Abstract: A coupler for releasably coupling an attachment to a heavy-equipment machine. The coupler comprises a frame, and a plurality of connection elements extending from the frame, with the connection elements configured to engage with the attachment. The coupler additionally comprises a locking pin configured to extend simultaneously through the frame and the attachment. The coupler further comprises a locking element configured to selectively engage with the locking pin to securely couple the coupler to the attachment. The coupler further comprises an actuator configured to shift the locking element between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A blade assembly may include a blade and a wing. The blade may be configured to be pivotably attached to a machine. The wing may be pivotably attached to an end of the blade to adjust a width of the blade assembly. The wing may be movable relative to the blade over a range of motion that is greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A bumper attachment for a truck accessory including a bumper assembly, a power systems assembly and an attachment assembly. The bumper assembly is coupled to the front end of a truck. The power assembly is mounted to the bumper assembly. The power assembly includes hydraulic connectors, blade connectors, and pneumatic. The attachment assembly is coupled to the bottom end of the truck and extends beyond the front end of the bumper. Furthermore, the attachment assembly includes a bracket and frame that can be positioned in various configurations to allow receive different attachments. The bracket can receive hydraulic and electronic attachments which are then operatively coupled to the power systems assembly.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes determining a given material to manipulate to achieve a goal state. The goal state can be one or more deformable or granular materials in a particular arrangement. The method further includes, for the given material, determining, a respective outcome for each of a plurality of candidate actions to manipulate the given material. The determining can be performed with a physics-based model, in one embodiment. The method further can include determining a given action of the candidate actions, where the outcome of the given action reaching the goal state is within at least one tolerance. The method further includes, based on a selected action of the given actions, generating a first motion plan for the selected action.

Abstract: A plow collateral damage mitigating system for the minimization of collateral damage done by otherwise routine and/or careless usage of a plow blade is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a signal transmission cable configured to be disposed around a periphery of an area that is to be plowed; one or more receivers on a snow plow device or vehicle that are configured to receive at least one signal conveyed by the signal transmission cable; at least one actuator controlling an orientation of a plow blade of the snow plow device; and a control unit configured to automatically control the orientation of the plow blade by means of adjusting the at least one actuator based upon the at least one signal of the signal transmission cable so as to avoid damaging a boundary feature and/or obstruction disposed at the periphery of the area being plowed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling vehicle accessories using a vehicle communication bus. A vehicle integration controller may be configured to monitor messages written to the vehicle communication bus to control one or more accessories equipped on the vehicle. The vehicle may be equipped with an accessory communication bus to which one or more accessory controllers are coupled. Accordingly, the vehicle integration controller may write messages to the accessory communication bus to control operation of the vehicle accessories. Additionally, the vehicle integration controller may write messages to the vehicle communication bus to adapt to operation of the vehicle accessories.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus may be used with a vehicle having an electric plug. The apparatus may include an auxiliary lighting system having a front facing auxiliary light, a controller, and auxiliary wiring that transmits an electric signal from the electric plug. The controller may be programmed to operate the auxiliary light based directly or indirectly on an electric signal from the electric plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve unit for the exclusive hydraulic actuation of the locking means of a mechanical quick-changer for attachments of a construction machine, wherein the valve unit comprises a feed pressure connector for applying the feed pressure, a first valve unit outlet for connecting an unlocking pressure line, a second valve unit outlet for connecting a locking pressure line, at least one discharge to the tank, and at least two switchable directional valves, with the feed pressure connector being connected or connectable to the second valve unit outlet via a serial connection of the at least two switchable directional valves.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a control system for use with a vehicle having handlebars that are configured to enable vehicle steering. The handlebars define a pair of grasping portions that are disposed to facilitate grasping by a vehicle operator's hands. The vehicle also includes a powertrain and an accessory. The control system includes a manually actuable primary selector disposed adjacent one of the grasping portions to enable manual actuation while one of the vehicle operator's hands grasps the one grasping portion. The primary selector is configured to operate in a powertrain mode to control an aspect of the powertrain, and to operate in a separate accessory mode to control an aspect of the accessory. A manually actuable override selector is disposed adjacent the one grasping portion. The override selector is configured to be manually actuable to switch the primary selector between the powertrain mode and the accessory mode.

Abstract: A wing plow post and method of manufacturing the post is disclosed. The post is intended for attaching a wing plow to vehicle for moving material, such as snow. The links of the post are parallel to the angle of the wing plow when the plow is in the plowing position to minimize stress on the post and frame of the vehicle. The post includes a float collar on the hydraulic lift cylinder to provide free floating of the toe end of the wing plow. It allows a wing plow to move over road surfaces and limit the stress on both the post itself and the frame of the vehicle to which the post is attached. Further, the present invention also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.

Abstract: An operation input device includes: an operation body having a handle portion. The operation body tilting around a rotation center point when a user tilts the operation axis line of the handle portion. The operation body tilting in a predetermined number of tilting directions. The operation input device including multiple detection portions, the number of the detection portions being less than the predetermined number of tilting directions of the operation body. Each detection portion outputting a first output value when the operation body tilts in a direction corresponding to the detection portion and outputting a second output value when the operation body tilts in a direction not corresponding to the detection portion. A determination device determines a tilting direction of the operation body based on information on the number of first output values and information on a part of the detection portions that have outputted the first output values.

Abstract: An excavation control system includes a working unit, hydraulic cylinders, a prospective speed obtaining part, a relative speed obtaining part, a speed limit selecting part and a hydraulic cylinder controlling part. The prospective speed obtaining part obtains first and second prospective speeds depending on first and second intervals between first and second monitoring points of the bucket and a designed surface, respectively. The relative speed obtaining part obtains first and second relative speeds of the first and second monitoring points relative to the designed surface, respectively. The speed limit selecting part selects one of the first and second prospective speeds as a speed limit based on relative relations between the first and second relative speeds and the first and second prospective speeds, respectively. The hydraulic cylinder controlling part limits a relative speed of one of the first and second monitoring points to the speed limit.

Abstract: A snow plow includes a control unit for controlling a raising/lowering drive mechanism so that an auger housing becomes horizontal, a relative angle detection unit for detecting the angle of the auger housing relative to a travel frame, and a horizontal detection unit for detecting the horizontal state of the auger housing. The control unit stops the raising/lowering drive mechanism when the control unit assess that either a first condition or a second condition is satisfied, the first condition being that the relative angle be zero and the second condition being that the auger housing be horizontal.

Abstract: A snow plow including a control unit for controlling the raising and lowering of an auger housing, a reset switch that can be operated by a worker, and a reset display light that illuminates in conjunction with the turning on of the reset switch. The control unit automatically raises and lowers the auger housing in accordance with the reverse and forward traveling of travel device, and automatically adjusts the auger housing to a horizontal position during forward travel of the travel device upon receiving an on signal from the reset switch. The control unit maintains the illuminated state of the illuminated reset display light according to the turning on of the reset switch, even when the travel device is traveling in reverse, and extinguishes the reset display light upon receiving a termination signal for terminating snow plowing work performed with an auger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a work vehicle having a hydraulic apparatus which can reliably prevent erroneous operation of the valve of the hydraulic apparatus even when the operating lever is moved inadvertently. With this hydraulic apparatus, with operations of a single operating lever in two directions, two valves are operated respectively. Two valve operating links for operating the two valves respectively are pivotally supported to a support shaft provided to a pair of frame plates and a lock pin is provided to the frame plates. The two valve operating links form pin holes. When the two valves are at the neutral positions, the lock pin is inserted into the pin holes with a locking operation of a lock operating tool, thus fixing the valve operating links and locking the valves.

Abstract: A safety system for a wireless snowplow controller makes the wireless controller safer and more effective. The system includes a vehicle, a snowplow, a wireless controller and a tether. The controller wirelessly sends one or more control signs to one or more control modules coupled to the vehicle and/or the snowplow. The control signals may be used to control operation of the snowplow. The controller may be configured such that it is only able to send control signals when it is connected, via the tether, to a power supply coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowplow blade articulator assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching a snowplow blade to a vehicle chassis. A hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir are attached to the mounting frame, the hydraulic reservoir supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. An articulating assembly is attached to the mounting frame for moving the snowplow blade when the snowplow blade is attached to the mounting frame, the articulating assembly is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and the articulating assembly includes a lift cylinder and a hydraulic manifold. The hydraulic manifold includes a downforce circuit that fluidly isolates the lift cylinder from the hydraulic pump when a first control valve is closed and the downforce circuit fluidly connects a lift chamber of the lift cylinder with a lower chamber of the lift cylinder to maintain equal hydraulic pressure in the lift chamber and in the lower chamber.

Abstract: In a rotation control device for rotating a rotation motor at speed in accordance with a boom raising operation amount, at the time of a combined operation for simultaneously performing a rotation action and a boom raising action, a limitation value of rotation torque in accordance with the boom raising operation amount is determined by rotation torque limitation value setting means of a controller, the limitation value serving as a rotation torque limitation value is sent to rotation speed control means, and a command value of the rotation torque is torque-limited by rotation torque limiting means.

Abstract: A wing plow post and method of manufacturing the post is disclosed. The post is intended for attaching a wing plow to vehicle for moving material, such as snow. The links of the post are parallel to the angle of the wing plow when the plow is in the plowing position to minimize stress on the post and frame of the vehicle. The post includes a float collar on the hydraulic lift cylinder to provide free floating of the toe end of the wing plow. It allows a wing plow to move over road surfaces and limit the stress on both the post itself and the frame of the vehicle to which the post is attached. Further, the present invention also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.

Abstract: A front loader 3 is connected to a front portion of a tractor 1 having a tractor body. The front loader 3 includes mounting frames 7 arranged at right and left sides of the tractor body, booms 8 pivotally supported by upper ends of the mounting frames 7 to be vertically swingable, and a working implement 9 swingably connected to distal ends of the booms 8. A control valve 45 is disposed outside the tractor body 2 and rearwardly of one of the mounting frames 7 for controlling hydraulic cylinders 17, 29.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly may combine a wireless control system used to raise and lower a plow blade with a mechanism that automatically pivots the plow blade from side to side based on the load encountered by the plow blade.

Abstract: A wing plow post and method of manufacturing the post is disclosed. The post is intended for attaching a wing plow to vehicle for moving material, such as snow. The links of the post are parallel to the angle of the wing plow when the plow is in the plowing position to minimize stress on the post and frame of the vehicle. The post includes a float collar on the hydraulic lift cylinder to provide free floating of the toe end of the wing plow. It allows a wing plow to move over road surfaces and limit the stress on both the post itself and the frame of the vehicle to which the post is attached. Further, the present invention also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.

Abstract: A snowplow blade articulator assembly includes a mounting frame for attaching a snowplow blade to a vehicle chassis. A hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir are attached to the mounting frame, the hydraulic reservoir supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. An articulating assembly is attached to the mounting frame for moving the snowplow blade when the snowplow blade is attached to the mounting frame, the articulating assembly is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and the articulating assembly includes a lift cylinder and a hydraulic manifold. The hydraulic manifold includes a downforce circuit that fluidly isolates the lift cylinder from the hydraulic pump when a first control valve is closed and the downforce circuit fluidly connects a lift chamber of the lift cylinder with a lower chamber of the lift cylinder to maintain equal hydraulic pressure in the lift chamber and in the lower chamber.

Abstract: An auxiliary hydraulic system for vehicles, in particular pick-up trucks, is configured to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to both on-board and off-board auxiliary equipment such as snow plows, dump boxes and wood splitters. The auxiliary hydraulic system includes a multi-piston fluid pump with electrically selectable poppet valves and an associated microprocessor control that facilitates variable output so that a desired proportional flow can be supplied to the auxiliary equipment. The system also provides a switchable valve arrangement for directional control and an arrangement of fluid distribution pipes and detachable couplings so that a range of different auxiliary equipment can be quickly and simply connected to the system. A simple user interface is also included so that the operator can command the auxiliary equipment from either within or in close proximity to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle skid recovery system, which is able to accelerate skid recovery, when an automotive vehicle begins to skid as a result of ice accumulation on the road surface. The embodiments control operation of ice removers (e.g., blades or heaters), which are mounted within the wheel wells forward of the wheel, based on information received from the vehicle's outside temperature sensor and anti-lock braking system (ABS). When the temperature sensor indicates that the outside temperature is below a predetermined temperature (e.g., below freezing) and when the anti-lock braking system is activated as a result of detected skid, a controller activates the ice remover in one or more of the wheel wells and, thereby cause the ice remover to remove ice from the road surface forward of the corresponding wheel. Clearing the ice allows the vehicle's tires to gain traction on the road surface and, thereby stops the skid.

Abstract: A finger plow includes an extension which may be extended or retracted to enable the finger plow to discharge snow and ice away from the wheels of the vehicle and to make a relatively wider snow cleared path while not unduly extending beyond the sidewalls of the wheels of the vehicle when not engaged in a plowing operation. The finger plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow with one or two extensions. In the later case, the finger plow and one or more extension finger plows are rotatable relative to the chassis of the vehicle. Shear pins or a resilient mechanism may be provided to permit the finger plow to pivot rearwardly in the event that the finger plow extension encounters an obstacle.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a snow plow blade mounted on a vehicle that uses the turn signal/high beam control stalk mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle to control a actuation of the snow plow blade mounted on the vehicle. The control system operates in two alternately selectable modes, one of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to operate the turn signals and high beams of the vehicle, and the other of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to raise, lower, and pivot the snow plow blade. The control system may be switched between the two modes by initiating one of two respective sequences of actuation of one or more electrical switches in the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid pressure drive unit that can fulfill a position holding function stably even when an external force acts during the time when the position is held, the unit being used, for example, for the right and left angle adjustment of a snow plow blade. There is provided a first excessive load relief valve 6 for letting a working fluid escape from a bottom-side pipe line 10a, which connects the bottom-side port of a single-rod double acting cylinder 2 to the bottom side of an operate check valve 4, to a rod-side pipe line 10b, which connects the rod-side port of the single-rod double acting cylinder 2 to the rod side of the operate check valve 4, and there is provided a second excessive load relief valve 7 for letting the working fluid escape from the rod-side pipe line 10b to a tank 3. Also, there is provided a negative pressure preventing check valve 8 for allowing the working fluid to flow into the bottom-side pipeline 10a from the tank 3.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating a snow plow is disclosed which utilizes a programmable, wireless remote control for providing fully functional operation of a snow plow blade mounted on a vehicle. The system includes a remote control that can be used to operate both a snow plow and a spreader, with the system being configurable to work with any of a variety of different snow plows. The remote control may be programmed to perform a series of functions that can be sequentially performed by pressing a single button on the remote control.

Abstract: A headlight control system for use on a snow plow mounted on the front of a vehicle and a related method are disclosed that automatically, selectively illuminate the headlights of the vehicle in addition to the headlights of the snow plow only when the snow plow blade is in a down position such that it is not physically obstructing the headlights of the vehicle. The headlight control system and method only operate to turn on the vehicle headlights when the snow plow lights are turned on. The headlight control system and method are capable of operating both the low beam headlights and the high beam headlights of the vehicle in conjunction with the low beam headlights and the high beam headlights of the snow plow when the snow plow blade is lowered.

Abstract: A self-propelled snow remover has a machine body, a snow-removing implement mounted to a front part of the machine body for undergoing rolling and vertical movement relative to the machine body, and an operating unit mounted to a rear part of the machine body. An alignment operating member is mounted to the operating unit for rolling and vertically moving the snow-removing implement. The alignment operating member is disposed on one of opposite sides of a widthwise central line of the machine body. A return operating member is mounted to the operating unit for automatically returning the snow-removing implement to a predetermined reference position. The return operating member is disposed proximate to the alignment operating member at a position closer to the widthwise central line of the machine body than the alignment operating member and further towards the rear part of the machine body than the alignment operating member.

Abstract: A remote control for shifting the gears of a snowplow truck automatic transmission with the remote control being positioned adjacent the remote controller for the truck's snowplow. The driver of the snowplow vehicle may steer the vehicle with his/her left hand and will have the remote controller for the truck snowplow and the remote controller for shifting the gears of the snowplow truck in his/her right hand which eliminates the need for the gear shift of the vehicle to be manually manipulated at the beginning or end of forward or rearward snowplow runs.

Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.

Abstract: An extensible snowplough blade comprises a fixed blade body (10), having a substantially linear conformation in a longitudinal direction and is provided, at a posterior surface (11) thereof, with means for support (12). It further comprises a raising structure (20) for defining a hinged connection between the blade body (10) and a vehicle (150). The raising structure (20) in turn comprises a frame (21) for fixing thereof to the vehicle (150) and coupling means (25) of the fixed frame (21) to the means for support (12). The extensible snowplough blade (100) further comprises a first extension (30), slidably mounted on the means for support (12) in a parallel position to the blade body (10) and destined to extend longitudinally with respect to the blade body (10) in a left-wards direction, and a second extension (40), slidably mounted on the means for support (12) in a parallel position to the blade body (10) and destined to extend longitudinally, with respect to the blade body (10), in a right-wards direction.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a snow plow blade mounted on a vehicle is disclosed that uses the turn signal/high beam control stalk mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle to control a actuation of the snow plow blade mounted on the vehicle. The control system operates in two alternately selectable modes, one of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to operate the turn signals and high beams of the vehicle, and the other of which allows the turn signal/high beam control stalk to be used to raise, lower, and pivot the snow plow blade. The control system may be switched between the two modes by initiating one of two respective sequences of actuation of one or more electrical switches in the vehicle.

Abstract: A lifting device adapted to be fitted to a tracked vehicle which is configured to operate in snow-covered terrain. The lifting device has an interface member which in one form allows for an interface portion of the mast region to fit to a plurality of commercially available tracked snow vehicles. Further, in one form, the lifting device interfaces with the existing hydraulics of conventional tracked snow vehicles.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid pressure drive unit that can fulfill a position holding function stably even when an external force acts during the time when the position is held, the unit being used, for example, for the right and left angle adjustment of a snow plow blade. There is provided a first excessive load relief valve 6 for letting a working fluid escape from a bottom-side pipe line 10a, which connects the bottom-side port of a single-rod double acting cylinder 2 to the bottom side of an operate check valve 4, to a rod-side pipe line 10b, which connects the rod-side port of the single-rod double acting cylinder 2 to the rod side of the operate check valve 4, and there is provided a second excessive load relief valve 7 for letting the working fluid escape from the rod-side pipe line 10b to a tank 3. Also, there is provided a negative pressure preventing check valve 8 for allowing the working fluid to flow into the bottom-side pipeline 10a from the tank 3.

Abstract: An electronic control device is disclosed for controlling a plow. The control device includes a pendant control structured and arranged such that an operator of the plow is permitted to control the plow by operation of the pendant control. A plurality of switches is mounted on the pendant control for selective operation by the operator. At least one of the switches of the plurality of switches being a multi stage switch which permits the operator to activate to different current driven settings.

Abstract: A self-propelled work machine, in which the load of the work unit increases according to an increase in the travel speed. The self-propelled work machine includes electric motors for driving the travel units, an engine for driving the work unit, a work drive instruction unit for instructing the work unit to turn on, and a control unit for controlling the electric motors. The control unit reduces the actual speed of the electric motors by using PID control so that the actual rotational speed of the engine returns to a reference rotational speed when the actual rotational speed of the engine falls below the reference rotational speed in the state in which the work unit is turned on by the work drive instruction unit. The reference rotational speed is a reference value used when the work unit is driven by the engine.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for use in adjusting the position of a snowplow frame member on a lift frame member into at least two positions: (1) a first position where the snowplow frame member is on the bottom portion of the lift frame member, the snowplow is positioned to plow snow, and the snowplow operation axis is substantially parallel to a ground surface; and, (2) a second position where the snowplow frame member is on the top portion of the lift frame member and the snowplow operation axis is at an angle A1 that is between 10° and 90° with respect to the ground surface.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic power mechanism provides hydraulic power to a snowplow system for use in moving a snowplow. The hydraulic power mechanism includes a base unit including a base plate, a hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic pump unit. To the base unit may be added a first hydraulic module that can be mounted to the base plate and that is designed to meet a specific hydraulic need, such as up and down motion, for the snowplow of a first snowplow system. To the same base unit a second hydraulic module may be mounted that is designed to meet a different hydraulic need, such as side to side motion, for the first snowplow system. Alternately, to the same base unit one or more hydraulic modules can be mounted to the base plate in order to provide all the hydraulic needs of a second snowplow system, such as a V-plow.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly may include a snowplow mechanism having a frame and a pair of wings that are adapted to move independently. The snowplow assembly may also include a hydraulic system that has a first cylinder for use in moving the first wing, a second cylinder for use in moving the second wing, a pump system for use in providing hydraulic fluid to the first and second cylinders, and a flow divider that causes the first wing and the second wing to move at substantially the same time and substantially the same speed regardless of the disparity of loads on the first and second wings.

Abstract: A detachable snow plow blade is driven by a skid-steer or other suitable vehicle. The detachable plow blade has hydraulically adjustable wing blades that each pivot under separate control about a main blade. Pins that support power cylinders between braces are arranged to enable each wing to extend through a range of motion from essentially perpendicular to and ahead of the main blade to essentially perpendicular to and behind the main blade. In a further alternative embodiment, the entire blade, including wing blades, may additionally be pivoted with respect to the vehicle, resulting in a very adjustable blade which is well adapted to emulate prior art box plow/pushers, conventional plows, pull back/drag plows, V-plows and fold-out plows.

Abstract: A snow removing machine has a frame, a pair of transporting devices mounted on the frame for transporting the snow removing machine on a ground surface, an auger housing having an auger housed therein and mounted on the frame for undergoing rolling movement, a rolling drive mechanism coupled to the auger housing for providing rolling movement of the auger housing relative to the frame, and a turning mechanism operable to turn the snow removing machine in a preselected direction. In response to operation of the turning mechanism, a control section performs a control operation to drive the transporting devices to thereby turn the snow removing machine in the preselected direction and performs a control operation of the rolling drive mechanism to provide rolling movement of the auger housing relative to the frame.

Abstract: A combination support stand and bucket locking system for providing both a support stand and a locking device for selectively preventing movement of a bucket with respect to an implement attached to a bucket. The combination support stand and bucket locking system includes a bucket, a locking bracket extending from the bucket, an implement that pivotally attaches to the bucket, an arm member pivotally attached to the implement wherein the distal portion of the arm member is capable of engaging the locking bracket, and an actuator connected between the arm member and the implement. The arm member includes a support stand for supporting the implement when the arm member is within the support position.

Abstract: A plow blade assembly (24) and a position adjustment system includes a plow blade (26) mounted to a frame (14) of a vehicle (10), and an actuator (52) for adjusting the position of the plow blade relative to the frame of the vehicle. The actuator (52) includes a blade position sensor (34) for sensing an actual position of the plow blade (26) and inputting the actual blade position to a computer (44), and a user input receiver (50) for the user to input a desired position of the plow blade to the computer. The computer (44) compares the actual position to the desired position and causes the actuator (52) to move the plow blade (26) to the desired position without user intervention.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for use in a work vehicle with a powered implement is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic system may include a first hydraulic circuit including a first hydraulic pump with a low pressure and low flow output, switch and valve; a second hydraulic circuit including a second hydraulic pump with a high flow and high pressure output, switch and valve; and a third hydraulic circuit including a third hydraulic pump with a high flow and high pressure output, switch and valve. The first, second, and third circuits each include an output selectively combinable with each other by an operator control which controls the switch and valve configurations. The hydraulic system has several configurations.

Abstract: A valve switch unit has a detector configured to detect an input, such as current, from a machine controller. The valve switch unit also has a switching circuit configured to switch control of the one or more valves an automatic controller to the machine controller if the input from the machine controller exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current detected exceeds the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control from the automatic controller to the machine controller. In a similar fashion, when the current falls below the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control back to the automatic controller.

Abstract: A Heating System is provided for heating the hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic unit used with a power source and having a reservoir for retaining hydraulic fluid. The heating system comprises a heating element located in the reservoir. A switch is included along with a power line for connecting the power source to the switch. An electrical line is connected to the switch and is connected to the power line when the switch is closed. A relay is connected to the electrical line. A return line is connected to the relay and to the power source and a heater line connected to the relay and to the heater.

Abstract: A blade assembly includes a main body vertical blade portion and a pair of wings pivotally mounted at the ends of the main body. A hydraulic cylinder attached to each wing pivotally moves each wing relative to the main body, the cylinders being operatively connected in series. Each wing is configured to rotate through a range of rotation substantially equal that of the other wing but includes a different radius of rotation than the other wing.