Hitch rocker for a work vehicle

Abstract

A rocker for a work vehicle hitch includes a rockshaft and a pair of rocker arms coupled to the rockshaft at rocker arm bases. The rocker is designed to be mounted to the work vehicle by support brackets. Each rocker arm base includes a cavity for receiving a portion of a support bracket. A bearing assembly is located within each base for supporting the rocker on the support brackets for rotation about a rocker rotational axis. Each rocker arm includes an actuator support for coupling to an actuator and a lift link support. The actuator and lift link supports permit rotation of actuators and lift links to raise and lower implements coupled to the hitch. As the rocker is rotated about its axis, each rocker arm base and rocker arm move through respective planes of rotation. Each bearing lies substantially within the plane of rotation of the associated rocker arm base. This structure effectively transmits lifting forces back to the hitch support structure through the bearing with minimal bending stress to the rocker. The bearing assemblies include support sleeves centered within the rocker by tapered support surfaces and held in place by a tension member. This bearing structure permits quick and straightforward mounting of the rocker on the vehicle as well as simple removal for servicing. The rocker is preferably formed by casting using coring technology and a single core to define internal features of the rockshaft and rocker arms.