Abstract: The invention relates to affixing adapter plates to the back of commercially available forklift implements to enable the rapid connection of a forklift to the end of the hydraulic booms of backhoes. The attachment is accomplished either by substituting the bucket of the backhoe with the modified forklift or by engaging the modified forklift with a modified bucket connector which allows the forklift implement to be connected without removing the bucket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is taught for engaging, positioning, and splitting logs. A wedge section of a skid steer loader coupling device is received in a lip section of a log splitting system coupling device. A body section of the skid steer loader coupling device is urged into a flush position with a body section of a log splitting system coupling device. Levers on the skid steer loader coupling device are actuated from a first position to a second position so that pin devices coupled to the levers move from a disengaged to an engaged position with respect to apertures in the log splitting system coupling device. Hoses are coupled at a first end of the log splitting system and at a second end of the skid steer loader. The skid steer loader is maneuvered proximate a first one of the logs to be engaged from above the first one of the logs.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a structure having, ground engageable propulsion means, a loader arm mounted for up and down swinging movement, an operator's cab, an engine having an output to provide power for said movement of the loader arm and propulsion of the vehicle and a drive to connect the output to the ground engageable propulsion means to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle with a bucket assembly. The assembly includes a bucket configured to carry a predetermined load and at least one arm, which is selectively moveable between a plurality of positions. The assembly includes a handle adapted to move and selectively retain the arm into each of the positions. The handle is also adapted to breakaway from a set position when the predetermined load is exceeded. The bucket assembly may also include a pinch mechanism and a stopping assembly.

Abstract: An excavator-hoist including a chassis for supporting an operator's cab, a drive assembly, and a boom with a working tool supported at the free end of the boom, two pairs of projecting pivotable arms connected to opposite end sides of the chassis, respectively, for supporting at their free ends two pairs of wheels, with the arms, which support the front wheels having free end portions offset relative to respective remaining portions of the front wheel supporting arms in a vertical plane, with the front wheels being carried by the offset portions of the arms, and with respective piston-cylinder units, which are provided for pivoting the front wheel supporting arms in respective vertical planes, having one of their respective ends attached to the respective arms above pivot axes of the respective arms, and having another of their respective ends attached in respective regions of bottoms of the respective arms.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle of the kind specified in which the load carrying means comprises a telescopic boom pivotally mounted to the structure at a rear end region of the boom for up and down swinging movement by said power means in a plane extending forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle and the boom having a load carrying implement at a forward end region thereof, the front ground engageable wheels being driven by said motor and the rear ground engageable wheels being steerable and the seat, having a region, disposed generally underneath the seat in which the motor is disposed.

Abstract: A bale lift device is provided by the invention. The bale lift device includes a back frame, a spear member, and rotation axis. The back frame includes a first end, a second end, and at least one extension separating the first end from the second end. The back frame includes a first area for attaching to the loader hydraulic cylinder of a front end loader. The back frame includes a second area for attaching to the loader arm of a front end loader. The spear member includes at least one spear having a first end for penetrating a bale and a second end attached to the back frame. The rotation axis allows the spear member to rotate relative to the back frame. A front end loader having a bale lift device and a method for transporting a bale are provided. A method of assisting the removal of a bale lifting device from a bale without additional levers or hydraulic controls or hydraulic cylinders is provided. The method can utilize the controls already existing in the operational functions of the loader.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a work machine which includes (i) a boom and (ii) a coupling mechanism secured to an end of the boom is disclosed. The arrangement includes a first control assembly having (i) a first gripping portion and (ii) a first actuator secured to the first gripping portion so that the first actuator can move relative to the first gripping portion.

Abstract: A linkage assembly for connecting an implement to a frame of a work machine which provides greater visibility for an operator of the work machine is disclosed. The linkage assembly includes a box-boom lift arm having a frame end portion and an implement end portion, wherein (i) the frame end portion is pivotally coupled to the frame, (ii) the implement end portion is pivotally coupled to the implement, and (iii) the frame end portion includes a first extension and a second extension spaced apart from each other so as to define a first lever space therebetween. The linkage assembly also includes a lift cylinder having a frame end and a lift arm end, wherein (i) the frame end is pivotally coupled to the frame, and (ii) the lift arm end is pivotally coupled to the box boom lift arm. Moreover, the linkage assembly includes a rear tilt link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A material-handling vehicle includes a structure having ground engageable propulsion means, a loader arm mounted on the structure for up and down swinging movement and, on opposite sides of the loader arm, an operator's cab and an engine having an output to provide power for said movement of the loader arm and for propulsion of the vehicle and a drive to connect the output of the engine to the ground engageable propulsion means to propel the vehicle and wherein the drive includes an angle drive and a change speed gear train, the output of the engine is kinematically connected to an input of the angle drive and an output of the angle drive is kinematically connected to an input of the change speed gear train, and an output of the change speed gear train is kinematically connected to the ground engageable propulsion means wherein the output of the engine and the input of the angle drive are disposed longitudinally of the vehicle whilst the output of the angle drive is disposed transversely of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

Abstract: A material-handling vehicle comprising a structure having, ground engageable propulsion means, a loader arm mounted for up and down swinging movement, an operator's cab, an engine having an output to provide power for said movement of the loader arm and propulsion of the vehicle and drive to connect the output to the ground engageable propulsion means to propel the vehicle, wherein the output of the engine is kinematically connected to a change speed gearbox which drives at least a rear axle of the vehicle, at least one of the engine and change speed gearbox being connected to the rear axle to provide a sub-assembly and said sub-assembly being mounted on said structure for pivotal movement about an axis which lies in, or is parallel to, a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A low profile, extensible boom, rough terrain forklift is provided with an engine and drive train centrally mounted within a narrowed frame to provide clearance between the rough terrain forklift wheels and the narrow frame such that the forklift has a tight turning radius without increasing the overall width of the forklift. In addition to the centrally mounted engine, the pivotal mount of the extensible boom is elevated from the frame to allow a forklift operator complete visibility of the terrain surrounding the forklift.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an extendible forklift, includes a chassis or frame carrying a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a boom assembly pivotably mounted to the frame. A leveling cylinder is interposed between the frame and the wheels for leveling the frame when the vehicle is on uneven terrain and prior to raising the boom assembly to elevate a load. A switch mechanism is interposed between the frame and the boom assembly, for detecting when the boom assembly reaches or exceeds a predetermined angle relative to the frame. Actuation of the switch mechanism results in a restriction in the flow of fluid to the leveling cylinder, to reduce the speed at which the frame leveling cylinder can be operated. Simultaneously, the switch mechanism is operable to actuate the parking brake of the forklift, to prevent movement when the boom is raised above the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A body is enclosed by an elongated tube of shape-recovering tubing having a direction of elongation and having materials properties described by a recovered state and an expanded state which contracts toward the recovered state upon heating. The piece of shape-recovering tubing is processed to have a first region in the recovered state, the first region being in the form of a stripe extending parallel to the direction of elongation, a second region in the expanded state, and, optionally, printed matter on the first region. The tube is positioned overlying the body, and the second region is heated so that it contracts toward the recovered state.

Abstract: An hydraulic system for a wheeled loader comprising a loader arm assembly which carries a working implement and which is connected to the body and which is movable between raised and lowered positions by means of a hydraulic ram means and in which a hydraulic accumulator is connected to the Hydraulic ram means wherein the loader arm assembly is connected at, or adjacent to, the rear end thereof to the body at, or adjacent to, the rear end thereof so that the loader arm assembly extends forwardly whereby, in a lowered position of the loader arm assembly, the working implement is disposed in front of the body wherein each chamber of the hydraulic ram means is connected to a selection valve means adapted to feed fluid under pressure to one chamber of the ram means and to receive fluid at a lower pressure from the other chamber of the ram means in order to raise the loader arm assembly or to feed fluid under pressure to said other chamber of the ram means and receive fluid at a lower pressure from said one chambe

Abstract: A loader with a controlled vertical path of a working implement comprises a frame and a pair of laterally spaced lift booms disposed at opposite lateral sides of the frame for elevational movement between lowered and raised positions, each of the lift booms having a forward free end which carries a working implement and a rear proximal end articulately mounted to the frame. A pair of front control links are arranged on the opposite sides of the frame, each of the front control links having a first end pivotally attached to the frame at a first pivot point and a second end pivotally connected to the rear proximal end of the respective lift boom at a first connection point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forklift having a traversing carriage for moving longitudinally along a frame of the forklift, an outer guide rail for guiding the carriage being disposed relatively low to the operator cockpit so as to minimize the obstruction of operator visibility of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A machine such as an articulated loading shovel, has a working arm, the machine including a body part to which a first end of the arm is attached for relative pivotal movement about a first generally horizontal axis and the arm having a second end adapted to mount a working implement for movement relative to the arm about a second generally horizontal axis characterised in that the arm is substantially straight between the first and second ends, and is of substantially inverted channel configuration having a top part and a pair of side walls integrally formed, and the arm over at least a major portion of its length between the first and second ends including a strengthening member which extends between and is connected to the side walls.

Abstract: A tool for attachment to a working end of an excavator arm for use in supporting a pipe section while lowering it into a trench. The tool has a proximal end from which extends an elongated arm, held in an approximately horizontal position when in use. A vertical riser is attached to the arm at the proximal end, and an upper end of the riser is attached to a quick coupling connector for attachment to a corresponding mating quick coupling on the working end of an excavator arm. A lateral support, extending from each side of the tool is included, making the tool self supporting in a vertical position on level ground in a position ready for connection to an excavator arm. A further embodiment includes the combination of the tool as described above with a leveling device attached to an excavator, a combination that provides precision alignment and joining of pipe lengths in a trench.

Abstract: A remote control vehicle comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with first and second ground engageable propulsion means respectively disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle and in which the first and second propulsion means are driven by first and second transmission means respectively to permit the vehicle to be propelled and steered by driving the propulsion means on one side of the vehicle independently from the propulsion means on the other side of the vehicle, a boom assembly having carrying means for carrying an implement on the boom assembly, the boom assembly being mounted on the body for lifting movement between a raised position and a lowered position by a lifting means and wherein the ground engageable propulsion means and the lifting means of the boom assembly are operable by a receiver, of an electromagnetic signal, provided on the body.

Abstract: A control system for an electric lift truck that controls a traction motor and a hydraulic pump motor is disclosed. The speed of rotation of both motors is controlled by a pulse width modulated current supplied from a battery source by the controller in direct response to a demand communicated to the controller through an interface manipulated by an operator. A pump driven by the pump motor supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to a lift mechanism and a power assisted steering unit. A joystick with function switches mounted thereto is provided so that the operator steers with one hand while controlling truck propulsion and all functions of the lift mechanism with the other hand. The direct control of the pump motor speed enables a fully proportional control of the hydraulic system. The control system is a compact structure that requires minimal cabling and ensures that the hydraulic system operates with energy efficiency and minimal wear.

Abstract: There is provided in accord with the present invention a work vehicle having a fluid actuated and mechanically linked attachment, which attachment is operatively connected to a valve having a control valve spool reciprocally mounted in the control valve body and having a control valve lock mounted thereon. The control valve lock comprises a rod engaged at one end with the valve spool and having a groove at the other end, with the rod maintaining a centering spring assembly in contact with the valve spool. An actuator, such as a solenoid, is mounted and orientated normal to the rod. The actuator, such as a solenoid, has a pin aligned to selectively engage the groove in the rod. The solenoid is in operative communication with a control switch to selectively operate the solenoid.

Abstract: Three independent functions are controlled from a single control lever. The lever is mounted on a universal joint having a slip yoke, a flanged yoke and a cross member extending between the two yokes and defining a first transverse pivot axis and a second transverse pivot axis. The slip yoke is provided with first and second ball joints located in the same plane as the cross member. The first function is controlled by the fore-and-aft movement of the control lever pivoting the slip yoke about the first transverse pivot axis moving the first ball joint up and down. The first ball joint is coupled to a first link that moves the first hydraulic control valve. The second function is controlled by the side-to-side movement of the control lever. Such a side-to-side movement pivots the slip yoke about the second transverse pivot axis moving the second ball joint and second link positioning the second hydraulic control valve. The third function is controlled by the twisting movement of the control lever.

Abstract: A mobile loading machine having a frame and an operator's cab mounted thereon has a load arm assembly adapted to be pivotably mounted at a rear end of the frame, and support a power tool between a lowered position and a raised position at a forward end thereof. The load arm assembly includes an outer load arm section for supporting the tool, an inner load arm section pivotably mounted to the frame independent of the cab, and an intermediate load arm section integrally connected between the outer and inner load arm sections. The intermediate load arm section and inner load arm section are in overlapping relationship with each other such that the intermediate load arm section is positioned alongside a lowermost portion of the cab when the load arm assembly is in the lowered position to maximize the lateral visibility of the operator from the cab.

Abstract: A releasable locking mechanism has a lockbar which locks a hydraulic cylinder in an extended position for holding a liftarm assembly of a machine in a raised position. The lift cylinder has a body and an extendable rod which incorporates structure thereon acting upon the lockbar to release the locked hydraulic cylinder so that the liftarm assembly is moved from the raised position to a lowered position with minimal operator intervention. The operator intervention occurs only when the liftarm assembly is in the lowered position or when the lift cylinder is locked in the extended position. The lockbar is movable between an inoperative position wherein the lockbar is releasably connected to the liftarm assembly and an operative position wherein the lockbar is in bearing engagement with the body of the lift cylinder to prevent retraction of the rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-tine lifting implement, which, when mounted on a vehicle such as a skid steer loader, can pry and lift objects such as concrete or asphalt slabs or pavement, pieces of concrete or asphalt, rocks, shrubs, small trees, and the like.

Abstract: A loader linkage having a bucket and boom arm mounted to the loader vehicle by way of top and bottom links, the top link being pivotally coupled with a structural member of the vehicle that extends upwardly from the vehicle frame generally at the rear of or behind the operator station. The top link is coupled to the structural member at a point generally above and behind the operator seated on the vehicle. The linkage establishes a bucket path that extends generally vertically initially and that then extends forwardly through the entire range of upper motion of the bucket. The linkage causes the bucket to achieve maximum reach at the bucket's maximum height. The orientation of the top link also reduces the vehicles tendency to tilt rearwardly onto the rear wheel's during leveling operations.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle comprising a structure having ground engageable propulsion means and a material handling means comprising a boom mounted on the structure for raising and lowering swinging movement relative to the structure and driven for said raising and lowering movement by a first drive means and said boom being extendable and being driven for extension or retraction by a second drive means and a material handling implement carried by an outer end part of said boom, wherein the material handling implement comprises a carrier and a load engageable device moveable relative to the carrier, a first sensing means to sense a first position of the device relative to the carrier, said drive means being responsive to the said first sensing means sensing said first position to modify operation of said drive means.

Abstract: A backhoe attachment (10) includes a boom (12) adapted to be connected by a suitable mounting structure (15) to the loader manipulating arrangement (16) of a front-end or skid loader. A distal end of the boom (12) is adapted for receiving a backhoe bucket (14). When attached to the loader manipulating arrangement (16) the loader operator may use the loader's regular controls to pull the backhoe bucket (14) toward the loader and dig a trench with the attachment.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has at least one or a pair of implement lift arm assemblies pivotally connected with a body of the loader. The lift arms, their associated lift actuators, and the connections between the various components of the lift arm assemblies and the machine implement are configured to provide increased dump reach without negatively impacting structural life, to increase machine productivity by reduced cycle times, and to improve visibility of the implement from the operator's station.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a pair of lift arms pivotally mounted to a main frame of the loader. The lift arms are connected together by a cross member located at the forward ends of the arms. The cross member is spaced ahead of a front wall member of the main frame when the lift arms are in their lowered positions so as to create a gap between the cross member and the cross member and the front wall member of the main frame where the operator enters the loader. A combination step/stop arrangement is carried on the front wall member to provide a skid resistant stepping surface across the gap between the front wall member of the main frame and the cross member of the lift arm assembly and to prevent the lift arm assembly from moving past its lowered position.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle comprising a structure having ground engageable propulsion means and a material handling means comprising a boom mounted on the structure for raising and lowering swinging movement relative to the structure and driven for said raising and lowering movement by a first drive means and said boom being extendable and being driven for extension or retraction by a second drive means and a material handling implement carried by an outer end part of said boom, wherein the material handling implement comprises a carrier and a load engageable device moveable relative to the carrier, a first sensing means to sense a first position of the device relative to the carrier, said drive means being responsive to the said first sensing means sensing said first position to modify operation of said drive means.

Abstract: A vehicle having a lifting boom, comprising a load-carrying frame (12) having a front section (12a) and a rear section (12b), a lifting boom (18) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and articulated to the frame (12) in the rear section (12b), an operating and driving cab (28) placed on a side of the vehicle (18) and an internal combustion engine placed on the opposite side of the boom (18) with respect to the operating cab (28). The rear section (12b) of the frame has a platform on which a lifting device is mounted, in particular operatively associated to a three-point hitch, whereby the vehicle can be used also as an agricultural machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the control of a work implement is disclosed. The implement is connected to a work machine and is moveable in response to operation of a hydraulic cylinder. The apparatus includes an operator controlled joystick. A joystick position sensor senses the position of the joystick and responsively generates an operator command signal. An implement position sensor senses the position of the work implement and responsively produces an implement position signal. A microprocessor based controller receives the implement position and operator command signals, modifies the operator command signal, and produces an electrical valve signal in response to the modified operator command signal. An electrohydraulic valve receives the electrical valve signal, and controllably provides hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic cylinder in response to a magnitude of the electrical valve signal.

Abstract: A cross lever valve control device (1), especially for a lifting device such as a crane, with at least one manually actuated cross lever (2,3) which can be swivelled in first cross direction (K.sub.1) and in a second cross direction (K.sub.2), and with at least two control valves (5, 6, 9, 10) which each have one movable valve body (11, 12, 15, 16), cross lever (2, 3) being coupled to valve body (11, 16) of first control valve (5, 10) and valve body (12, 15) of second control valve (6, 9) such that first control valve (5, 10) can be actuated by moving cross lever (2, 3) in first cross direction (K.sub.1) and second control valve (6, 9) can be actuated by moving cross lever (2, 3) in second cross direction (K.sub.2).

Abstract: A hay loader is provided including a fixed frame mounted on a vehicle. Also included is a moving frame slidably mounted on the fixed frame. The moving frame is maintained vertically oriented while being shifted toward and away from the moving frame. Also included is at least one hydraulic cylinder connected between the fixed frame and the moving frame for selectively shifting the moving frame with respect to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A skid steer loader vehicle comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with first and second ground engageable propulsion wheels respectively disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle and in which the first and second propulsion wheels are driven by first and second transmission systems respectively to permit the vehicle to be propelled and steered by driving the propulsion wheels on one side of the vehicle independently from the propulsion wheels on the other side of the vehicle, an operator's compartment and a boom assembly, the boom assembly having, at an outer end thereof, connecting structure for connecting a material handling implement to the boom assembly and an inner end of the boom assembly being pivotally mounted on the body, adjacent the rear end of the body, for movement between a raised position and a lowered position in which the boom assembly extends forwards alongside the operator's compartment and the material handling implement is disposed forward of the front end of th

Abstract: A skid steer loader control linkage engageable by an operator for controlling speed and direction of the vehicle. The control linkage operatively engages a roll over protection structure that is shiftable between a lowered operating position and a raised position whereat vehicle compartments are exposed for access by the operator. The engagement of the control linkage against the roll over protection structure shifts the control linkage between an operative position and an inoperative position as the roll over protection structure shifts between the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A battery changing system in combination with a battery holder is provided. The battery changing system comprises a mobile frame, and a battery lift assembly including a pair of lifting arms forming an opening for receiving the battery holder. Mounting structure movably connects battery lift assembly to the mobile frame. Actuating structure moves the battery lift assembly between an initial position and an operative position wherein the battery holder is raised to a selected elevation above the ground. Elongated releasably lockable safety retaining structure is attached to the battery lift assembly. The battery holder is constructed and arranged to be received in the opening and includes first engaging structure. Each of the lifting arms includes an upwardly facing engaging surface.

Abstract: A material-handling vehicle comprising a structure having a ground engageable propulsion device, a loader arm, having a longitudinal axis, mounted at the rear of the structure for up and down swinging movement, an operator's cab disposed on the structure on one side of the loader arm longitudinal axis and an engine mounted on the structure to provide power for the swinging movement of the arm and propulsion of the vehicle, wherein the engine is located on one side of the loader arm longitudinal axis and the engine has an output shaft and the engine is transversely disposed with its output shaft transverse to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a working vehicle having high visibility and transportability and is capable of providing a large excavation force over a wide range. To this end, a working unit (30) is provided with a boom (31), which is divided into a first boom (31a) and a second boom (31b), and an arm (32), which is fixed to a front end portion of the second boom (31b). The first boom (31a) is free to be swung by a first boom hydraulic cylinder (36) and the second boom (31b) is free to be swung by a second boom hydraulic cylinder (37). One end portion of a first arm link (33a) is attached to a front end portion of the second boom (31b), and one end portion of a second arm link (33b) is attached to a rear end portion of the arm (32), with one end portion of an arm hydraulic cylinder (38) and the other end portions of the first arm link (33a) and the second arm link (33b) being connected together.

Abstract: A battery changing system in combination with a battery holder is provided. The battery changing system includes a mobile frame, a battery lift assembly including a pair of lifting arms forming an opening for receiving the battery holder. Mounting structure pivotally connects battery lift assembly to an end portion of the frame. Actuating structure extends between the battery lift assembly and the end portion of the frame to pivot the battery lift assembly between an initial position engaging the battery holder positioned on the ground and an operative position wherein the battery holder is raised to a selected elevation above the ground. The battery holder includes hanger structure fixed to opposing sidewalls thereof. Each hanger structure includes a rearwardly extending wall defining a rearward edge and a downwardly facing fulcrum surface disposed forwardly of the rearwardly extending wall.

Abstract: A motorized lift truck, with a telescopic arm (9), comprising a chassis (1) mounted on a plurality of wheels of which at least one (7) is power driven. The chassis (1) carries a motor propulsion group (3), a cab (2) and lifting structure (4) disposed between the motor propulsion group (3) and the cab (2). The lifting structure (4) is the telescopic arm (9) mounted pivotably about a substantially horizontal axle (10). The assembly of the lifting structure (4) comprising the telescopic arm (9) is displaceable transversely, so as to permit precise adjustment over a predetermined distance (d) of the position of the lifting structure (4) so as to engage the load. The truck is adapted to be loaded up on the rear of a carrying vehicle and comprises a chassis (1) having a U shape.

Abstract: In machines having a bucket that is capable of carrying a load of material, it is well know that when the machine is traveling over rough terrain or encounters other obstacles the machine may bounce or the operator may be subjected to a jolt due to a change in force acting on the lift actuator. Accumulators have been connected to the loaded end of the lift actuator to cushion or dampen the sudden changes in the forces. When the machine is used without the accumulator connected to the lift actuator a pressure balancing valve mechanism is provided to maintain a pre-charge in the accumulator greater than or equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when the ride control comes on. In order to ensure that the pressure in the accumulator is always equal to the pressure in the head end of the lift actuator when ride control comes on, the accumulator is selectively connected to the implement pump or the reservoir.

Abstract: The machine has a chassis comprising a rigid longitudinal frame (1) whose width is less than 25% of the overall width of the machine, excluding the wheels. A boom is pivotally mounted on the chassis. A drive arrangement (7) comprises a mechanically driven transmission (37, 39, 41) kinematically connected to an engine (34). Shafts (43, 44) kinematically connect a power output (42) mid-way along the drive arrangement (7) to final drive units on the front and rear axles. The drive arrangement is mounted at one side of the longitudinal frame (1) between the axles. The rotary axis (51) of the engine shaft lies in a vertical plane which is inclined relative to the vertical longitudinal median plane (2) of the frame (1) so that its output end is nearer to the frame (1).

Abstract: Typical loading machines utilize a pair of lift arms to mount a work implement to a machine frame. The spacing of the lift arms and the tilt linkage mounted to the lift arms to manipulate the work implement reduce the visibility to the work implement as well as increase the overall weight of the structure. The present invention provides a boom-type lift arm that has a non-clevised configuration on both end portions thereof that mount a work implement to the frame of a machine. The tilt linkage is mounted between the lift arm and the work implement to rotate the work implement with respect to the lift arm. The work implement defines a pair of mounting plates that mount both the tilt linkage as well as the lift arm.

Abstract: A boom locking device for a skid steer loader includes a prop arm hingedly attached to a boom for swinging movement between a rest position generally in parallel to the boom and a proping position in a bearing engagement with the distal end of a boom cylinder housing to maintain the boom in a raised position against retraction of a boom cylinder piston rod. A release lever is pivotally attached to the free end of the prop arm, the release lever adapted for pivotal movement between an idle position in which the release lever is folded back onto the prop arm, an unfolded position in which the tip end of the release lever rides on the cylinder housing and an arm lifting position in which the release lever bears against the piston rod at the tip end thereof to lift up the prop arm out of engagement with the distal end of the cylinder housing.

Abstract: A variable priority device for heavy construction equipment for establishing a priority of the boom over the bucket by limiting an amount of fluid passing through a bucket-side parallel fluid line when the boom operates alone and thereby decreasing the amount of fluid supplied to the bucket actuator. The device is installed in the bucket-side parallel fluid line and adapted to be switched between an orifice state and an orifice release state, the priority control valve being initially maintained at the orifice release state by a resilience device while being switched from the orifice release state to the orifice state against a resilience of the resilience device in response to a pilot pressure for moving the spool of a boom-side switching valve communicating with the boom actuator.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for guiding and manipulating a work implement, such as a bucket, includes a V-shaped guide link and a curved implement link. A plurality of pin joints connect the implement link to the bucket, the guide link, and to a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder, the guide link, and the implement link cooperate to rotate the bucket between open and closed positions, for digging and carrying materials. The linkage arrangement provides high forces for digging and bucket rotation and desirable lower rotational velocity for clamping object in the fully closed position.