Linkage arrangement for a skid-steer loader

Abstract

An off-highway loading vehicle having a frame, a cab, and a linkage arrangement for operably attaching a work implement to the frame is disclosed. The loading vehicle includes a pair of spaced apart lift arms having a rear end portion pivotally connected to the frame and a forward end portion pivotally connected to the work implement. A lowermost edge of a forward section of the lift arms angles downwardly from a lowermost edge of a rearward section thereof. Thus, the lift arms avoid contact with the frame when in a lowered position to place the work implement adjacent a front end of the frame. In addition, a lifting device acts between the frame and the lift arms to move the lift arms between the lowered position and a raised position. A tilt mechanism is also provided for pivoting the work implement between a lowered position in which an underside thereof is tilted below a horizontal plane, an intermediate position in which the underside is substantially horizontal, and a raised position in which the underside is tilted above the horizontal plane. The tilt mechanism includes a pair of tilt linkages pivotally connected to the work implement, a pair of extension arms interconnecting the lift arms and the tilt linkages, and a pair of tilt cylinders adapted to move either the tilt linkages or extension arms to thereby tilt the work implement a desired amount. The tilt cylinders are adapted to pivot with respect to the frame in response to raising and lowering of the lift arms.