Abstract: A front end loader driven by a diesel engine is prevented from starting in reverse after stalling under load conditions which might place a backload on the engine. A speed sensor senses engine speed and the output of the sensor is applied to a programmable controller that controls a fuel flow solenoid. The controller compares the engine speed with a first reference speed in approximately the range of the idle speed of the engine until the engine speed is greater than the first reference speed. The controller then compares the engine speed with a second reference speed value less than the engine idle speed. If the engine speed drops below the second reference speed value, indicating an impending engine stall, the microprocessor controls the fuel flow solenoid to stop flow of fuel to the engine so that the engine stops. Since the engine is without fuel it cannot restart even if backloaded. A method of operating the diesel engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame including a compartment in which an engine, hydraulic drive components and other elements are contained. A cab is mounted above the compartment on the main frame with load bearing side walls extending upwardly to define an operator control area therebetween. Pivotally mounted on such walls is a boom structure including a pair of arms and a mounting assembly. An engine is operatively associated with the boom structure for raising and lowering each of the pair of arms along a generally vertical path adjacent a corresponding load bearing side wall to which it is coupled by the mounting assembly. The cab is mounted on the frame for conjoint movement of the side walls and the boom structure from an operative position to a remote position to provide unobstructed access to the compartment while maintaining the drive and transmission componentry in an operational mode.

Abstract: A header for a harvesting machine having a frame, a cutterbar operable to a cut standing crop and mounted on the front of the frame, and a reel also mounted on the frame and operable to sweep crop material towards and over the cutterbar, the cutterbar being adjustable relative to the frame in a fore-and-aft direction, is disclosed wherein the header includes an interlock mechanism extending between the reel and the cutterbar such that the position of the reel relative to the cutterbar is automatically adjusted upon the fore-and-aft movement of the cutterbar to maintain a substantially constant reel-cutterbar spacing.

Abstract: Augers used in farm machinery are generally rotatably mounted in a bearing plate. Often the small diameter rotor shaft of the auger becomes fouled by crop material which wraps around the shaft ultimately inhibiting rotation and sometimes damaging rotor bearings. This is avoided by rotatably mounting a larger diameter auger tube within a recess formed in the bearing plate.