Abstract: A crane attachment for a front end loader includes arm members pivotally attached to a central portion of a forward end of loader arm. Remote ends of the arms are joined together to form a triangular boom or truss structure. A cable or a chain extends from each arm of the loader to the remote ends of the arm members to support the truss structure. The length of the cable or chain can be adjusted, with a “come-along” or the like, to provide desired leverage and extension of the truss structure. A pulley is attached to the remote ends of the arm members and a winch cable runs through the pulley to permit an object to be lifted with the winch cable. The crane attachment can be used for lifting large objects, in place of a small crane. Also, the crane attachment can be laid back toward the operator cockpit to permit the loader bucket to be used without removing the crane attachment and the bucket need not be removed when using the crane attachment.

Abstract: A boom assembly has articulated boom section which permit a lifting bucket or working tool to a raised position in which the boom end moves substantially vertically for a selected portion of its movement of the boom above which the boom end moves upwardly and forwardly. The links are used are selected in length to permit this travel. The links are supported close to the loader support axles to transfer loads to the ground through a short load path.

Abstract: A TLB includes a tractor body, a reinforcing frame disposed around the tractor body and supported by the tractor body, a pair of right and left side frames for pivotably supporting a pair of right and left booms having a loader bucket attached to distal ends thereof, and braces for connecting the side frames to the tractor body. The side frames are connected to the reinforcing frames by at least two connecting bosses attached to the side frames, at least two connecting bosses attached to the reinforcing frame, and pins inserted through bores of the connected bosses and bores of the connecting bosses. Rear positions of the reinforcing frame are attached to cylindrical portions of rear axle cases by holders rotatable about an axis of the cylindrical portions, and mounting members for connecting the holders to the reinforcing frame, respectively.

Abstract: A lift boom assembly includes a pair of lift arm assemblies. Each of the lift arm assemblies include a main lift link with a rear end portion and a second lift link. The second lift links each have a first end portion, a second end portion pivotally connected to a frame of a work machine to define a first pivot, and a central portion pivotally connected to the rear end portion of a respective main lift link to define a second pivot. A pair of control links each having a first end portion that is pivotally connected to the frame of the work machine to define a third pivot. A second end portion of the control links being pivotally connected to a respective one of the main lift links to define a fourth pivot with each of the first, second, third, and fourth pivots being located above the lower portion of the frame. The pivots of the components are located on an upper portion of the work machine so that the components cooperate together to achieve a simple and efficient lift boom design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rapid coupling for connection of an implement to an operating arm, with at least one pair of lock pins that are movably guided toward each other in alignment and that can be moved toward and away from each other by a drive and that penetrate into an aligned lock hole in the implement in their extended lock position. According to the invention, pre-centering device are provided to pre-center the retracted lock pins on the lock holes.

Abstract: An elongated hydraulically foldable and elevationally adjustable ramp connectable to a draft vehicle and including leading and trailing ramp sections that are pivotally joined and foldable between an inclined loading position and an upright traveling position, and a ground-bearing pad pivotally connected and depending freely from the ramp at a position forward its center of gravity, such that upon activation of a hydraulic cylinder extending between the trailing and leading ramp sections when in loading position, the ground-bearing pad engages the ground and causes the forward end of the leading ramp section to elevate above the bed level of the trailer to facilitate mounting and removal of the ramp therefrom. The hydraulics for the ramp are self-contained on the ramp for independent operation and positional control without connection to an external source.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided by which front end loaders of the mid-mount type are rapidly attached and detached from a tractor or other piece of motive equipment. A procedure for latching and unlatching is also provided, as well as mid-mount front end loaders having a quick attach and quick detach mounting system. A universal mounting bracket assembly is included which can be used on either the right side or the left side and can be used with a variety of front end loader models. A clamp secures together a support, a pedestal pin of the support, and the universal mounting bracket assembly in order to achieve the quick connect of the mid-mount loader onto the tractor.

Abstract: An automatic attachment adapter adapted for coupling attachments to and uncoupling attachments from loader lift arms without the need for the operator to exit the equipment or employ a helper. The automatic attachment adapter employs a compact, lightweight, high strength latching device to make connection between the attachment plate of the loader and mounting plate of the attachment. By making use of interlocking rotating clevises the latching device is self-centering, requiring only approximate alignment to operate. Additionally, the latching mechanism is self cleaning of debris which may interfere with its operation.

Abstract: A device for allowing a skid steer loader to function as a small movable crane. The device has a boom member having a first end removably coupled to the skid steer loader. A load attachment mechanism is coupled to a second end of the boom member. The load attachment mechanism is used for attaching objects to the boom member to be lifted by the skid steer loader.

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: A loader 10 includes a loader boom having opposite sides defined by arms to each of which is pivotally mounted a portion of a parking stand assembly including a support leg and a strut with the pivot axis for the leg being spaced between the implement at the end of the boom and the pivot axis for the strut. The support leg includes a pair of sides connected together by a web so as to be generally H-shaped in cross section over a major portion of its length. The web contains an opening through which the strut extends with the strut being in the channel defined below the support leg web and both the support leg and strut extending along the underside of the loader arm when the parking stand is in its stored position. The channel defined above the web receives the lower portion of the loader arm. A releasable fastener couples the strut to the arm, the strut in turn holding the support leg in place.

Abstract: A detachable front-loader comprising a loader assembly consisting of two arms (1) joined by one or more transverse members (2,3) as shown in FIG. 1. Each arm (1) is provided with a supporting device comprising a pivotable support foot (9) and a telescopic strut (10). Each support device is movable between a non-operational position wherein the support foot (9) rests against a respective arm (1), and an operational position. The foot (9) is retained in the operational position by locking the telescopic strut (10) in an extended state. Opposing ends (15,16) of the strut are provided with screw threads (15a,16a) which are connected to threaded members (13,14) pivotally located on the foot (9) and the arm (1).

Abstract: In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and the majority of the drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement and related structure. In this type of machine, the two frames are normally pinned together and the front frame is articulated with respect to the rear frame by a pair of steering cylinders to provide steering for the machine. In order to provide the required structural support for the components of the work implement and to accommodate the steering forces, the front frame is necessarily quite large. The present invention provides a front frame (12) structure that includes a pair of main side plates (62, 64) that are positioned a preselected distance (W) from one another and mount a lift arm assembly (30) therebetween to minimize the overall width of the frame assembly. The forward end portion of the front frame assembly (12) has a preselected height (H) that permits the front frame to have a low profile.

Abstract: Each of right and left attaching units of a front loader of a working vehicle has a pair of side plates extending vertically, and a connecting member interconnecting the side plates in positions intermediate in a fore and aft direction, As a result, each of the right and left attaching units has an H-shaped cross section.

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 front end loader assembly that is attachable to a truck not otherwise intended to use a front end loader. The front end loader assembly includes a stationary mount that attaches to the chassis of the vehicle. A frame structure is provided having a pair of generally vertical frame elements and at least one generally horizontal frame element. The frame structure is pivotably coupled to the stationary mount at a first point of attachment. A single first hydraulic cylinder extending between the stationary mount and the frame structure, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder is capable of moving the frame structure relative the stationary mount about the first point of attachment. An arm structure is coupled to the frame structure by a hinged connection. A single second hydraulic cylinder extends between the frame structure and the arm structure, wherein the second hydraulic cylinder is capable of moving the arm structure relative the frame assembly. A bucket is coupled to the arm structure.

Abstract: A speed command value X1 for a first arm 3 is decided depending on a lever input amount in the direction c, d. Assuming that the side d corresponding to move-up of the first arm is positive, the side c corresponding to move-down thereof is negative, and a speed command value resulted upon full lever operation and corresponding to a rated speed of the first arm is 1, X1 is given by -1<X1<1. A speed command value X3 for a third arm 5 is decided depending on a lever input amount in the direction e, f. Assuming that the side f corresponding to dumping of the third arm is positive, the side e corresponding to crowding thereof is negative, and a speed command value resulted upon full lever operation and corresponding to a rated speed of the third arm is 1, X3 is given by -1<X3<1. A speed command value X2 for a second arm 4 is here given by X2=K1.times.X1+K3.times.X3 on condition that the side corresponding to move-up of the second arm is positive.

Abstract: A backhoe elevator includes a front, loading arm supported on a frame forward of a driver cab midway between front and rear axles. The frame includes two spaced apart elongated members that define a space for retraction of the arm between the members. The controls for the loading arm are disposed along a central axis of the backhoe elevator. The engine is transversely mounted and includes two outputs, one for a hydraulic pump and one for a gear box that is below the support for the loading arm between the frame members. The support for the loading arm may include two parallel plates, one of which is a vertical extension of one of the elongated members and the other of which is mounted on an upper plate that is between and perpendicular to the elongated members. One of the elongated members may have a rear portion that is curved outwardly so that it is not parallel to the other of the elongated members.

Abstract: A rockshaft assist quick-attach apparatus for mounting a cantileverly supported implement, such as a backhoe, to a tractor, and also a method of using the tractor's rockshaft arms in conjunction with rockshaft arm receiving members, tractor brackets and implement mountable brackets to assist in attaching a cantileverly supported implement, such as a backhoe to the tractor. The apparatus comprising tractor brackets, rockshaft arm receiving members and implement mountable brackets. Wherein, when attaching the implement, the rockshaft arms are lowered to their down most position. The tractor is backed toward the implement until it is in close proximity and in substantial alignment fore and aft with the implement. The rockshaft arms are raised until the rockshaft arms engage the rockshaft arm receiving members. Further raising of the rockshaft arms causes upward movement of the implement.

Abstract: A reinforcing frame structure for coupling a front loader (6) to a front region of a tractor body (5) and a working implement to a rear region thereof. The reinforcing frame structure (8) includes right and left frames (13) arranged laterally of the tractor body (5) and extending longitudinally thereof, a first cross bar (14) for rigidly interconnecting the right and left frames in rearward positions thereof, a rear connecting mechanism (12) formed integrally with the rearward positions of the right and left frames to be connectable to a rear axle case (18) of the tractor body from below, a working implement coupling mechanism (11) for coupling the working implement, a loader coupling mechanism (9) for coupling the front loader, and a front connecting mechanism (16) for connecting forward regions of the right and left frames to the tractor body.

Abstract: A tractor for use with a front loader connected thereto has a pair of mast mounts for detachably attaching right and left masts of the front loader, a pair of braces for coupling the mast mounts to the tractor, and a weight mount for carrying a plurality of weights. The braces have distal ends thereof connected to the weight mount. A spacing L1 between the distal ends of the braces is smaller than a spacing L2 between proximal ends thereof. Consequently, the braces are arranged to avoid their interference with front wheel steering. With the weight mount acting also as a brace support, the weight mount has an increased supporting strength.

Abstract: A crane attachment for a front end loader includes arm members pivotally attached to a central portion of a forward each end of loader arm. Remote ends of the arms are joined together to form a triangular boom or truss structure. A cable or a chain extends from each arm of the loader to the remote ends of the arm members to support the truss structure. The length of the cable or chain can be adjusted, with a "come-along" or the like, to provide desired leverage and extension of the truss structure. A pulley is attached to the remote ends of the arm members and a winch cable runs through the pulley to permit an object to be lifted with the winch cable. The crane attachment can be used for lifting large objects, in place of a small crane. Also, the crane attachment can be laid back toward the operator cockpit to permit the loader bucket to be used without removing the crane attachment and the bucket need not be removed when using the crane attachment.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a front end loader to a tractor comprising a longitudinally extending loader mounting frame for pivotally supporting a pair of loader boom arms. The frame comprises a pair of transversely spaced support arms, and a pair of forwardly extending members affixed to the support arms. A pair of front mounting pins extend from the tractor for coupling the forwardly extending members of the frame to the front of the tractor. A pair of rear mounting pins extending from the tractor, cooperate with a latch assembly for coupling each transversely spaced support arm to a corresponding mounting pin under conditions where the forwardly extending members are coupled to the tractor. The latch assembly includes a notch in each of the support arms for receiving a mounting pin and a latch plate for holding the pin in the notch under conditions where the pin is received by the notch.

Abstract: The bale handler attachment (10) has a frame (26) with a base member (26), an upper member (30) parallel to the base member and a pair of connecting members (32 and 34). A pair of connector assemblies (118 and 120) are connected to the frame (26). A plurality of parallel straight tines (36) are connected to the base member (28). A right shaft (42) and a left shaft (54) are pivotally attached to the frame (26) for pivotal movement about parallel axies that are perpendicular to the axies of the straight tines (36). Arcuate tines (74 and 78) are attached to the right and left shafts (42 and 54) and are pivoted into and out of engagement with bales by a hydraulic cylinder (82). A tiebar (72) connects the upper ends of the shafts (42 and 54) and are pivoted into and out of engagement with bales by a hydraulic cylinder (82). A tie bar (72) connects the upper ends of the shaft.

Abstract: A multiple construction equipment attachment comprised of a vehicle mount having an upper end, a lower end, and two side portions. The vehicle mount is securable to a front end of a vehicle. The upper end has a slot formed therethrough. The slot has a release handle extending upwardly therethrough. The two side portions each have a securement bolt extending outwardly thereof downwardly of the upper end. Each securement bolt is pivotally coupled with the release handle. Each securement bolt selectively extends outwardly of the two side portions in relationship with the positioning of the release handle. A hydraulic ram is secured to the lower end of the vehicle mount. The hydraulic ram is controlled from within the vehicle. Two securement bars each have a securement portion extending backwardly therefrom. Each securement portion is removably secured to the securement bolt of the two side portions of the vehicle mount. Each of the securement bars has an elongated recess formed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless roller chains forming a traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: A loader attachment 30 is mounted on or dismounted from a tractor 12 by connecting uprights 36 and 38 to socket assemblies 32 and 34 or releasing the uprights from the socket assemblies. A boom assembly 40 is pivotally attached to the uprights 36 and 38 by pins 42. Both lift cylinders 104 and 112 pivot the boom assembly 40 relative to the uprights 36 and 38. The socket assemblies 32 and 34 are rigidly secured to the tractor 12. The connection is made by moving the troughs 128 into engagement with the pins 180 and then rotating the uprights 36 and 38 about the pins 180 until the vertical surfaces 142 and 150 on the upright wedges 140 and 148 contact the vertical surfaces 192 on the socket wedges 190 and the inclined surfaces 144 and 152 on the upright wedges 140 and 148 engage the inclined surfaces 194 on the socket wedges 190. The locking pins 186 are then inserted through bushings 184 and bores 134 to lock the uprights 36 and 38 to the sockets 32 and 34. The procedure is reversed for dismounting.

Abstract: An equipment carrier assembly for mounting to a snowplow mounting bracket includes at least one and preferably a pair of carrier stands each including a lower platform for supporting equipment thereon and an upright mast mounted to and extending upwardly from the lower platform for attaching equipment thereto, a lower shaft latching mechanism attached on and extending between the lower platforms of the carrier stands for mounting the carrier stand to the snowplow mounting bracket, and upper slide locking mechanisms on the upright masts of the carrier stands for securing the carrier stands to the snowplow mounting bracket. The carrier stands of the assembly may be intercoupled to one another by components attached to and extending respectively between the lower platforms and upper masts of the carrier stands.

Abstract: A loader arm assembly is configured to rotate about an axis defined by a pivot pin. The loader arm assembly includes a loader arm having a first end and a second end, the first end having a cavity. The cavity is configured to be aligned with an axis of rotation. The cavity has a cavity perimeter. The loader arm assembly further includes a pivot tube assembly including a pivot tube having an inner bore configured to engage a pivot pin for rotation about the axis. The pivot tube further has an outer perimeter. A portion of the outer perimeter fixedly engages the cavity perimeter. The pivot tube assembly further includes one or more plates extending from the pivot tube in fixed parallel engagement with the loader arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for controlling movement of an implement. The implement is mounted to a subframe that in turn is joined to a frame portion of the vehicle. The subframe is moveable between the working position, where the implement is operable to perform work, and a second position. The implement has a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving a portion of the implement to perform work using controlled hydraulic fluid present in a hydraulic line connected to the hydraulic actuator. The control apparatus inhibits or allows hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic line as a function of the position of the subframe.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a frame, ground support wheels extending from the frame, a cab with load bearing side walls extending upwardly from the frame to define an operators control area therebetween, and a boom structure comprising a pair of arms and a linkage assembly for operatively coupling the arms to the load bearing side walls. Each arm includes a front portion having a front end extending beyond the cab to support a bucket, a rear portion extending behind the cab, and an integral intermediate portion between the front and rear portions. The linkage assembly includes upper and lower links associated with each of the arms, each link being pivotally secured to the cab at a location above the wheels. The boom structure is powered for raising and lowering in concert each of the pairs of arms through a generally vertical path for moving the front end of the boom arms and bucket along a lift path.

Abstract: A stand apparatus for a front loader having masts attachable to mast mounts of a tractor through pivotal supports and mast fixing members, booms connected to the masts, boom cylinders and braces. The stand apparatus includes stand members each defining a slot for receiving a pivotal support disposed in a lower position on each mast, and a stand locking bore formed adjacent thereto. Each stand member is pivotable between an operative position in which a ground engaging end thereof contacts the ground to stand the front loader, and a contained position in which the ground engaging end is supported by the front loader. The pivotal support of each mast is movable in the slot to limit an amount of upward projection of the stand member in the confined position.

Abstract: The lift arms and linkage arrangement for the bucket of a loading machine includes first and second spaced apart lift arm assemblies and first and second spaced apart linkage assemblies associated with respective lift arm assemblies. The first and second lift arm assemblies diverge with respect to the centerline of the machine while the first and second linkage assemblies are parallel to the centerline of the machine. The first and second lift arm assemblies are closer to each other at the machine end than at the bucket end. This provides greater visibility of the corners of the bucket for the machine operator and more precise positioning of the bucket by the operator.

Abstract: A front loader coupling apparatus for a front loader having masts attachable to mast mounts of a tractor, and booms, boom cylinders and braces. The front loader coupling apparatus includes a first coupling device provided on the masts and mast mounts, a second coupling device disposed above the first coupling device, a stand device connected to the masts, and a brace connecting device. The brace connecting device includes a receiver for receiving a cross rod of the braces. The receiver has a fixing device for fitting on the cross rod from above when the masts are attached to the mast mounts, and a support for supporting the cross rod from below when the cross rod is uncoupled from the fixing device. The fixing device and the support define a space therebetween for enabling forward parallel movement of the cross rod.

Abstract: A loader parking stand system includes a pair of stands mounted to the torque tube interconnecting a pair of boom arms of the loader. The connection of each stand to the torque tube is effected by inserting a connecting pin, defining the upper end of the stand, into a cylindrical receptacle projecting upwardly into and being welded to the torque tube, the receptacle being nearly vertical when the loader is disposed in an attitude for being parked. Each stand includes a latch mechanism located entirely inside the torque tube and being manually operable for selectively releasing the stand for permitting it to be swivelled through 180.degree. between its stored and park positions.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame including a compartment in which an engine and transmission components are contained, ground support wheels extending from the main frame, and a cab mounted on the main frame. The cab includes load bearing side walls extending upwardly from the main frame to define an operators control area therebetween. A boom assembly comprising a pair of arms having material handling front portions and linkage structure that operatively attaches the arms to the cab side walls. The linkage structure includes an upper link coupled to each of the arms and pivotally secured to the cab at a location above the top surface of the wheels, and a lower link which is also pivotally secured to the cab at a location above the wheels.

Abstract: A loader vehicle comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with ground engageable propulsion means, an operator's compartment and a boom assembly, comprising a lift arm assembly and a pivot member which projects transversely from the inner end of the lift arm assembly on one side thereof and extends transversely across the body from said one side of the lift arm assembly and which is pivotally mounted on the body, adjacent the rear end thereof, for movement of the lift arm assembly between a raised position and a lowered position in which the lift arm assembly extends forwardly alongside the operator's compartment and means for carrying a material handling implement at an outer end of the boom assembly so as to be disposed forward of the front end of the body, wherein the pivot member is pivotally mounted, for movement about a first axis, on a torsion member, which extends transversely across the body, by first pivotal mounting means disposed at positions which are spaced apart transver

Abstract: A tractor-mounted loader includes a yoke member having legs joined by a bight member that carries a latch that is L-shaped in cross section and is pivotally mounted for movement between a closed position, wherein a first leg of the latch extends generally horizontally above and is engaged with a front-end weight bracket of the tractor carrying the loader, and an open position wherein the first leg is located in a generally upright position forwardly of the bracket. A control rod extends along one of the legs of the yoke member and has its forward end connected to the latch so that rearward and forward shifting of the rod respectively moves the latch to and from its closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a miniature, portable, self-contained power machine for handling materials, comprising, a rigid frame providing the base structure for all components of said machine, a means of electrical power supply for said machine, means for regulating the motion of said machine, two endless belts forming a belt traction system and serving as the means to move said machine over various types of terrain, means for readily receiving and rigidly securing a variety of miniature, hydraulically powered material handling implements to said machine, and a central hydraulic system which is powered by said power supply means and which supplies power to said attachable material handling implements. The machine has a diversity of applications in numerous industries. The machine accepts any of a variety of attachable implements through an assembly socket and a torque arm socket, and then links the implement to the central hydraulic system with hydraulic hoses leading to a hydraulic power manifold.

Abstract: A loader includes a pair of rear supports projecting transversely outwardly from a longitudinally extending tractor frame. The loader further includes a pair of posts having receptacles at the bottoms thereof which are received about the rear supports when the posts are in upright dispositions, the receptacles being shaped for then retaining the posts on the supports. A weight bracket forms a bumper at the forward end of the tractor and a yoke extends forwardly from the posts and has a bight portion including a remotely operable releasable latch mechanism which releasably latches the bight portion to the weight bracket.

Abstract: A loader includes a pair of rear supports projecting transversely outwardly from a longitudinally extending tractor frame. The rear supports are square in cross section. The loader further includes a pair of posts having receptacles at the bottoms thereof which are received about the rear supports when the posts are in upright dispositions, the receptacles, as viewed from the side, being delimited by front and rear contact surfaces that are engaged with locations below and closer together than a major dimension of the associated support so as to secure the posts to the support. When a latch at the front of the loader is released for permitting removal of the loader, lift cylinders of the loader may be operated to cause the posts to swing forwardly and to be lifted away from an associated support once the receptacles are in positions permitting such movement.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for connecting a working implement to a front end loading tractor or other heavy load carrying machinery. The latching mechanism has a plate assembly, a pivotal coupling device, a cross rod mounted on the tractor, a latch device, and a locking device for releasably retaining a first and a second pivotable members. The pivotal coupling device includes a coupling formed on the plate assembly, and a receiver formed on the tractor for relatively rotatably receiving the coupling. The latch device includes the first and second pivotable members attached to the plate assembly to be pivotable between a first position and a second position. The first and second pivotable members define recesses having an opening for receiving the cross rod when in the first position. The opening is closed when the pivotable members are in the second position, to retain the cross rod received.

Abstract: A coupling for a heavy-duty machine to be used between a boom and a stick having a working tool for quick coupling and decoupling of the stick to the boom for the exchange of tools and being operable from the cab or operator's station on the machine without requiring the need for one or more persons or machines at the coupling during the coupling and decoupling process. The coupling also includes a unique locking mechanism that can be remotely controlled to lock and unlock the coupling when they are in mating engagement. The coupling includes a male member attachable to the boom of the machine and a female member connected to the stick. The male member is pivotally mounted at one end on the boom and connected at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder on the boom for articulating the male member on the boom. The male member further includes a grabber at one end and a picker at the other end for interchangeable use to guide the joining of the coupler members.

Abstract: A frame structure of a working vehicle for attaching working implements includes front axle frames, side frames for attaching a front loader, and rear reinforcing members. The front axle frames extend forwardly and substantially parallel to each other on opposite sides of the working vehicle. The front axle frames are removably attached to an engine of the working vehicle. The side frames for attaching a front loader project laterally outwardly of the working vehicle for securing the front loader to distal ends thereof. The side frames are removably secured to the front axle frames through mounting plates, respectively. Each of the rear reinforcing members is supported at a forward end thereof by a bracket of one of the side frames, and at a rear end by a vehicle body. Each rear reinforcing member has a connector for supporting a safety frame.

Abstract: A loader having a working implement is removed from a tractor by placing the implement and a stand into contact with the ground as spaced apart from each other in the direction of advance of the tractor, disconnecting each of masts from a mount, subsequently advancing the tractor to raise the mast off the mount with the ground contact portion of the stand serving as a fulcrum and cause the implement and the stand to support the loader in a standing state, and thereafter retracting the tractor. The loader is attached to the tractor by advancing the tractor toward the loader in the standing state to set the mount in position in the rear of the mast, further advancing the tractor to incline the stand downwardly rearward and fit the mast into the mount from above, thereafter connecting the mast to the mount and removing the stand.

Abstract: A loader vehicle comprising, a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with ground engageable propulsion means, an operator's compartment and a boom assembly which is pivotally mounted, at an inner end thereof, on the body, adjacent the rear end thereof, for movement between a raised position and a lowered position in which the boom assembly extends forwards alongside the operator's compartment and a material handling implement carried on an outer end of the boom assembly is disposed forward of the front end of the body wherein the boom assembly comprises a lift arm assembly which extends forwards along one side only of the operator's compartment.

Abstract: An arm of a tractor-mounted loader is coupled to the top of a loader mast having a bottom end received in a pocket formed at an outboard area of a horizontal base plate of a loader mounting frame connected to one side of the tractor. A quick coupler support bracket is mounted to the base plate inboard of the pocket. Supported by and projecting upwardly from a horizontal fitting mounting plate of the support bracket are respective quick coupler halves forming ends of a first set of hoses that are coupled to the tractor hydraulic system. The first set of hoses extend through a hose passage, provided in a rear wall of a walled structure joined to and cooperating with the base plate so as to form a cavity therebeneath, and through a set of fitting openings provided in the fitting mounting plate. A second set of hoses extend from the rear of the arm and has a second set of quick coupler halves connected to the first set of quick coupler halves.

Abstract: A semi-automatic coupling apparatus is installed at the terminus of a backhoe dipper stick, crane boom or similar device and facilitates connection and disconnection of various earth working and material handling attachments. The coupler includes first, forward facing throats which engage a forward crossbar on an attachment such as a bucket and second, downward facing throats which engage a rear crossbar. A latching mechanism includes a pawl actuated by advance of the rear crossbar into the rear throats. The pawl releases a spring biased wedge member which retains the rear crossbar in the rear throat. A reset linkage may be manually activated to retract the wedge and permit release of the bucket from the coupler. An alternate embodiment of the coupler includes a remotely activated hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which is coupled to the spring biased wedge member.

Abstract: A loader boom assembly has articulated lift arms that have first and second lift arm sections pivotally mounted together. The rear lift arm section is pivotally mounted to rear portions of a prime mover frame. The main lift arm section is substantially longer than the first lift arm section and pivots on the outer end of the rear lift arm link. The lift arm sections are in a folded position when the lift arms are lowered, and a control link is provided to cause the lift arms to unfold as the lift arms are raised to keep the forward portion of the main lift arm section moving along a generally vertical path after a selected lift height to provide a better forward reach of the boom assembly at the higher range of lift. The proportional lengths of the lift arm sections and the control link and the placement of the pivot points and actuators on the main frame also provide structural integrity and efficient power utilization.

Abstract: A loader mounting arrangement includes a pair of mounting frames secured to the opposite sides of the tractor frame for receiving the lower ends of the loader mast posts. Each bracket includes a transversely extending pin for receiving a C-shaped forwardly opening front portion of the mast post. The rear of the mounting frame opens upwardly to guide the aft portion of the mast post end as the mast post is rocked downwardly about the axis of the rod. Projecting pin-receiving bushings in the aft portion of the mast post end are received within mating upwardly opening pockets in the mounting frame. The bushings are positively forced into the pockets by operating the boom lift cylinders with the loader attachment on the ground to assure alignment of the mast post end and the bracket. With the bushings forced downwardly into the fully seated position within the pockets, hole in the bracket are aligned with the bushing bores, and a locking pin is easily inserted to secure the mast post to the tractor.