Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Jerrold R Asal

James A Olthoff

Implement assembly with pivot connection

An implement assembly (12) includes an implement (16), such as, for example, a blade (22) of a work vehicle (10), pivotally connected to a frame (14) for supporting said blade (22). The blade (22) and frame (14) are closely positioned to the front of the work vehicle (10) for maximum stability and balance of the vehicle (10). In the implement assembly (12) first apparatus (18) tilts the blade (22) generally vertically. Second apparatus (20), such as, for example, angling cylinders (40,42), moves the blade (22) to preselected angles relative to the vehicle (10). A subframe (50) is pivotally connected to the frame (14) and second apparatus (20). The blade (22) moves along the subframe (50) during tilting and with the subframe (50) to the preselected angles. Use of the subframe (50) substantially eliminates lateral movement of the angle cylinders (40,42) during tilting for close mounting of the blade ( 22) and frame (14) without interference with the tractor (10) while minimizing weight of the implement assembly (12).

Angle and tilt implement assembly

A stabilizing linkage for a material handling implement such as a bulldozer blade mounted at one end of a vehicle, the linkage including a coupler link pivotably connected to the bulldozer blade and extending diagonally between the blade and vehicle with control links of different lengths being pivotably interconnected between the coupler link and the vehicle, an additional coupling restraining movement of the other end of the coupler link relative to the vehicle.

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Channahon, IL, United States of America

Jerrold R Asal