Abstract: A loader having a vehicle frame, a load lifter, a pair of arms each having one end pivoted to the frame and the other ends pivoted to the load lifter, at least one tilt cylinder carried by the arms and having an extendable rod, first links pivoted intermediate their ends to respective arms and at their ends to the rods and to second links. The second links are pivoted to the load lifter and there is included a hydraulic system including a manual actuator for controlling the cylinder to pivot the load lifter between forward and rearward positions on the arms. The invention contemplates a hydraulic element for sensing the position of the load lifter and for halting the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinder when the load lifter is moving forwardly on the arms just short of the forward position to halt such movement and provide a hydraulic cushioning effect.

Abstract: A valve group subassembly for use in a vehicle having hydraulically operable mechanisms. The subassembly includes the main valve and actuators, interconnecting duct structures, and a mounting bracket permitting the complete subassembly of the control elements. A pilot valve manifold is mounted to the bracket for hydraulic connection thereto of the pilot valves. The bracket may be resiliently mounted. The valves may be provided with removable valve stems, permitting the valve bodies to be maintained mounted to the bracket in servicing the individual valves. The subassembly is arranged to permit a bench testing thereof prior to the installation in the vehicle.

Abstract: A construction vehicle, such as a wheel-type loader, has a ladder assembly mounted on a side thereof for access to an operator's cab mounted on a platform of the vehicle. The ladder assembly comprises a pair of vertically disposed and parallel hand rails releasably attached to the side of the vehicle and a plurality of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced steps secured between the hand rails. Upper flared portions of the hand rails diverge upwardly and outwardly away from each other to form guide means to guide the feet of an operator descending from the platform onto an upper step of the ladder assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle having a housing portion defining an opening. A closure panel is provided for selectively closing the opening. The closure panel may be mounted to the housing portion by a hinge structure including a tubular female connector provided with an end portion having an outwardly opening opening. The closure panel may be provided with a male connector adapted to be passed transversely inwardly through the female connector opening into coaxial alignment with the tubular female connector, permitting axial movement of the male connector into the female connector to complete the hinged mounting of the closure panel on the housing portion. A male positioning member may be provided on a housing portion for positioning a closure panel suitably to close an opening in the housing portion for facilitated securing of the closure panel by suitable securing elements associated with the closure panel and housing portion.