Abstract: The invention is related to an attachment to a front end loader. The invention comprises a dual blades having a rear frame which is fixed to the movable arm means at the front of the front end\ loader. The rear frame has a pivotal left arm and a pivotal right arm with a left blade mounting frame pivotal mounted to the forward end of the left arm and a left blade spring mounted to the forward end of the left mounting frame. A right blade mounting frame is pivotally mounted to the forward end of the right arm and a right blade spring mounted to the forward end of the right blade mounting frame. A pair of hydraulic cylinders with one mounted between the left arm and the rear frame and with the other mounted between the left arm and the left blade mounting means.

Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may further include a brush assembly and an ice scraper blade to assist in removing material from a surface of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to deliver a fire suppressant pressurized fluid upon a material that is burning.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the release of an accessory from any quick hitch coupler coupling the accessory to a hydraulically operable arm of a machine, operated by a pressurized hydraulic system. The control system can be used with a coupler for coupling an accessory to a dipper arm and a control system for such a coupler, such as a quick hitch coupler for coupling an accessory to a dipper arm of a back actor such as may be used by an earth working apparatus. The quick hitch coupler comprises a body member adapted for coupling to the dipper arm, a fixed engaging means mounted on the body member for engaging a first one of a pair of coupling pins mounted on the accessory, and a moveable engaging means mounted on the body member for engaging a second one of the pair of coupling pins of the accessory.

Abstract: The left and right sideblades are hinged to the mainblade about vertical axes, and can pivot each through 180°. The sideblades are rotated by means of left and right hydraulic rotary actuators. The actuator includes a piston formed with helical splines, which drive a rotor sleeve of the actuator to rotate in a single-plane-circle when the piston is driven axially. The journal bearings in the rotary actuator are supplemented by bearings provided in a coaxial lower hinge, which are of much greater journal capacity than the bearings in the rotary actuators. The lower hinge protects the hydraulic rotary actuator from shocks due to the sideblade impacting against a kerb, A wheel-protection link blocks the sideblade from contacting the wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: The left and right sideblades are hinged to the mainblade about vertical axes, and can pivot each through 180°. The sideblades are rotated by means of left and right hydraulic rotary actuators. The actuator includes a piston formed with helical splines, which drive a rotor sleeve of the actuator to rotate in a single-plane-circle when the piston is driven axially. The journal bearings in the rotary actuator are supplemented by bearings provided in a coaxial lower hinge, which are of much greater journal capacity than the bearings in the rotary actuators. The lower hinge protects the hydraulic rotary actuator from shocks due to the sideblade impacting against a kerb.

Abstract: An electronic control system and data-logging system for a snow removal vehicle. The vehicle includes hydraulically actuated tools, the control of which can be through a dual axis controller such as a joystick. Electrical communication among components in the system is provided by a power line carrier protocol (PLC).

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 work vehicle includes a traveling vehicle, a backhoe having a base frame detachably connected to a rear portion of the traveling vehicle and an excavator detachably attached to a rear portion of the base frame. The base frame includes a pair of upper and lower base plates and a partitioning wall disposed at a fore-and-aft intermediate portion of the base plates for connecting the two base plates with each other and partitioning a space delimited between the plates relative to a fore and aft direction. A control box is mounted on the base frame. At least one swing cylinder is mounted to the base frame through the partitioning wall for pivoting the excavator. A control valve unit is attached to the partitioning wall downwardly of the control box for controlling a working fluid for driving the swing cylinder and the excavator. At least one swing hose is extended through the partitioning wall for hydraulically connecting the control valve unit to the swing cylinder.

Abstract: An abnormal lifting cycle of a work machine lift component can be indicative of operator error and/or a fault within a lift component coupler. The present disclosure includes a method of detecting a fault for a lift component coupler of a work machine. Pressure within at least one hydraulic cylinder of the coupler is sensed during at least a portion of a lifting cycle of the lift component. A condition of the lifting cycle can be determined by detecting a magnitude of asymmetry within a plurality of the sensed pressures. An abnormal condition of the lifting cycle is indicated if the magnitude of the asymmetry of the plurality of the sensed pressures is outside of a predetermined range of asymmetry.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a tracking system for a snow removal remote unit and crew. The tracking system of the invention is configured to interface with a GPS system to determine the location of a remote unit, and more particularly, to determine if the remote unit is operating at a removal location. If the removal unit is operating at a removal location, the tracking system of the invention is configured to track the time expended at the removal location conducting removal operations. Once the removal operations are completed at the removal location, the tracking system of the invention is configured to transmit the tracking data to a base location where the information may be used for accounting, billing, invoicing, and/or scheduling operations via transmission or interfacing of the data to other software processes configured to conduct these processes.

Abstract: In summary, therefore, the inventive method and apparatus enables one to mount and dismount an implement, such as a snow plow, from a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, with a heretofore unknown simplicity. The method mounting the plow basically comprises the steps of driving the vehicle toward the blade assembly until the frame assembly mounted on the front of the vehicle is in operative proximity to the blade assembly. Generally, that proximity is established by just touching the blade assembly with the frame assembly.

Abstract: A system for controlling the hydraulically actuated components, including snow-ice control components carried by a truck. The system employs a hermetically secure composite housing mounted externally of the truck cab on the truck frame which retains a unique hydraulic reservoir in combination with a manifold supporting a plurality of solenoid actuated hydraulic valves and an associated electronic drive circuitry including a slave controller having a bidirectional data transmission port. That port communicates through a single bidirectional transmission bus with a master controller retained within an operator interface control console mounted in the truck cab. That control console also will contain a slave interface controller, as well as a slave datalog and communications controller.

Abstract: A plow assembly includes a pair of plow wings which are pivotally mounted at opposite ends of a center plow. Each of the plow wings may pivot between a forwardly angled position and an aligned position. The plow assembly may pivot a trailing plow wing in response to the center plow being urged or angled toward that side of the vehicle. The plow wings may be oriented in their forwardly angled position until the center plow is at least substantially urged or pivoted toward its angled position or toward a position between the center position and the angled position. The trailing plow wing may be pivoted or urged to its aligned position in response to the center plow being substantially urged or pivoted toward its angled position or toward a position between its center position and its angled position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a snow plow blade gate apparatus and method in which the gate is pivotably attached to an end of a snow plow blade. The gate can be pivotable between a deployed position in which the gate blocks snow from exiting the snow plow blade to a stowed position in which at least part of the gate is moved to a location behind the snow plow blade. In some embodiments, the gate pivots about an axis skewed with respect to a substantially vertical plane. Also, some embodiments of the present invention have an actuator that can be actuated to secure the gate in a deployed position.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a work implement of a work machine are provided. A preset position for the work implement is established. An implement positioning system is enabled. An indication of a change in a travel direction of the work machine is received. The work implement is moved to the preset position in response to the indication of the change in the travel direction when the implement positioning system is enabled.

Abstract: A backhoe control pattern selection arrangement is provided for a backhoe controlled by two control levers. The two levers are operatively connected to hydraulic systems that operate the boom and crowd hydraulic cylinders. An electrically operated valve block is electrically connected to a source of power and to a control switch, and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic systems. Changing the state of the control switch actuates the valve block and modifies the hydraulic systems to reverse the correspondence between the control levers and the boom and crowd functions.

Abstract: A leveling system designed for use with a vehicle having a reversing assembly including a table, an A-frame and a swivel member. The reversing assembly may be rotatably mounted to the vehicle with a lifting mechanism designed to elevate the reversing assembly for transportation when not in use. The leveling system is rotatably mounted to the A-frame and stabilized with parallel bars which function to achieve leveling of the assembly. Two chains of equal length are fixed to opposite ends of the leveling system, each at an equal distance outward from the center of the system and each connected at its other end to the lifting member of the vehicle. The chains aid in the lifting and leveling of the system.

Abstract: A Z-bar loader linkage having a floating bell crank. A boom is pivotally mounted to a loader frame at one end and an attachment at the other end. The bell crank is pivotally mounted on leveling links extending forwardly from the loader frame. The drive end of the bell crank is provided with an attachment link that extends from the bell crank to the attachment for controlling the angular position of the attachment. A guide link extends between the attachment link and the boom.

Abstract: A rear blade mounting apparatus for a bulldozer. The mounting apparatus generally includes a frame that extends from the rear of the body of the bulldozer, the frame including a pair of extending loader arms pivotally connected to the rear of the tractor, and a blade pivotally mounted on free ends of the loader arms, and hydraulic cylinders, or the like, controlled to cause the blade to be positioned in various desired positions.

Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has a hitch mounting mechanism and method that enables the snow plow to be easily and quickly mounted to and detached from a truck without requiring tools. The snow plow hitch mounting mechanism has four points of attachment between a snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus and a hitch frame mounted at the front of a truck, two points of attachment being at each side. The lower points of attachment are made by initially engaging the snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus with the hitch frame, with the upper points of attachment being engaged by using a releasable retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a snowplow controller or the like to the inside of a vehicle cab includes a sub-plate and an angle bracket. The sub-plate is adapted to be secured to the dash. The angle bracket includes a mounting plate releaseably secured to the sub-plate and a support plate, adapted to hold the controller, disposed at an angle relative to the mounting plate. In the preferred embodiment, the angle bracket is secured to the sub-plate with fasteners disposed through one or more slots in the mounting plate. Alternatively, the angle bracket is secured to the sub-plate using a layer of hooks and loops. The support plate is preferably substantially horizontal, but may also include a hinge such that the angle of the support plate may be adjusted.

Abstract: A construction vehicle has a working appliance such as a blade, which is mounted on a vehicle frame such that it can pivot in the vertical direction about a first axis and it can pivot about a second axis substantially perpendicular thereto, for which purpose at least one hydraulic device is provided. The position of the axis about which the working appliance can pivot can be varied in relation to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A plow including a plowing vehicle and a moldboard has a decelerating fluid actuator which allows adjustable positioning of the moldboard with respect to the plowing vehicle. The cylinder has first and second ports which are successively blocked as the piston is retracted within the cylinder, with the second port being blocked after the first port during retraction. An enclosure is provided outside the cylinder, with the enclosure interior defining a passage between the ports and connecting the ports to a fluid supply. The flow area of the passage between the ports is adjustable to create a restriction. As a result, when the piston begins retraction, the retraction speed is dictated by flow through both ports, and when the piston retracts to a sufficient degree that the first port is blocked, retraction speed is dictated by the flow through the second port and the passage.

Abstract: A snow plow system for use with a skid steer loader includes a V-plow blade that is repositionable by a hydraulic actuator operated by pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator from the auxiliary hydraulic output of the skid steer loader. A normally open valve diverts hydraulic fluid away from the actuator whenever the plow blade is not being repositioned, enabling the auxiliary hydraulic system to be maintained actuated. The valve is operated to a closed condition by a wireless remote control receiver which receives coded radio frequency signals transmitted by a wireless, portable, battery-powered transmitter locatable within or outside of a cab of the vehicle, or by a voice-actuated control. A mounting panel of the snow plow system includes an anti-slip surface, providing footing for an operator upon entering or exiting the cab of the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowplow control system is provided that uses the distance between the vehicle frame and the ground or wheel axle as an input to a feedback loop useable to provide increased control over the pressure exerted by the plow blade. The control system allows the plow to operate in various modes of operation including a manual mode, a float mode, and a down pressure mode. The control system interfaces with the vehicle operator by way of a controller that is preferably operable from within the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: Snow track preparation machine with mill installed in a revolving manner and including a pump driven by a power source, a hydraulic motor connected to the pump on the delivery side and the return side, an actuator supported on the assembly frame and realized for rotation of the mill and driving wheels. The power source is made up of a motor (2) which drives the driving wheels (5,6) and the pump (9) and actuator (16) are influenced by a control unit (17) connected to a sensor of motor rpm nD, to a sensor of the rpm of the driving wheels na1 and na2, to a sensor for the hydraulic motor of the mill and an actuator path sensor with the control unit (17) connecting the magnitudes detected by the sensors by means of an algorithm and controlling on the basis thereof the pump (9) and the actuator.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder construction having a feature thereon facilitating operative connection with a service kit to enable a quick and injury free removal thereof from a location whereat the hydraulic cylinder is spring biased in a shock absorber installation, particularly for use in a scraper blade mounting assembly.

Abstract: A coupling system couples an implement to a utility vehicle, such as an agricultural or industrial vehicle, and includes a vehicle-mounted coupling frame and an implement-mounted coupling frame. The position of the vehicle-mounted coupling frame is adjustable by an adjustment mechanism. A position sensor senses the position of the implement-mounted coupling frame. An analysis unit determines the position of the implement-mounted coupling frame relative to the vehicle-mounted coupling frame. A control unit calculates a coupling motion path of the vehicle-mounted coupling frame. In response to a starting signal, the control unit causes the adjusting mechanism to move the vehicle-mounted coupling frame along the coupling motion path.

Abstract: A control system for use in connection with control systems on construction equipment includes an electronic control module that records pressure sensor signals of a hydraulic pressure sensor and responsively determines whether the pressure sensor has failed.

Abstract: A setting/display processing section 11 of a control unit 9 comprises means 11b, 11c and 11d for computing the positional relationships among a machine body, an external reference and a target excavating surface by using a signal from a setting device 7 and signals supplied from angle sensors 8a, 8b when a front device is in a predetermined positional relationship relative to a laser reference surface, and means 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h and 11j for executing picture processing by using the computed positional relationships, and then producing and outputting picture signals to display the positional relationships among the body, the external reference and the target excavating surface. A display device 12 displays an illustration of the body and lines representing respectively the external reference and the target excavating surface on a display section 20 in accordance with the computed positional relationships.

Abstract: An intuitive control for a motor grader controls the blade high lift assembly by adjustment of a miniature representation available at the operator's station. This miniature representation allows the direction of adjustment of various hydraulic components to be made by moving the representation in the desired directions. The control is intuitive in that it corresponds to the actual high lift assembly. A similar miniature representation can be used for controlling the steering of the motor grader.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a utility vehicle includes provision for controlling two hydraulic implements or tools alternately with a single control lever. The hydraulic system includes a first hydraulic implement and a second hydraulic implement both hydraulically flow-connected to a diverter valve. A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid is connected to a selective control valve, operated by a control lever, and the selective control valve is hydraulically flow-connected to the diverter valve. The diverter valve is selectively operated to connect the control valve to either the first or to the second hydraulic implements. An implement-select actuator is signal-connected to the diverter valve and configured for alternately operating the first and second hydraulic implements.

Abstract: A snow removing machine has a vehicle body having a body frame, a snow removing section mounted on a front portion of the body frame for removing snow, an operating handle mounted to a rear portion of the body frame and having a first handle portion and a second handle portion, and a pair of grip portions each mounted on a respective one of the first and second handle portions of the operating handle. A forward and aft drive changeover switch is directly mounted on the first handle portion of the operating handle for changing over a traveling direction of the vehicle body. A height control operation lever is directly mounted on the first handle portion of the operating handle for adjusting a height of the snow removing section. A speed control operation lever is directly mounted on the second handle portion of the operating handle for adjusting a traveling speed of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A snow plow assembly broadly comprises a snow plow blade, a frame for mounting the snow plow blade to a vehicle, and a boom connected to the frame and the snow plow blade. The assembly also includes a lift system for raising and lowering the boom, which lift system includes a lift cable attached to the frame and the boom. The assembly also includes a system for maintaining the lift cable taut so that the snow plow blade remains substantially level during use.

Abstract: A hand-held control device for a V-blade plow in which left and right plow blade wings are pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on a vehicle mounting frame and actuated about the vertical pivot by electric switch-controlled hydraulic actuators, there being an electric switch to control the extension of a hydraulic actuator, respectively, and an electrical switch for controlling retraction of the hydraulic actuator, respectively. Each electrical switch has an associated thumb actuator, the thumb actuators being in an array so that an operator's thumb or finger can actuate two thumb actuators simultaneously while gripping the hand-held control device with the same hand. The plow includes a third hydraulic actuator for raising and lowering the frame relative to ground and an electric switch pair for controlling extension and retraction, respectively, of the third hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A plow support assembly provides support of a plow assembly when the plow assembly is disconnected from a vehicle. The support assembly includes a support foot and is operable to move the support foot to a lowered, support position whereby the support foot engages the ground or support surface. The support assembly includes a control device which is operable to limit the downward movement of the support foot in response to a signal indicative of the support foot engaging the support surface, such that movement of the support foot is stopped once the support foot contacts a support surface or ground. The signal may be provided by a switch which is operable to communicate the signal in response to detection of a threshold position of the support foot, engagement of the support foot with the support surface, or a threshold hydraulic fluid pressure within the actuator, respectively.

Abstract: A tiltable bucket assembly includes a bucket and an interface member. The bucket has a front loading portion, a rear connecting portion with a front surface adjacent the front loading portion and a rear surface opposite therefrom, and a pair of spaced guide members connected to the rear surface. The bucket defines a substantially enclosed chamber that extends from the front surface and terminates within the front loading portion. The interface member is rotatably mounted with the bucket. The interface member has opposed side portions supported within the guide members. A hydraulic cylinder is located within the chamber and has a rod end portion connected to the bucket and a head end portion connected to the interface member. The hydraulic cylinder is adapted to provide rotational movement of the bucket about the interface member upon actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved snow grooming vehicle featuring a multifunction joystick adapted to selectively control a plurality of independent functions of various work implements installed on the snow grooming vehicle. More specifically, the multifunction joystick is adapted to select specific functions of a work implements and apply the movements of the joystick to these specific functions. If a new function is selected, the movements of the joystick are applied to the newly selected function while disabling the previously selected function From a single joystick, the operator may control a wide array of functions of the work implements installed on the snow grooming vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for grooming a terrain of snow having a plurality of hydraulically driven rotary tiller units independently mounted for axial lateral movement relative to the plane of the rectangular main frame of the vehicle. Bogey track units support the vehicle and allow for movement.

Abstract: A plow support assembly provides support of a plow assembly when the plow assembly is disconnected from a vehicle. The support assembly includes a support foot and is operable to move the support foot to a lowered, support position whereby the support foot engages the ground or support surface. The support assembly includes a control device which is operable to limit the downward movement of the support foot in response to a signal indicative of the support foot engaging the support surface, such that movement of the support foot is stopped once the support foot contacts a support surface or ground. The signal may be provided by a switch which is operable to communicate the signal in response to detection of a threshold position of the support foot, engagement of the support foot with the support surface, or a threshold hydraulic fluid pressure within the actuator, respectively.

Abstract: An attachment adapted to be coupled with a zero turning radius prime mover is provided. This attachment includes a tongue adapted to be received by the zero turning radius prime mover, a mounting tab coupled with the tongue, and an implement coupled with the tongue. A first electric cylinder coupled with the prime mover is also coupled with the mounting tab and is able to move the tongue and implement up and down. This first cylinder also provides a downward force on the tongue and implement when it is in a lowered position. Still further, a second electric cylinder is coupled with the tongue for moving the implement from side to side or up and down. The implement may be any useful attachment such as a blade, a bucket, or a broom. In the preferred embodiment, the tab is comprised of a first bracket member rigidly coupled with the tongue and a second bracket member coupled with the first bracket member. The first electric cylinder is coupled with the second bracket member.

Abstract: A hitch assembly provides removable connection of a plow assembly to a push beam assembly installed on a vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a draw latch assembly which engages the push beam assembly and pulls the plow assembly into position for pivotal attachment of the plow assembly to the vehicle. The draw latch assembly is activated by a power source, such as an hydraulic cylinder, and is further interconnected with a lift arm assembly such that further extension or activation of the hydraulic cylinder results in a raising or lowering of the plow blade. Also included is an easy connection and release mechanism for inserting and retracting pivot pins through corresponding brackets on the lift arm assembly and push beam assembly. A light tower assembly is removably attached to the push beam assembly such that when the plow is not in use, only the push beam assembly and its mounting brackets remain on the vehicle in a position below and rearward of a front bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: An area limiting excavation control system in an excavation machine having a front device, includes means for setting in advance, an area where the front device is movable. A control unit calculates the position and posture of the front device based on signals from angle sensors. When the front device is inside the set area near the boundary thereof, the control unit calculates a limit value (a) of a bucket tip speed so that a moving speed of the front device in the direction vertical to the boundary of the set area is restricted, and then modifies the limit value (a) depending on a load pressure of an arm cylinder detected by a pressure sensor. It further calculates, from the limit value (a), a limit value of the component of a boom-dependent bucket tip speed vertical to the boundary of the set area, and then modifies a boom operation signal so that the boom-dependent bucket tip speed will not exceed the above limit value.

Abstract: An hydraulic and electrical control system are provided for an accessory unit such as a vehicle mounted V-plow blade snowplow.

Abstract: A support and testing apparatus is designed for use with a vehicle mountable snow plow assembly. Typical snow plow assemblies include a snow plow frame designed to attach to a vehicle, at least one hydraulic actuator for positioning the blade, and a lighting system with some type of interconnection device. The support and testing apparatus includes a frame designed to support a snow plow assembly. The frame includes a coupler for mechanically engaging the snow plow frame so that the snow plow assembly is supported on and retained by the frame. The support and testing apparatus also includes multiple wheels which are attached to the frame. At least one of these wheels is a caster which is pivotally mounted to the frame so that the wheel can pivot 360 degrees relative to the frame. The support and testing apparatus also includes an actuator system which is capable of actuating the hydraulic actuator on the snow plow assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a modular architecture to organize and coordinate components that are needed to automate earthmoving tasks, and to coordinate the flow of data between the components is disclosed. The architecture includes three main subdivisions: a sensor pipeline, sensor data consumers, and motion planners and executors. The sensor pipeline receives raw sensor data from perceptual sensors such as a laser rangefinder or radar system, and converts the data into a form which is usable by the other system components. Sensor data can also be represented in the form of an elevation map of the surrounding terrain for other software components to use. Any number and types of sensor systems may be added to the software architecture depending on requirements and the capabilities of the system. The sensor data consumers use the sensor data as input to specific algorithms to produce information regarding the machine's environment for use by other system components.

Abstract: A hitch assembly provides removable connection of a plow assembly to a push beam assembly installed on a vehicle. The hitch assembly includes a draw latch assembly which engages the push beam assembly and pulls the plow assembly into position for pivotal attachment of the plow assembly to the vehicle. The draw latch assembly is activated by a power source, such as an hydraulic cylinder, and is further interconnected with a lift arm assembly such that further extension or activation of the hydraulic cylinder results in a raising or lowering of the plow blade. Also included is an easy connection and release mechanism for inserting and retracting pivot pins through corresponding brackets on the lift arm assembly and push beam assembly. A light tower assembly is removably attached to the push beam assembly such that when the plow is not in use, only the push beam assembly and its mounting brackets remain on the vehicle in a position below and rearward of a front bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the positions of a vehicle snow plow hydraulic lift control cylinder for raising the plow upon activation of a first solenoid by a first control signal, and at least one hydraulic pivot cylinder for pivoting said plow with respect to the vehicle upon activation of a second solenoid by a second control signal, where the vehicle has an electrical network.

Abstract: An articulated snow plow system for use with a vehicle includes a blade center section having a moldboard section and left and right plowblade sections which are wider than the blade center section. The plowblade sections each include a moldboard section and are mounted to the blade center section at opposite sides thereof and pivotable relative to the center blade section about a substantially vertical pivot axis, to swept forward and swept backward positions. The snowplow assembly includes a support frame, the blade center section being coupled to the support frame through an intermediate pivot assembly which permits a limited amount of float to allow the blade center section, and the plowblade sections pivoted thereto, to follow the contour of the ground.

Abstract: Jack for raising and lowering a lift assembly for hydraulically driven snow blades or other utilitarian accessories. Actuation of the jack allows for proper vertical alignment of the lift assembly for engagement to a vehicle chassis. Once engaged, the jack can be actuated into an inoperative position until the lift assembly is to be removed from the chassis.