Abstract: A loader parking stand system includes a pair of stands mounted to the torque tube interconnecting a pair of boom arms of the loader. The connection of each stand to the torque tube is effected by inserting a connecting pin, defining the upper end of the stand, into a cylindrical receptacle projecting upwardly into and being welded to the torque tube, the receptacle being nearly vertical when the loader is disposed in an attitude for being parked. Each stand includes a latch mechanism located entirely inside the torque tube and being manually operable for selectively releasing the stand for permitting it to be swivelled through 180.degree. between its stored and park positions.

Abstract: An arm of a tractor-mounted loader is coupled to the top of a loader mast having a bottom end received in a pocket formed at an outboard area of a horizontal base plate of a loader mounting frame connected to one side of the tractor. A quick coupler support bracket is mounted to the base plate inboard of the pocket. Supported by and projecting upwardly from a horizontal fitting mounting plate of the support bracket are respective quick coupler halves forming ends of a first set of hoses that are coupled to the tractor hydraulic system. The first set of hoses extend through a hose passage, provided in a rear wall of a walled structure joined to and cooperating with the base plate so as to form a cavity therebeneath, and through a set of fitting openings provided in the fitting mounting plate. A second set of hoses extend from the rear of the arm and has a second set of quick coupler halves connected to the first set of quick coupler halves.

Abstract: A loader mounting arrangement includes a pair of mounting frames secured to the opposite sides of the tractor frame for receiving the lower ends of the loader mast posts. Each bracket includes a transversely extending pin for receiving a C-shaped forwardly opening front portion of the mast post. The rear of the mounting frame opens upwardly to guide the aft portion of the mast post end as the mast post is rocked downwardly about the axis of the rod. Projecting pin-receiving bushings in the aft portion of the mast post end are received within mating upwardly opening pockets in the mounting frame. The bushings are positively forced into the pockets by operating the boom lift cylinders with the loader attachment on the ground to assure alignment of the mast post end and the bracket. With the bushings forced downwardly into the fully seated position within the pockets, hole in the bracket are aligned with the bushing bores, and a locking pin is easily inserted to secure the mast post to the tractor.

Abstract: Quick coupling structure which is selectively connectible to a loader attachment and includes a spring-loaded latching pin located on the attachment and easily viewed from the operator station. A pin-contacting member located on the loader boom arm automatically releases the pin allowing it to move to a locking position as the attachment is rocked about a pivotal axis by an attachment cylinder. An alternate interchangeable coupling structure is provided which may be utilized on the attachment when a quick coupler is not needed, and the pivot points for the attachment remain the same with either the quick coupler or the alternate coupling attached. An attachment holder utilized with the quick coupler may be eliminated when the alternate coupling structure is connected to the attachment.

Abstract: Front end loader mounting structure including a rear support assembly for receiving pivot tubes located at the lower ends of the rear upright mast posts. A round cross tube connecting the forward ends of the mast arms is rotatable upwardly through an arc-shaped path with center of radius of the path located on the axis of the pivot tubes. The cross tube is received within an inverted cradle assembly located directly in the path and is releasably locked in a raised mounted position within the cradle assembly by latching structure remotely actuated from the tractor cab. The mast posts include downwardly extending projections which are freely received by the support assembly when the loader is in the stored position but which rotate against a locking block to secure the posts tightly to the tractor frame as the mast arms approach the upwardly rotated position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly mounting a loader on a tractor which eliminates need for loose connecting pins or bolts and tools. A pair of slotted brackets include sliding wedge blocks which automatically secure the mast post pins in position during mounting. The mast post pins are moved into the slots, and then the forward portion of the loader frame is rotated upwardly about the axis of the pins to engage forward mounting structure. The tractor is then driven forward to slide the mast post pins into the respective slotted brackets. Thereafter, the boom cylinders are actuated to rock the loader frame about the forward mounting structure and move the mast post pins into vertically disposed portions of the slots and to permit the wedge blocks to slide into their latching positions. A handle operated cam arrangement moves the block away from the slot portion for dismounting the loader.

Abstract: A push-off type manure spreader has the floor of the spreader composed of a front and rear portion with the front portion sliding rearwardly over and on the rear portion. A push-off is provided to move material from the front to the rear ends of the front floor portion. The rear portion is encased within a plastic cover and rails are provided on the rear floor portion that engage pads on the front or upper floor portion to hold the underside of the front portion out of engagement with the plastic surface on the rear portion.

Abstract: A material handling implement includes side and wall panels composed of an impact resistant structure having low frictional resistance to the sliding movement of material therefrom. The panels are resistant to the organic acids and salts commonly found in manure and incur minimal moisture buildup on their surfaces. The preferred embodiment of the panel includes a plywood sheet encased within and bonded to fiberglass reinforced polyester sheets.

Abstract: A material unloader having a conveyor and a distributing unit includes a control assembly operative from the tractor or towing vehicle by a single hydraulic control. A jaw clutch is provided for engaging and disengaging the distributing unit drive and the power shaft. A variable speed pulley assembly is operable to engage and disengage the conveyor drive and power shaft and to vary the speed of the conveyor over a wide range of values. The jaw clutch and variable speed pulley assembly are simultaneously controlled by a cam operated shifter assembly. The cam is mounted on a control shaft along with a pawl and ratchet mechanism indexed by a hydraulic cylinder to sequentially establish various combinations of conveyor and distributing unit drive conditions, including a condition wherein the distributing unit is disengaged and the conveyor is operating at a relatively high speed for fast cleanout of the unloader.