Abstract: A structurally integrated fuel tank and method of assembling is disclosed. The fuel tank may comprise a body and a neck disposed on the body. The neck may be configured to be coupled to an arm of a front frame of a machine. The body may comprise a cover, an endwall and a base. The cover includes a cover hitch that defines an upper pivot bore centered about a pivot axis. The upper pivot bore is configured to receive a pivot fastener about which the fuel tank is pivotable. The endwall may be disposed below and coupled to the cover. The base may be coupled to the endwall, and may include a lower hitch that extends outward and away from the endwall. The neck and the body together define a chamber configured to store fuel. The cover is a top of such chamber.

Abstract: A frame for a construction machine includes a pair of side truss members extending along a longitudinal axis of the construction machine. Each side truss member defines one or more first cut-outs, an axle opening for receiving a portion of an axle assembly of the construction machine, and a first through-aperture. The first through-aperture is adapted to at least partially receive a fastening element for coupling the axle assembly with a corresponding side truss member. The frame also includes a first lateral truss member extending between the pair of side truss members and defining at least one second cut-out. The frame further includes a second lateral truss member extending between the pair of side truss members and defining at least one third cut-out. The pair of side truss members, the first lateral truss member, and the second lateral truss member together define a hollow space of the frame.

Abstract: An articulation joint for a machine includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a hinge pin, a bearing member, a bushing member, and a washer assembly. The washer assembly includes a thrush washer and a housing. The thrust washer includes a plurality of washer segments. Each of the plurality of washer segments is adapted to be disposed co-planar and adjacent with respect to one another. The plurality of washer segments defines a central space adapted to receive the hinge pin therethrough. The housing includes a plurality of housing segments. Each of the plurality of housing segments is adapted to be disposed co-planar and adjacent with respect to one another. The plurality of housing segments defines an internal space adapted to enclose each of the washer segments therein.

Abstract: A structurally integrated fuel tank and method of assembling is disclosed. The fuel tank may comprise a body and a neck disposed on the body. The neck may be configured to be coupled to an arm of a front frame of a machine. The body may comprise a cover, an endwall and a base. The cover includes a cover hitch that defines an upper pivot bore centered about a pivot axis. The upper pivot bore is configured to receive a pivot fastener about which the fuel tank is pivotable. The endwall may be disposed below and coupled to the cover. The base may be coupled to the endwall, and may include a lower hitch that extends outward and away from the endwall. The neck and the body together define a chamber configured to store fuel. The cover is a top of such chamber.

Abstract: An articulation joint for a machine includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a hinge pin, a bearing member, a bushing member, and a washer assembly. The washer assembly includes a thrush washer and a housing. The thrust washer includes a plurality of washer segments. Each of the plurality of washer segments is adapted to be disposed co-planar and adjacent with respect to one another. The plurality of washer segments defines a central space adapted to receive the hinge pin therethrough. The housing includes a plurality of housing segments. Each of the plurality of housing segments is adapted to be disposed co-planar and adjacent with respect to one another. The plurality of housing segments defines an internal space adapted to enclose each of the washer segments therein.