Abstract: In a tractor having a front end adapted to have an optional piece of equipment connected thereto, a front end weight option arrangement which comprises a mounting plate secured to the front end of the tractor, which mounting plate has an exposed front surface adapted for mating engagement with the rear surface of the optional piece of equipment, and the mounting plate further having openings formed therein which are alignable with openings of the optional piece of equipment such that fasteners may be inserted through both sets of openings for securement of the optional piece of equipment to the mounting means. A weight plate is provided for interposition between the mounting plate and the optional piece of equipment, and any number of identical weight plates may be mounted in a longitudinal fore and aft arrangement between the optional piece of equipment and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A load handling vehicle having a load handling device disposed in front of the vehicle body and tiltable by a pair of opposite tilting cylinders. A main frame extends longitudinally of the vehicle and is fixed to each side of the vehicle body at a plurality of locations spaced apart longitudinally thereof. Each tilting cylinder extends longitudinally of the vehicle and is positioned above and close to the corresponding main frame in the vicinity of the front wheel fender inside thereof. The tilting cylinder is connected to a bracket on the main frame in the vicinity of and above the front axle and terminates at a position below the steering assembly of the vehicle. The arrangement of the cylinders permits the device to be positioned close to the vehicle body, enabling the driver to obtain a good forward view. The vehicle body is reinforced by the main frames against fracture.

Abstract: A traction device for a motor vehicle which may include a heavy weight for placing in the trunk of an automobile or in the box of a truck. A better form of weight-type traction device includes a metal body for mounting on a motor vehicle axle and a strap, the ends of which are connected to the body, to securely mount the body on the axle.

Abstract: A weight support assembly for mounting to the rear frame portion of a tractor comprising a first side and second sidewall, and a bottom support plate fixably mounted along the longitudinal sides thereof to the lower portion of respective sidewalls and extending generally horizontally. The frame's rearwardmost portion pivotally supporting the first and second sidewalls in transversely spaced apart relationship such that the first and second sidewalls extend generally vertical, the bottom support plate being located generally below the frame and extending generally inwardly forward of the frame. A first support arm and second support arm are pivotally mounted to the frame at a point therealong at one end and pivotally mounted at the other end to a respective one of the first and second sidewalls. A plurality of weights horizontally extending and vertically stacked on the bottom support plate. A plurality of bolts journalled vertically through the bottom support plate and weights.

Abstract: A connecting and coupling arrangement for frontal attachment to a tractor includes at least one lower link, an actuating means, an angle lever, an optional upper link and a lift strut for connection to an item of equipment. Connected to the working vehicle is a frame which can slidably carry an ancillary frame which can be connected to an item of equipment or to a weight. In addition, the frame and the ancillary frame may be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal center plane of the tractor to increase the stability thereof.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly is mounted at the rear end of a vehicle adapted for having an implement mounted to its forward end. The counterweight assembly is incorporated into a rear bumper assembly and includes rectangular weights having notched lower edges received on a pair of transversely spaced bumper mounting rods. The mounting rods are received in holes provided in a rear cross member of the vehicle frame and have nuts received on threaded forward ends.

Abstract: Plate-like ballast weights attached by noses to a support or carrier element located at the front of an agricultural prime mover. The nose of each individual ballast weight is spaced from the rest of the ballast weight by such an amount that the latter can be hung by the nose on the support or carrier element in a hanging-in or attaching position, and can subsequently be pivoted into its end position with the nose on a slope or inclination of the support or carrier element. A projection in the lower region of the ballast weight catches in a recess in the end position of the support or carrier element. The ballast weights can be secured in this end position by an arresting arrangement in the region of the noses thereof.

Abstract: A heavy duty vehicle characterized by its high traction wherein the vehicle includes a frame consisting of a heavy metal plate of a length substantially equal to the vehicle length. The frame includes laterally extending portions substantially equal to the vehicle width, and the frame may be used to define vehicle fender supports and front and rear bumpers. The frame comprises a significant portion of the vehicle net weight, and in many instances may constitute substantially one half of the vehicle weight.

Abstract: A tractor for agricultural purposes, particularly for seedbed preparation, which comprises an engine of thirty or more kilowatts' power, a frame having two frame parts which are movable relative to each other about the frame's longitudinal axis, an axle extending from each side of each frame part which mounts on common wheel supports two tandem wheels having pneumatic tires mounted thereon. Each wheel is driven directly by its own hydraulic motor which is energized by a common hydraulic pump which, in turn, is driven by a diesel motor. The latter also drives via a gear box PTOs extending outwardly between wheels fore and aft and is the power source for two lifting devices, also extending outwardly between wheels fore and aft. The weight of the tractor is about forty kilograms per kilowatt engine power. Each lifting device has at its coupling points, a lifting capacity of at least one thousand kilograms.

Abstract: A traction rack for a rear axle driven truck is provided which comprises a generally rectangularly-shaped assembly having side elements sized for placement on the bed of the truck between the wheel wells, lead weights attached to respective ends of the side elements to form the rectangular assembly having substantial weight concentrated near the ends of the assembly near the wheel wells, one of the side elements having an extension on each end exceeding the spacing between the wheel wells to facilitate placement and restraint of the rack over the rear axle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting arrangement (47) for pivotally connecting a counterweight (18) and a steering axle assembly (30) to a trunnion shaft (28) of a vehicle (10) which eliminates the problems of removal of both of the counterweight (18) and the steering axle assembly (30) when only one needs to be removed, serviceability, accessibility, visibility, strength and stability.

Abstract: A front end weight carrier for supporting a plurality of front end weights underneath the grille of a tractor in a manner for conveniently changing the number of weights mounted on a support bar.

Abstract: An extremely massive mobile crain counterweight requiring demounting from the crane rotary superstructure for separate transport or storage has self-contained raising and lowering mechanism which may be powered from the crane carrier and which forms a part of the counterweight mass. The internal counterweight mechanism is shielded from ballast, such as shot, which fills the interior of the counterweight. A foot plate forming a part of the raising and lowering mechanism of the counterweight is lockable in extended and retracted positions and is constructed for interlocking engagement with a locator structure on the crane carrier. An efficient and simplified sequence of counterweight manipulating steps is enabled.

Abstract: A ballast designed particularly for carrying upon an automotive vehicle in an unobtrusive manner; the device including a flexible rubber tubing filled with a quantity of sand of known weight and the opposite ends of the tubing being tied or heat sealed in a closed position, and the weight of the ballast being imprinted on its outer side.

Abstract: Tractors often have front ballast weights to counter-balance rear-mounted implements. These weights are usually contiguous parallel cast plates disposed in longitudinal vertical planes. Transversely aligned recesses are often provided in the front edges of the plates to form a towing mouth, and complementary semi-cylindrical grooves in the side faces of the plates form cylindrical holes intersecting the towing mouth, one such hole containing a hitch pin. Side loading is transmitted back to the weakest section of those weights carrying the hitch pin; and the hitch pin is a loose fit in its hole because the latter is formed by cast grooves. To avoid these disadvantages, the grooves are omitted and a clevis fitted partially within the recesses is clamped to the tractor frame by bolts passing through longitudinal holes in the respective weights and has upper and lower jaws with vertically aligned machined holes for the hitch pin.

Abstract: A novelty motor vehicle has a pair of rear wheels of diameter greater than that of the front wheels. An engine is mounted on the rear of the chassis aft of the rear wheels. Weights are mounted on the rear of the chassis aft of the rear wheels. A transmission is provided. A special gear box is mounted on the chassis and coupled to the engine. Two drive shafts are provided; one from the transmission to the special gear box for rotating the gears and the other from the special gear box to the rear end for driving the vehicle slower. An independent hand brake system selectively brakes either of the rear wheels to turn the vehicle about the braked wheel when the front wheels are on the ground or in the air due to the weight on the chassis aft of the rear wheels.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly for a vehicle comprising an open-end support frame anchored to the vehicle chassis and extending longitudinally from the latter beneath the overhang of an engine supported on one end of the chassis. A plurality of weights 21 are suspended from the support frame. Co-acting means 25-26 on the support frame and the weights 21 provide for self-alignment of the weights upon insertion of the latter through the open end into the support frame. The co-acting means are constructed and arranged to provide line contact between portions of the support frame and each weight to minimize sliding resistance as the weights are moved in the direction of the chassis toward locating stop means 31. Securing means 28 lock the weights in place on the support frame.

Abstract: The invention recognizes that the areas of the load carrying bed of a pick-up truck between the rear wheel wells and vertical framing are not particularly accessible for payload. The ballast fits into this space in a manner which automatically locks it in place by reason of its shape. The preferred arrangement can be filled with sand so that its weight can be inexpensively and conveniently changed to fit changing circumstances.

Abstract: A fork-lift truck having a chassis provided with a counterweight to balance the weight of a load carried by the mast and fork of the vehicle and an internal-combustion engine for propelling the vehicle, e.g. via a hydrostatic transmission, has the passages for the flow of cooling air to and from the engine formed directly in the counterweight and provided with flow-deflecting bends to serve as noise dampers. The noise at least emitted from the intake duct is thus partially damped by absorption of acoustic energy in the relatively massive counterweight.

Abstract: A vehicle frame has first and second members having adjustably telescoping channel portions securable by bolts disposed in selected combinations of holes provided in the channel portions for providing a total vehicle frame of a chosen length and wheelbase. Adjacent portions of the respective members define portions of a battery compartment which varies with the size of the vehicle frame to accommodate the power requirements thereof. Channel shaped spacers join facing portions of the members for increased strength of the resulting frame.A rear axle mounting assembly is adjustably mounted on the rear member for independent adjustment of the wheelbase.A second embodiment has front and rear members secured by a selected nestable spacer member having an adjustable axle mounting for independent adjustment of the vehicle frame and wheelbase.

Abstract: An improved counterbalancing structure for counterbalancing a material handling machine having an elevated operator compartment wherein the counterbalancing counterweight is picked up by means of a material handling structure carried on lift arms at one end of the machine. The counterweight is provided with an upper hooking portion which is disposed in the line of sight of an operator in a normal operating position in the operator compartment with the lift arms and material handling structure being disposed below the line of the sight of the operator in a lowermost pickup position thereof. The counterweight may include a weight portion having a low center of gravity. The upper hooking portion may be defined by a bracket portion of the counterweight extending substantially upwardly from the weight portion thereof. The material handling structure of the machine may be provided with an upwardly projecting bracket which is similarly in the line of sight of the operator during the counterweight pickup operation.

Abstract: Hydraulic fluid conduits are disposed in a counterweight which is adapted to be secured between a tractor and an earth-working implement such as a backhoe. The counterweight has a tractor-engaging side and an earth-working implement-engaging side from which the conduits extend. The conduits are equipped with hydraulic couplings for mating with the hydraulic lines from the tractor and an earth-working implement.

Abstract: An improved tractor having a front section pivotally coupled to a rear section wherein the front section has a radiator, front wheels, and a tiltable cab. Wrapped around the radiator at the extreme end of the front section is a combination bumper and storing area for hydraulic fluid. The additional weight of the hydraulic storing area in front of the radiator substantially prevents front wheel slippage. Also mounted on the front section is a tiltable cab having air conditioning and a pedestal chair seating the operator. The air conditioning system is designed to force air from both a forward intake and a rearward intake between the top of the cab and a dome-shaped roof having a plurality of holes formed therein for uniformly distributing the air from the front and rear conditioners over the operator. The pedestal chair is designed to have forward and rearward movement as well as pivotal movement.

Abstract: An arrangement of a detachable ballast weight, especially at the front side of an agricultural motor vehicle, which includes a holding device connected to the vehicle transverse to the driving direction of the latter for receiving the ballast weight. The ballast weight is adapted non-rotatably to be suspended on the holding device by catching behind the holding device or a protrusion thereof and is adapted to be locked in its suspended position by means of a locking shaft when the latter extends transverse to the ballast weight and behind a portion thereof. The two ends of the locking shaft are by means of radially engaging clamping elements detachably connectable to the holding device or to a part connected thereto.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a hood normally seated on the mid portion of a frame. A counterweight has a first portion positioned adjacent a first portion of the hood and connected to the hood. A second portion of the counterweight is positioned adjacent and pivotally connected to the frame end portion for pivotal movement of the counterweight and the hood in unison and relative to the frame between a first position at which the hood is seated on the frame and a second position at which the hood is spaced from the frame. A fluid jack has first and second elements movable relative to each other with the first element being pivotally anchored to the frame end portion and the second element being pivotally connected to the counterweight. The fluid jack is of a construction sufficient for pivoting the counterweight and hood between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A counterweight mounting assembly has a counterweight mounted thereon and a shear pin is extended to dispose it in aligned bores formed in the counterweight and in the frame of the vehicle. When the counterweight is lowered for removal from the vehicle, the operator first pulls on a handle secured to the shear pin to retract the shear pin into a stored position within the counterweight. First and second stops are provided between the counterweight and the shear pin to hold the shear pin at each of its extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A construction vehicle has a rear bumper assembly mounted on a frame thereof. The bumper assembly comprises a horizontally disposed bottom plate and a plurality of upstanding plates which define a closed compartment having a counterweight disposed therein. The counterweight is attached to the bottom plate by a spacer which extends through the center of gravity of the counterweight and by a pair of bolts attached to opposite ends of the spacer. The counterweight is assembled by attaching a lifting eye to the spacer, lowering and simultaneously centering the counterweight in the compartment, replacing the lifting eye with one of the above-mentioned bolts and attaching the other bolt to the spacer.

Abstract: An improved mounting and locking arrangement useful in a vehicle having load-lifting means at a first portion thereof, and a removable counterweight at a second portion thereof, on an opposite side of the center of gravity of the vehicle from the load-lifting means. The improved arrangement comprises a pin extending generally vertically upwardly from the second portion of the vehicle. The pin fits within a bore which extends generally vertically upwardly into the counterweight. A generally horizontal rod is slidably positioned within a generally horizontal hole in the counterweight. A frame member of the vehicle, is part of the second portion thereof, has a generally horizontal hole therein aligned with the generally horizontal counterweight hole to slidably receive a first end of the rod. Apparatus is also provided for slidably positioning the rod relative to the generally horizontal counterweight and frame member holes.

Abstract: A vehicle including a frame with ground engaging terrain traversing wheels thereon. A counterweight is at one end of the frame and in abutment therewith and an eyebolt has its shank extending through the counterweight and attached to the frame with its head remote from the frame whereby the eye bolt (a) secures the counterweight to the frame, and (b) may serve as a towing eye.

Abstract: A counterweight structure for use in counterbalancing earthmoving apparatus, such as a loader, having a removable backhoe. The counterweight includes bracket structures for facilitated mounting of the counterweight to different supports carried by the drive machine of the earthmoving apparatus. One of the bracket structures is adapted for temporarily supporting the counterweight on a support portion of a removable section of the earthmoving apparatus, such as the backhoe thereof. The bracket structures are adapted to permit the transfer between the different supports by normal operation of the apparatus whereby a transfer may be effected by a single operator.

Abstract: A counterweight system for use with an earthmoving apparatus adapted for selectively counterbalancing the front end of the drive machine thereof or the rear end of the drive machine thereof depending on whether or not an earthmoving structure is attached to the rear end. The rear end earthmoving structure may comprise a backhoe which is removably connected to the drive machine permitting the apparatus at times to function solely as a bulldozer or front loader apparatus. The counterweight system permits the counterweight to be installed on the front end earthmoving structure when the backhoe is in use thereon to counterbalance the backhoe. The counterweight system permits the counterweight to be installed on the rear end of the drive machine when the backhoe is removed therefrom so as to reversely counterbalance the apparatus when utilizing the same as a conventional front loader or bulldozer apparatus.