Front-side lifting and loading apparatus

Abstract

A device for lifting and loading materials employs a pick-up arm for engaging material at ground level and an associated lift arm assembly. The pick-up arm can be swung relative to the lift arm about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the ground to bring the pick-up arm into a close-in position in front of a cab and into an outreaching position. The pick-up arm is automatically moved into the outreaching position as the lift arm moves toward a ground level load position and is automatically moved into the close-in position as the lift arm moves toward the off-load level above ground to facilitate off-loading operations above ground. The pick-up arm is also automatically maintained in a desired vertical relationship, parallel to the ground, as the lift arm moves between the load level and a predetermined level above ground level. When moved closer toward the off-load position, the pick-up arm is automatically vertically tipped to facilitate off-loading operations. The lift assembly can be controlled by a single operator using a single control lever. The lift arm can also be pivoted between a position next to the cab and a second position angularly spaced to one side of the cab. This can also be controlled by the single operator using the single control lever.