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 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 boom assembly has articulated boom section which permit a lifting bucket or working tool to a raised position in which the boom end moves substantially vertically for a selected portion of its movement of the boom above which the boom end moves upwardly and forwardly. The links are used are selected in length to permit this travel. The links are supported close to the loader support axles to transfer loads to the ground through a short load path.

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.

Abstract: The Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) or cab enclosure of a skid-steer loader has been modified and a latch mechanism has been added to the loader to facilitate servicing of the loader. The Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) or cab enclosure is now positively biased at its rear pivot point away from the frame by means of a torsion spring mounted between the cab and the roll over protective structure. In addition a latch mechanism for the cab enclosure is provided, the latch mechanism comprising a cam member fixedly mounted on the frame and a latch member fixedly mounted on the cab enclosure. The latch member is positively biased toward the cam surface of the cam member and slides along the cam member as the cab enclosure is rotated away from the frame. At the end of its travel the latch bar slides into a notch provided on the cam member that positively retains the cab enclosure in a full tilt-back position while the loader is being serviced.

Abstract: A front end loader in the form of a skid-steer loader which includes a power operated working implement and control apparatus that has a plurality of operative positions for supplying power to the working implement and at least one neutral position where power cannot be supplied to the working implement. The control apparatus is capable of being manipulated by the operator of the loader to place the control apparatus in any one of the selected operative positions or the neutral position. An operator restraint member is mounted on the skid-steer loader and has an engaged position for securing the operator to the operator position during operation of the loader and a disengaged position to permit the operator to enter or leave the loader. A locking member is engaged with the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its disengaged position and is disengaged from the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its engaged position.

Abstract: An operator restraint member having two ends is pivotally mounted at each end to a skid-steer loader. The restraint member has an engaged position for securing the operator to the operator position during operation of the loader and a disengaged position to permit the operator to enter or leave the loader. A friction device is connected to one end of the restraint member to retain the restraint member in the rotative position selected by the operator until repositioned. An automatic lock-quick release latch is connected to the other end of the restraint member for selectively locking the seat bar in its engaged position. A locking assembly is engaged with the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its disengaged position and undergoes pivotal movement to become disengaged from the control apparatus when the restraint member is in its engaged position.

Abstract: A skid steer loader comprising an improved loader main frame and including an operator's compartment designed to present a low profile vehicle particularly suitable for low clearance applications. The loader main frame includes a center compartment partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced side beams. The engine for the vehicle is mounted at the rear of the center compartment and is acoustically enclosed by structural elements of the frame. A seat pan mounted on the side beams overlies the engine and transmission and separates the operator compartment from the center compartment. At a forward end of the center compartment an elongated transmission case forms a partial bottom wall and also encloses the chain and sprocket drive system of the vehicle. The side walls of the transmission case are displaced from the side walls of the frame, enabling the operator to straddle the case, thus reducing height requirements for both the operator compartment and the overall vehicle.

Abstract: A linkage, especially for the pedals of a skid-steered tractor vehicle for operating the boom arms and attachment carrier, which requires no machining or threaded couplings. The arrangement includes links made of flat bar stock. Pivotal connections between adjacent links are made by punched holes, pins and side connectors. Adjustment for linear travel is at the pedal or valve rather than in the linkage itself. Crossover in the linkage path is by a bridging link having an open slot with curved sides rocking on a flat sided pin whereby movement is transmitted laterally.

Abstract: A linkage, especially for the pedals of a skid-steered tractor vehicle for operating the boom arms and attachment carrier, which requires no machining or threaded couplings. The arrangement includes links made of flat bar stock. Pivotal connections between adjacent links are made by punched holes, pins and side connectors. Adjustment for linear travel is at the pedal or valve rather than in the linkage itself. Crossover in the linkage path is by a bridging link having an open slot with curved sides rocking on a flat sided pin whereby movement is transmitted laterally.

Abstract: A skid steer loader comprising an improved loader main frame and including an operator's compartment designed to present a low profile vehicle particularly suitable for low clearance applications. The loader main frame includes a center compartment partially defined by a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced side beams. The engine for the vehicle is mounted at the rear of the center compartment and is acoustically enclosed by structural elements of the frame. A seat pan mounted on the side beams overlies the engine and transmission and separates the operator compartment from the center compartment. At a forward end of the center compartment an elongated transmission case forms a partial bottom wall and also encloses the chain and sprocket drive system of the vehicle. The side walls of the transmission case are displaced from the side walls of the frame, enabling the operator to straddle the case, thus reducing height requirements for both the operator compartment and the overall vehicle.