Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and an internal combustion (IC) engine carried by the chassis. The IC engine includes an exhaust system with a protected component and an exhaust pipe fluidly connected with the protected component. The exhaust pipe includes an inside diameter with a lower surface and a water dam connected with a predefined portion of the lower surface, whereby water is inhibited from flowing through the exhaust pipe and into the protected component.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The enclosure assembly generally includes a housing, and a hinged panel pivotal about an axis defined by a hinge assembly between an open and a closed position with respect to the housing. The axis is generally aligned in a fore and aft direction. The enclosure assembly further includes an arm pivotally coupled at the hinged panel and movable between a stowed position and an extended position. In the folded position, the arm is retained in a slot at the hinged panel. In the extended position, the arm is in general vertical alignment engaged at the housing so as to hold the hinged panel in the open position.

Abstract: A conveyor chain lubricating system and method in which lubricant is applied effectively and efficiently and in response to the condition of the chain by monitoring the level of lubrication required for the chain and in response to such level, synchronizing the speed of the dispensing valve and dispensing means with the speed of the chain's movement and the predetermined position of the pin with respect to the dispensing outlet, to accurately deposit a shot of lubricant onto each consecutive pin for a sufficient number of chain revolutions for the required level of lubrication to be attained.

Abstract: A grille arrangement for an enclosure of a drive unit of a self-propelled agricultural applicator is provided. The grille arrangement includes a screen, and a frame mounted by the screen. The frame includes a first strut connected by at least one movable latch assembly to the enclosure, and a second strut having a first linear portion aligned at an obtuse angle relative to a second linear portion in top plan view. The screen is attached at the first linear portion. With the frame and screen aligned at the obtuse angle relative to a vertical plane perpendicular to a forward direction of travel, the second linear portion slides into a notch at a vertical support strut fixed at the enclosure. Upon sliding the second linear portion in the notch, rotation of the frame rotates the second linear portion to a lock position securing the frame and screen at the enclosure.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic reservoir arrangement supported on a self-propelled agricultural applicator is provided. The hydraulic reservoir arrangement includes a tank that is preassembled so as to define an enclosed cavity configured to receive a hydraulic fluid flow. The tank includes an opening at an uppermost surface. The arrangement further includes a return conduit that is generally linear and vertically aligned along its entire length. An angled fitting is connected at an uppermost end of the return conduit. The opposite lowermost end of the return conduit passes through the opening of the uppermost surface and extends into the cavity of the tank. Only a weld connection at an outer surface of the tank attaches the return conduit at the tank.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The enclosure assembly generally includes a housing, and a hinged panel pivotal about an axis defined by a hinge assembly between an open and a closed position with respect to the housing. The axis is generally aligned in a fore and aft direction. The enclosure assembly further includes an arm pivotally coupled at the hinged panel and movable between a stowed position and an extended position. In the folded position, the arm is retained in a slot at the hinged panel. In the extended position, the arm is in general vertical alignment engaged at the housing so as to hold the hinged panel in the open position.

Abstract: A grille arrangement for an enclosure of a drive unit of a self-propelled agricultural applicator is provided. The grille arrangement includes a screen, and a frame mounted by the screen. The frame includes a first strut connected by at least one movable latch assembly to the enclosure, and a second strut having a first linear portion aligned at an obtuse angle relative to a second linear portion in top plan view. The screen is attached at the first linear portion. With the frame and screen aligned at the obtuse angle relative to a vertical plane perpendicular to a forward direction of travel, the second linear portion slides into a notch at a vertical support strut fixed at the enclosure. Upon sliding the second linear portion in the notch, rotation of the frame rotates the second linear portion to a lock position securing the frame and screen at the enclosure.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of an agricultural applicator. The enclosure assembly generally includes a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to the enclosure assembly and moveable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the first panel is positioned in general alignment with the second panel. The enclosure assembly also accommodates an exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The forward end of the first panel includes a first cutout portion and the rearward end of the second panel includes a second cutout portion each configured in the closed position to receive the exhaust outlet. From the closed position, the first panel pivots in a rearward direction and the second panel pivots in a forward direction, relative to the forward direction of travel, to access the drive unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of an agricultural applicator. The enclosure assembly generally includes a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to the enclosure assembly and moveable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the first panel is positioned in general alignment with the second panel. The enclosure assembly also accommodates an exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The forward end of the first panel includes a first cutout portion and the rearward end of the second panel includes a second cutout portion each configured in the closed position to receive the exhaust outlet. From the closed position, the first panel pivots in a rearward direction and the second panel pivots in a forward direction, relative to the forward direction of travel, to access the drive unit.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: A boom assembly is provided for use on a vehicle. The boom assembly utilizes various suspension components which absorb and damp a significant amount of various loads imparted on the boom assembly during operation of the vehicle. The boom assembly reduces the loads imparted on the booms when the vehicle pitches and rolls. By reducing the loads created by vehicle pitching and rolling, the booms receive a softer and smoother ride which increases the lifetime of the booms and lengthens the time between repair of the booms.