Abstract: A reduced stroke gate valve is provided. The reduced stroke gate valve provides a predetermined or desired flow area for a given bore size through the gate valve while reducing a total length through which the gate valve strokes between an open position and a closed position. The reduced stroke gate valve includes one or more openings that span a non-circular or non-round area within the gate. The non-circular or non-round shape or distribution of opening(s) in the gate may provide a flow area equivalent to a predetermined flow area for a single circular hole that would otherwise be used for the gate valve application, but with a shape or distribution of opening(s) that provides a reduced stroke length to move the gate valve from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A work vehicle guidance display system comprising: at least one imaging device disposed on a work vehicle; a display disposed in the work vehicle configured to display images from the imaging device; and a controller configured to: select a field of view of the imaging device to display; receive a static dimension associated with the work vehicle; receive a dynamic dimension associated with the work vehicle; and display on the display a field view with a first machine travel path based on the static dimension and a second machine travel path based on the dynamic dimension.

Abstract: A base frame for a reach truck comprises a wheel arm subassembly comprising two wheel arms each having a front end and an opposing rear end. A load wheel receiver is positioned on each rear end and a counterweight is positioned at the front end of the wheel arms and coupled to the wheel arm subassembly by a plurality of screw connections. The plurality of screw connections comprise a first portion of screw connections and a second portion of screw connections. The first portion of screw connections each extend in a first direction and the second portion of the screw connections each extend in a second direction which is different from the first direction.

Abstract: A lift for a fork tine assembly includes a generally upright frame having at least one handle grip portion at a rearward portion thereof. The handle grip portion is fixed relative to the frame. A lift mechanism is secured to the frame. The lift mechanism is capable of attaching to and raising and lowering at least one fork tine. A plurality of wheels support the frame. The at least one fork tine may be part of a first fork tine assembly that can be selectively removed from the lift and replaced with a different configuration fork tine assembly. An optional shelf is provided on the frame for convenience but may be pivoted out of the way when not in use.

Abstract: A steering system for controlling an agricultural machine having a pair of front and rear wheels includes a controller and a steer input sensor for detecting a change in an operator steer input corresponding to a steer command. The system includes a displacement input for communicating a motor displacement associated with an operating mode. A primary differential steering system includes a drive motor for operably controlling the pair of front wheels and a secondary steering system controls the pair of rear wheels. The controller determines if the motor displacement is being controlled according to a first motor displacement or a second motor displacement, and outputs a control signal to actuate first and second actuators as a function of the steer command. The control signal includes a rear steering gain that is a function of machine speed and either the first motor displacement or the second motor displacement.

Abstract: Devices and methods to relieve lift chains from being maintained under constant, or nearly constant, tension are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for load stabilization on a pallet jack includes one or more steerable wheels, a stabilizer member, and an A-Frame, where the A-Frame encloses a plurality of components for mechanically coupling the one or more steerable wheels to the stabilizer member. The stabilizer member is extendable out of at least one side of the pallet jack based at least on an angle of rotation of the one or more steerable wheels. A method for load stabilization on a pallet jack includes receiving a steering angle for one or more steerable wheels of a pallet jack from an angular position sensor. The method includes activating an electric motor for extending a stabilizer member of the pallet jack, where a distance of extension of the stabilizer member is based on the steering angle for one or more steerable wheels of the pallet jack.

Abstract: To improve the precision of position of a fastener hole and a seating face for mounting a counterweight, a counterweight supporting member is comprised of a support plate erected and fixed at the rear end of a revolving frame and a supporting member attached to the support plate. A cylindrical bolt fastening boss is provided on the supporting member in a manner of rotational position adjustable to the supporting plate and in which a fastener hole is formed at an eccentric position.

Abstract: A forklift truck includes a truck body, a fork, a mast, tilting and lifting mechanisms, tilt and lift levers, tilting and lifting operation detectors, an auxiliary switch, a tilt angle detector and a controller. The tilt and lift levers are adapted to operate the tilting and lifting mechanisms, respectively. The auxiliary switch is disposed on the lift lever at a position where the auxiliary switch and the lift lever are operable by the same operator's hand. The controller is adapted to control the tilting and lifting mechanisms based on signals from the tilting and lifting operation detectors and the auxiliary switch. When the auxiliary switch is in operative position and the lifting operation detector detects that the lift lever is in operative position, the controller controls the tilting mechanism so as to tilt the fork to have a predetermined tilt angle based on a signal from the tilt angle detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods maintain a lift truck within defined bounds. A controller analyzes actual and/or predicted lift truck behavior, and based on the analyzed lift truck behavior, the controller control at least one lift truck performance parameter. The performance parameter is controlled to maintain the lift truck center of gravity within a stability map, the stability map to define a three-dimensional range of center of gravity positions that maintains lift truck stability. The performance parameter is also controlled to maintain an intended path of the lift truck within an allowable deviation map, the allowable deviation map defining a two-dimensional envelope of allowable lift truck travel deviation from the intended path of the lift truck.

Abstract: Disclosed are power machines and lift arm suspension or ride control systems for use thereon. A lift arm assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the power machine and is capable of being raised and lowered. A selectively activated lift arm suspension system is operably coupled to the lift arm assembly. A controller is coupled to the suspension system and configured to determine whether the lift arm assembly has moved more than a threshold amount. The controller deactivates the lift arm suspension system in response to determining that the lift arm assembly has moved more than the threshold amount.

Abstract: A fork lift, and especially a fork lift for a truck, may have structure on a forklift carriage for selectively receiving any of a variety of attachment tools. Alternatively, an assembly may be secured to the carriage and the assembly may provide the structure for selectively receiving the attachment tools. The structure may include a bolt and lever mechanism for selectively securing and releasing the attachment tools. A method may include selectively securing any of a variety of attachment tools including, but not limited to, a trencher, an auger, a backhoe, and a hydraulic breaker. These attachment tools may be connected to a hydraulic system for control of the attachment tools. The method may include the preliminary steps of locking the forklift against movement along a mast and insertion of fork tips in pocket(s) supported in the truck.

Abstract: An industrial truck having height-adjustable load bearing means, lifting height controls in which a plurality of predetermined lifting heights are saved, a lifting height detection system for the load bearing means that detects an actual value of the lifting height and provides it to the lifting height controls, and a control unit that allows the lifting height of the load bearing means to be manually adjusted at different speeds, wherein the lifting height controls move the load bearing means to one of the predetermined lifting heights when the speed for adjusting the load bearing means specified by the control unit falls below a predetermined threshold, wherein the lifting height assumed by the lifting height controls corresponds to the lifting height of the predetermined lifting heights that most closely approximates the actual value of the lifting height in the direction in which the load bearing means is moving.

Abstract: A fork lift for a truck may have at least one mounting beam for pivotally supporting a fork lift mast on a truck frame. The mounting beam may be mounted in a bed of the truck via other structural members and bolts that extend through the members, bed, and truck frame. The fork lift may extend well below a level of the truck bed to enable engagement of palletized loads resting on the ground by the forks of the fork lift. The fork lift may have hydraulics including pumps, solenoids and motors that may be supported in a tool box that also helps to secure the mounting beam. An electric over hydraulic control system enables remote control from within the cab of the truck. Fork position during stabbing of a pallet may be viewed on a monitor in the cab, with the monitor operatively connected to one or more cameras.

Abstract: A device for determining the orientation of a fork on a forklift has an indicating rod adjustably attached to the fork assembly which passes through a electrical contact switch assembly mounted to the cylinder which in turn is rigidly attached to the cylinder of the piston assembly and is comprised of electrical contactors that are activated by the indicating rod that indicates to the forklift operator with an orientation of the forks relative to the wheel base.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.

Abstract: The fork-lift truck comprises a body (11) with one or more directional rear wheels and a mast (12) with a slide (13) sliding and hearing front forks for gripping and supporting the load. According to the invention, the truck comprises an intermediate frame (14), bearing the front wheels (21; 22) and oscillating with respect to the body (11) around a transversal axis (X-X) parallel to the axis (Y-Y) of the front wheels, as well as operating-cylinder means (30) interposed between said frame and said body. Said mast (12) is dismountably fastened to said intermediate frame (14), so as to be made to oscillate integrally with the frame itself around said transversal axis (X-X) by means of said operating-cylinder means (30) to swing forwards and rearwards, with both idle (21) and driving (22) front wheels, whereas it can be easily disassembled and assembled with respect to the intermediate frame (14).

Abstract: A multi-stage drywall hydraulic lift system for efficiently lifting a drywall panel while providing increased precision in positioning of the drywall panel. The multi-stage drywall hydraulic lift system generally includes a telescoping drywall lifter, a hydraulic actuator connected to the telescoping drywall lifter to extend and retract the telescoping drywall lifter. A hydraulic pump is fluidly connected to the hydraulic actuator. A valve unit is fluidly positioned between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic actuator to control the flow of fluid to the hydraulic actuator based upon a desired vertical lift velocity.

Abstract: A fork lift truck is provided having a vehicle frame (1) and a lifting mechanism (6). An axle body (3) of a front axle of the fork lift truck is fastened to the vehicle frame (1) by at least one elastic bearing. The lifting mechanism (6) is connected with the axle body (3) by a non-elastic bearing or by a rigid connecting element. The elastic bearing is configured such that a relative movement that takes place in the event of a tilting of the lifting mechanism (6) between the axle body (3) and the vehicle frame (1) can be equalized by the elastic bearing.

Abstract: An industrial truck has a tiltable lifting frame (2) connected with an axle body (1) mounted so that it can pivot or rotate on a vehicle chassis. To reduce noises, first and second means (4, 5) are provided for connecting the lifting frame (2) with the axle body (1). The first means (4) can have a degree of freedom in rotation around an axis of rotation (D) that is parallel to the axial center line (A) of the axle body (1). The second means (5) are at a spaced distance from the axis of rotation (D) of the first means (4) and in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) and can have a degree of freedom in translation with a defined elasticity along an axis (T) that is perpendicular to the vertical dimension of the lifting frame (2). The first means (4) can be located above or below the axle body (1) and the second means (5) can be located above or below the axial center line (A) of the axle body (1).

Abstract: A hydraulic device for industrial vehicles. A first motor drives a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump. The first hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic fluid to a power steering device and a brake device. The second hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic fluid to a carriage device. If an increased amount of hydraulic fluid need be supplied to the carriage device, a second motor drives a third hydraulic pump. Thus, together with the second hydraulic pump, the third hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic fluid to the carriage device.

Abstract: A fork lift truck is provided having a vehicle frame (1) and a lifting mechanism (6). An axle body (3) of a front axle of the fork lift truck is fastened to the vehicle frame (1) by at least one elastic bearing. The lifting mechanism (6) is connected with the axle body (3) by a non-elastic bearing or by a rigid connecting element. The elastic bearing is configured such that a relative movement that takes place in the event of a tilting of the lifting mechanism (6) between the axle body (3) and the vehicle frame (1) can be equalized by the elastic bearing.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.

Abstract: A knurled wheel is coupled to a sensor mounted to one mast member and the wheel is forced into another mast member so that the wheel/sensor rotate upon mast movement. The sensor generates signals, corresponding to mast movement, which are processed conventionally to determine mast height, etc. The knurled wheel forms a track on the contacted mast member and the knurl engages the track. The wheel can be forced into the mast member with a force of six to nine pounds. To enhance the versatility of the mast height sensing device, the thickness of the wheel can be made less than ⅛ inch, for example {fraction (1/16)} inch. The sensor can be an encoder or a sensor bearing and a heater can be provided for operation in cold environments to ensure rotation of the sensor under such conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fork-lift truck including a vehicle body which has rear wheels and a lift frame for load-carrying means, and including a wheel bearing means. For an increase in stability in standing of the fork-lift truck, a shifting or pivoting device interacting with the vehicle body is provided, which moves the wheel bearing means with respect to the vehicle body while varying the axle base and the distance of the load center from the front wheel.

Abstract: A device for controlling tilt of a forklift mast. A fork for carrying an object is supported by the mast so that the fork is lifted or lowered. A tilt cylinder operates to tilt the mast hydraulically. A hydraulic valve supplies oil to the tilt cylinder in correspondence with the position of a tilt lever. The tilt cylinder tilts the mast at a speed corresponding to the flow rate of the oil supplied by the valve. A restricting valve is provided for restricting the maximum flow rate of the oil. When the fork is located below a predetermined reference position, the controller fully opens the restricting valve. However, when the fork is located at the reference position or higher, the controller restricts the opening of the restricting valve, thus restricting the maximum tilt speed of the mast. This stabilizes the forklift.

Abstract: A fork lift truck is provided having a vehicle frame (1) and a lifting mechanism (6). An axle body (3) of a front axle of the fork lift truck is fastened to the vehicle frame (1) by at least one elastic bearing. The lifting mechanism (6) is connected with the axle body (3) by a non-elastic bearing or by a rigid connecting element. The elastic bearing is configured such that a relative movement that takes place in the event of a tilting of the lifting mechanism (6) between the axle body (3) and the vehicle frame (1) can be equalized by the elastic bearing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor detects whether a piston is at the lowest position. The sensor is not affected by the environment or damaged by contact with other objects. The sensor is located in the bottom of a mast cylinder, transmits ultrasonic waves to the bottom of a piston and receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the piston. The sensor then outputs electric signals based on the received ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic sensor is electrically connected to a transmitter-receiver, which, in turn, is electrically connected to a controller. The transmitter-receiver includes an ultrasonic wave generator and sends ultrasonic wave transmitting signal having a predetermined frequency to the ultrasonic sensor based on control signals from the controller. The controller measures time from when it outputs the ultrasonic wave transmitting signal to when the sensor receives a reflected wave. The controller then compares the measured time with a threshold value thereby judging whether the piston is at the lowest position.

Abstract: An industrial lift truck with a load lifting device (15), a device (3, 9, 11) for moving the load lifting device (15) on the lift truck (1) having at least one element (7) that can move, together with the load lifting device (15), along an essentially straight guide (5), and with a position measuring device for monitoring the relative position to the guide (5) of the element (7) movable with the load lifting device (15).

Abstract: A multi-function lever for an industrial truck has a lever that can be pivoted around at least a first axis and at least one control element located on the lever. By pivoting the lever around the first axis and by actuating the control element, it is possible to actuate at least one function each of the industrial truck. The invention teaches that the control element can be actuated by pivoting around a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis. The control element can be actuated with the index finger of a hand gripping the hand grip. By pivoting the lever, a vertical movement of the load holding device can be controlled, and by pivoting the control element, a tilting of the load holding device can be controlled.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted forklift comprising a first frame having its rearward end secured to the underside of the tractor and having its forward end secured to the forward end of the tractor about a longitudinally extending pivot axis. A second frame is pivotally secured, about a transverse axis, to the forward end of the first frame and has a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted at the opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second frames to pivot the second frame upwardly and downwardly with respect to the first frame. A materials handling attachment, such as a bale grapple, is mounted on a vertically movable lift which is secured to the forward end of the second frame.

Abstract: A forklift vehicle having front wheels mounted on retractible horizontally extending legs which are normally locked in position, by cylinder operated locking pins, to slide plates on the rear frame of the vehicle. To collapse the vehicle, the fork carriage is rolled forwardly on the front legs; locking pins are hydraulically extended from the fork carriage into the legs while the rear locking pins are hydraulically retracted, and then the mast carriage is retracted retracting the front legs with it. The procedure is reversed to extend the front legs. An operator protective cage and seat extends rearwardly of the rear vehicle frame and can be collapsed upwardly and forwardly, further shortening the vehicle length.

Abstract: A tilt and height indicator for a forklift truck including a tape reel connected to the forks of the forklift to sense their relative height. An indicator panel includes plural sets of indicators, with each set indicating when the forks are in a proper pre-programmed position, just above, or just below this position, or well above or well below this position. The plural indicators may each be programmed to independent heights which are within the range of indicated heights for another indicator, such that infinitesimal differences in shelf heights may be accounted for. All indicators may be active at the same time, or the operator may change to a separate mode in which only a chosen indicator set is active. The present invention also includes a tilt sensor in the form of a rod connected to the piston of the tilt cylinder and adjustably mounting a magnet. A sensor box is mounted on the cylinder and includes a plurality of spaced Hall-effect transistors.

Abstract: A self-propelled lift truck comprising a forward carriage assembly, which includes a pair of spaced apart ground engageable wheels and a vertical mast on which is mounted a forwardly projecting fork assembly for lifting and lowering of loads thereon by relative upward and downward movement and a rearward carriage assembly which includes at least one ground engageable wheel and on which is supported a power source for operating components of the lift truck. The forward and rearward carriage assemblies are connected by an articulated support assembly which includes forward, intermediate and rearward transversely spaced apart support members. The foremost ends of the forward support members are pivotally attached to the forward carriage assembly. The rearmost ends of the rearward support members are pivotally attached to the rearward carriage assembly.

Abstract: A fork lift truck having a "lazy tong" or "scissor-like" horizontal motion control system attached to the mast carriage which allows the load carried by the mast to be retracted from forward of the front wheels to between the front and rear wheels and to be extended in a reverse fashion. Also, two horizontally and vertically forward-extending outriggers are deployed independently of each other with consideration to the terrain, obstacles, the load and other factors to prevent the truck from tilting forward in response to a load on the tines while the tines are extended forwardly and the truck is not traveling.

Abstract: A forklift truck has a chassis structure with at least two sections 11, 12 hinged together for pivotting between an open working configuration and a closed stowage configuration.

Abstract: An improved fork lift truck having a scissor-actuated horizontal carriage motion system mounted on a horizontal frame. The carriage motion system providing for selectable positioning in a compact space of a lift assembly between a position forward of and behind the front wheels. The lift assembly provides downward pressure and is vertically moveable from and to a position which is below ground level and a further position above the level of the fork lift truck. The fork lift truck also provides a pair of outriggers which discontinue movement and remain stationary if they contact an obstruction, while the other outriggers continue to extend, the outriggers being moveable both horizontally and vertically relative to the remainder of the lift truck.

Abstract: The chassis of a forklift truck includes a front assembly and a rear assembly which, in certain embodiments, are movable toward and away from each other between an extended stable normal working condition and a contracted compact condition for storage or transport of the forklift truck. The front assembly includes driven front wheels, standard upright mast and double-acting lift jack for the fork carriage movable along the mast. The rear assembly includes the operator compartment, rear axle assembly for the rear wheels and mechanism mounting the rear axle assembly for vertical movement relative to the operator compartment between a raised normal working position and a downward-projected position. The rear assembly also includes a landing wheel or wheels mounted in front of the rear axle assembly at a location above the rear wheels when the rear axle assembly is raised.

Abstract: An overhead support frame assembly provides enhanced strength for an attachment for the vehicle or the like, and features minimum obstruction of vision from the driver station. The frame assembly has a pair of laterally spaced frame units; each including an interconnected tower support plate, overhead extension plate, and upstanding support post. The base of each tower support plate is attached to the vehicle deck at an approximate 30.degree. angle to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and slanted forwardly toward the horizontal overhead extension plate at an approximate 10.degree. angle. The position and angle of the tower support plates provide a 60.degree. unobstructed rear view from the driver station. Each extension plate is directed to the front of the vehicle and terminates at the upper end of an upstanding support post positioned adjacent to the driver station for secondary support.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus and methods for transporting and manipulating headstones are provided. The apparatus consists of a mobile carrier having a frame and a bed member pivotally attached thereto that is adapted to carry and support a headstone thereon. The bed member is pivotable between a horizontal position wherein it is carried on the frame of the mobile carrier to a position wherein it is perpendicular to the mobile carrier frame by a manually operated hydraulic cylinder. A support foot is attached to the end of the bed member to support the bottom of a headstone when the bed member is in the perpendicular position. The position of the support foot may be selectively adjusted with respect to the end of the bed member to enable the headstone to be placed on objects located at various heights above the ground level. A removable water-tight container is also provided for hauling concrete solutions or crushed gravel.

Abstract: A carriage assembly, 20h for a lift truck upright assembly, 12, has pivotally mounted forks, 30, controlled by hydraulic cylinders, 36, that are operated by side shifter circuit, 110, having a single operator control, 124, for manipulating the forks in unison, opening or closing the forks, or shifting them right or left in a coordinated fashion.

Abstract: A self-propelled lift truck comprising a forward carriage assembly which includes a pair of spaced apart ground engageable wheels and a vertical mast on which is mounted a forwardly projecting fork assembly for lifting and lowering of loads thereon by relative upward and downward movement and a rearward carriage assembly which includes at least one ground engageable wheel and on which is supported a power source for operating components of the lift truck. The forward and rearward carriage assemblies are connected by first and second transversely spaced apart support members, the forward ends of which are pivotally attached to the forward carriage assembly and the rearward ends of which are pivotally attached to the rearward carriage assembly. A power device is connected to at least one of the support members and is activatable to effect relative angular displacement of the elongated support members with the forward carriage assembly.

Abstract: A three-stage mast (1) for a forklift truck and a forklift truck incorporating the mast (1). The mast (1) has an outer mast section (2) for mounting on the truck. A middle mast section (5) is slidably movable on the outer mast section (2) by rams (7). An inner mast section (12) is slidably mounted on the middle mast section (5) and carries a fork carriage (14). Lifting chains (20) and lowering chains (30) extend between the inner mast section (12) and outer mast section (2) passing over intermediate guides (24, 31) on the middle mast section (5). The chains (20, 30) raise and lower the inner mast section (12) on the middle mast section (5) when the rams (7) are operated. Similarly lifting chains (26) and lowering chains (34) extend between the middle mast section (5) and the fork carriage (14) via guides (27, 35) on the inner mast section (12) for movement of the fork carriage (14) on the inner mast section (12).

Abstract: A lift truck includes an upright assembly having first, second and third telescoping mast sections. Each mast section is formed from pairs of laterally spaced and interconnected I-beam rails. A carriage assembly is mounted for movement along a path on the third mast section. Rollers are provided for mounting the mast sections and carriage assembly together for relative movement. A drive assembly connected to the upright assembly and carriage assembly serves to move the carriage assembly at a first, relatively slow speed over a first portion of the movement path and at a second relatively fast speed over a second portion of the movement path. More particularly, the drive assembly includes twinned actuating cylinders for operatively connecting the first and second mast sections. A first dead chain operatively connects the first and third mast sections. A second dead chain operatively connects the second mast section and the carriage assembly.

Abstract: An industrial truck designed, for example, as a counterweight fork lift truck has a lifting stand 2, which is pivotable around a tilting axis N situated crosswise to the vehicular longitudinal axis in the front area of the vehicle in a lifting stand support. The counterweight fork lift truck is also provided with a monitoring unit for detecting and indicating the loading state, which has at least one measuring device located in the lifting stand support. The measuring device designed, for example, as a strain gauge 12, 13 picks up the vertical bearing forces and the horizontal ones parallel to the vehicular longitudinal axis, F.sub.V and F.sub.H. The measuring device is connected with a data storage unit 13, which is connected to a loading state indicator 14. Both static and dynamic loads on the fork lift truck can be indicated.

Abstract: A shuttle vehicle for transferring objects to and from another vehicle, especially a field harvester. The shuttle has a tower lift for raising a platform carrying objects such as pallets of folded containers to a high elevation forming a tunnel-like opening. The shuttle is equipped with horns and locking hooks to engage a field harvester so that the bed of the harvester is brought into alignment with the bed of the shuttle. Boxes from the shuttle are then pushed through the tunnel-like opening of the tower lift onto the flat bed of the shuttle. Once the harvester is unloaded, the support platform of the tower lift may be lowered and objects carried by the lift placed onto the harvester. In this manner, there is a two-way transfer of goods from one vehicle to the other.

Abstract: The chassis of a forklift truck includes a front assembly and a rear assembly movable toward and away from each other between an extended stable normal working condition and a contracted compact condition for storage or transport of the forklift truck. The front assembly includes driven front wheels, standard upright mast and double-acting lift jack for the fork carriage movable along the mast. The rear assembly includes the operator compartment, rear axle assembly for the rear wheels and mechanism mounting the rear axle assembly for vertical movement relative to the operator compartment between a raised normal working position and a downward-projected position. The rear assembly also includes a landing wheel mounted in front of the rear axle assembly at a location above the rear wheels when the rear axle assembly is raised.

Abstract: A self-propelled, counterbalanced, container transporter vehicle having a frame, a counterweight supported at the rear, an elevating upright, carriage pick-up and lift frame assembly for lifting, transporting and stacking containers in which a tower structure supports a cab providing an operator's station with controls for hydraulically raising and lowering the upright, the cab has a wide angle front window area that partially wraps around the operator's station to permit a horizontal line of sight to the maximum extension of the lift frame and is sloped back to afford high angle vision to the maximum vertical extension of the upright for high stacking containers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck having a pedestal which is tiltable by a hydraulic cylinder and has an operator's cabin and forks positioned forwardly of and for movement along the pedestal.

Abstract: A forklift vehicle having a tiltable lift frame on its forward end which can be inclined relative to a horizontal axis located on the front of the vehicle. Spaced vertical support columns located on the rear of the vehicle and a cross member connecting the upper ends of the support columns. A driver cab on the vehicle positioned between the lift frame and the support columns. A protective cover over the driver cab including a support element which is mechanically connected to the lift frame and to a support column.