Abstract: A frame assembly includes a central tower portion having a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The first side wall portion has a first leg and a first arm each extending therefrom, and the second side wall portion has a second leg and a second arm each extending therefrom. The frame assembly also includes a hitch support assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate vertically spaced from each other. The hitch support assembly also includes a connecting member interposed between and connected to the upper plate and the lower plate. The hitch support assembly is secured to the central tower portion such that a lower end of both the first leg and the second leg are supported on the lower plate. The frame assembly further includes an axle mount assembly having a first axle plate, a second axle plate, and a support member extending therebetween, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are secured to the support member. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The cooling system for a skid steer loader provides a unitary assembly that is pivotally mounted to the body portion of the loader above the engine. The unitary assembly includes a frame, first and second heat exchangers, a shroud, a guard, a drive mechanism, and a fan. During times of maintenance on the work machine the entire cooling system can be moved to a second position providing unencumbered access to the engine compartment.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a pair of lift arms pivotally mounted to a main frame of the loader. The lift arms are connected together by a cross member located at the forward ends of the arms. The cross member is spaced ahead of a front wall member of the main frame when the lift arms are in their lowered positions so as to create a gap between the cross member and the cross member and the front wall member of the main frame where the operator enters the loader. A combination step/stop arrangement is carried on the front wall member to provide a skid resistant stepping surface across the gap between the front wall member of the main frame and the cross member of the lift arm assembly and to prevent the lift arm assembly from moving past its lowered position.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a central tower portion having a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The first side wall portion has a first leg and a first arm each extending therefrom, and the second side wall portion has a second leg and a second arm each extending therefrom. The frame assembly also includes a hitch support assembly having an upper plate and a lower plate vertically spaced from each other. The hitch support assembly also includes a connecting member interposed between and connected to the upper plate and the lower plate. The hitch support assembly is secured to the central tower portion such that a lower end of both the first leg and the second leg are supported on the lower plate. The frame assembly further includes an axle mount assembly having a first axle plate, a second axle plate, and a support member extending therebetween, wherein both the first arm and the second arm are secured to the support member. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly is also disclosed.