Abstract: Construction vehicles of the type having a pair of lift arms extending from the frame to support a work implement, have generally been restricted to operating one specific tool. The attempt to combine the operation of several different work implements has been met with severe functional restrictions since some work implements have specific requirements not found in the operation of others. In order to provide a lift arm linkage arrangement that incorporates the functional requirements necessary to operate a plurality of work implements while maintaining a simple, yet efficient construction, an electronic controller has been included in the design. The electronic controller includes a plurality of sensors that are operatively associated with the lift and tilt linkage of the lift arm arrangement. The sensors enable the electronic controller to constantly monitor the current position of the lift arms and the work implement and compare them with a programmed sequence of movements.

Abstract: Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with a linkage arrangement on one end that is utilized to manipulate a work implement, such as a loader bucket. The linkage typically includes a tilting arrangment for the bucket that incorporates a tilt lever that is mounted to a lift arm that supports the bucket. The mounting between the tilt lever and the lift arm is normally of a complex nature requiring multiple bearing surfaces and lubrication means. Others may have a structure that requires exact positioning between the relative components or a failure will occur due to improper loading. The linkage arrangement of the present invention provides a mounting member that is attached to only one of the tilt levers. It also includes an axial motion limiter that is attached to the other tilt lever. In doing so, a very simple and economical mounting device is provided. The mounting device also allows the tilt levers to rotate with respect to each other so that each of the levers function to bear a portion of the loading.