer loader for sensing a desired parameter and providing a signal indicative of the desired parameter. A power interrupter is coupled between the power actuators for the lift arm and tool and the sensor and interrupts power to the actuators based on the signal. A manually operable bypass mechanism is coupled to the power interrupter and the power actuators and is used to bypass the power interrupter to allow movement of the lift arm.

Abstract: A power operator for use with a quick attachment device for front end loaders, which operates on existing manual levers that move locking mechanisms between locked and unlocked positions to either lock in place or release a loader attachment to the attachment frame. The actuator directly connects to pivoting portions of the manual levers and causes the levers to be moved under power between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A traction lock for a vehicle, such as skid steer loader, which provides a lock member that engages rotary drive elements in to the final traction drive of the vehicle. The lock member is operated by signals that indicate a condition on the vehicle, such as the absence of an operator on an operator seat. The lock member is controlled by a solenoid which when energized will retract the lock member from a locking position and hold it retracted and when the solenoid is de-energized, the lock member moves to intercept a lug on a rotary drive element.

Abstract: A loader boom assembly has articulated lift arms that have first and second lift arm sections pivotally mounted together. The rear lift arm section is pivotally mounted to rear portions of a prime mover frame. The main lift arm section is substantially longer than the first lift arm section and pivots on the outer end of the rear lift arm link. The lift arm sections are in a folded position when the lift arms are lowered, and a control link is provided to cause the lift arms to unfold as the lift arms are raised to keep the forward portion of the main lift arm section moving along a generally vertical path after a selected lift height to provide a better forward reach of the boom assembly at the higher range of lift. The proportional lengths of the lift arm sections and the control link and the placement of the pivot points and actuators on the main frame also provide structural integrity and efficient power utilization.