Caterpillar Inc.

Glen A Spindel

Richard E Livesay

Kevin L Martin

Brian C Howson

A machine includes a frame and a coupler assembly suspended below the frame, the coupler assembly configured for sideshift movement and having an implement mounting element for engaging with a mating feature on an implement. An implement grabber mounted to the coupler assembly is configured to grab an implement and move the implement via sideshift movement of the coupler assembly from a position lateral of the frame to a mounting position at which the mounting element of the coupler assembly can engage with the mating feature of the implement. A method of implement positioning for a machine includes grabbing the implement with a implement grabber mounted on a coupler assembly and moving the implement with the coupler assembly. The method also includes disengaging the implement from the implement grabber and actuating a mounting element of the coupler assembly to engage or disengage with the mating feature of the implement. The method and machine are amenable to mounting long objects to a motor grader, which are unsuitable for pick up via conventional means.

Implement positioning assembly for a machine

A track type work machine is provided including a roller frame having a rotatable idler mounted at an end thereof. A gas spring is operable to absorb selected loads on the idler, and is isolated from loads transverse to a reciprocation axis of the gas spring by a recoil system. A method of providing for load absorption from the idler is also provided. The method includes positioning a gas spring between the idler and a roller frame of the work machine, and operably coupling the idler to the gas spring to selectively transmit loads from the idler thereto.

Idler recoil and adjustment system for track type work machine

A work machine, and a work machine idler mounting assembly is provided, including a frame, a mounting member proximate an end of the frame, an idler support block adjacent the mounting member. At least one removeable spacer is positionable between the idler support block and the frame to adjust relative positions thereof.

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Divernon, IL, United States of America

Glen A Spindel