Caterpillar Inc.

Dana D Branham

Ronald Mark Ginn

David G Surridge

Allen F Boyer

D Wynne Smith

Robert Wayne Hunter, Jr

Paul E Pottschmidt

R Mark Ginn

Keith L Stanley

Andy R Fowkes

Kirt D Leyda

Work machines having linkages may need to have the linkage assembly locked in a predetermined position to prevent damage to an implement attached to the work machine, to prevent tipping of the work machine, to operate the implement, or other reasons. Locking the linkage assembly, however, can create significant loads on the linkage assembly. The disclosed method and apparatus is for a work machine that comprises a chassis, at least one linkage assembly attached to the work machine, at least one restraint having a first-end portion and a second-end portion, the second-end portion being attached to the chassis and the first-end portion being attached to the linkage assembly, the restraint transferring a load from the linkage assembly to the chassis.

Linkage assembly restraint

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. The linkage assembly further includes a-rear tilt lever having a cylinder end and a link end, wherein (i) the link end is pivotally coupled to the second end of the rear tilt link, (ii) the rear tilt lever is pivotally coupled to the box boom lift arm at a location which is interposed between the cylinder end and the link end, and (iii) the rear tilt lever extends through the first lever space. The linkage assembly also includes a tilt cylinder having a lever end and an implement end, wherein (i) the lever end is pivotally coupled to the cylinder end of the rear tilt lever, and (ii) the implement end is mechanically coupled to the implement.

Linkage assembly for connecting a work implement to a frame of a work machine

A lift assembly for lifting an implement relative to a frame of a work machine is disclosed. The lift assembly includes a lift arm having a frame pin bore, a cylinder pin bore, a linkage pin bore, and an implement pin bore. The frame pin bore and said cylinder pin bore define a first line. The frame pin bore and said implement pin bore define a second line. The second line is located above said first line. The first line and said second line define an angle which is greater than three degrees. A plane intersects said first line at a center point of said cylinder pin bore and is normal to said first line. A said plane divides said lift arm into a frame-side segment and an implement-side segment. The first line includes a first segment which is entirely coincident with said implement-side segment of said lift arm. The linkage pin bore is defined in said frame-side segment. The lift assembly further includes a tilt lever which is pivotably coupled to the lift arm at said linkage pin bore. The lift assembly further includes a tilt cylinder which is coupled to said tilt lever for tilting said implement which is pivotably coupled to said lift arm. The lift assembly further includes a lift cylinder for moving said lift arm between an upper position and a lower position, wherein said lift cylinder is coupled to said lift arm at the cylinder pin bore.

Lift arm for a work machine having extended height and enhanced stability

Wheel loader exterior

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Garner, NC, United States of America

Dana D Branham