Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Wilton E Quant

Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with a linkage arrangement on one end that is utilized to manipulate a work implement, such as a loader bucket. The linkage typically includes a tilting arrangment for the bucket that incorporates a tilt lever that is mounted to a lift arm that supports the bucket. The mounting between the tilt lever and the lift arm is normally of a complex nature requiring multiple bearing surfaces and lubrication means. Others may have a structure that requires exact positioning between the relative components or a failure will occur due to improper loading. The linkage arrangement of the present invention provides a mounting member that is attached to only one of the tilt levers. It also includes an axial motion limiter that is attached to the other tilt lever. In doing so, a very simple and economical mounting device is provided. The mounting device also allows the tilt levers to rotate with respect to each other so that each of the levers function to bear a portion of the loading.

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Bristol, IL, United States of America

Wilton E Quant