U.S. patent number RE31,642 [Application Number 06/272,626] was granted by the patent office on 1984-08-07 for angle and tilt implement assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Caterpillar Tractor Co.. Invention is credited to Jerrold R. Asal, James A. Olthoff.
United States Patent |
RE31,642 |
Asal , et al. |
August 7, 1984 |
Angle and tilt implement assembly
Abstract
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).
Inventors: |
Asal; Jerrold R. (Joliet,
IL), Olthoff; James A. (South Holland, IL) |
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Tractor Co.
(Peoria, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
26683228 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/272,626 |
Filed: |
June 11, 1981 |
PCT
Filed: |
January 29, 1979 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US79/00045 |
371
Date: |
January 29, 1979 |
102(e)
Date: |
January 29, 1979 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO80/01584 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
August 07, 1980 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
012163 |
Jan 29, 1979 |
04221267 |
Sep 9, 1980 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
172/821 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F
3/7613 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E02F
3/76 (20060101); E02F 003/76 () |
Field of
Search: |
;172/819-827,459,477 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
International Harvester Parts Catalog of Model TD-8E Paydozer,
7/77, pp. 17-2, 17-3..
|
Primary Examiner: Johnson; Richard J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: White; Claude F.
Claims
We claim:
1. In an implement assembly (12) having a frame (14) having a
longitudinal axis (30), an implement (16) .[.directly pivotally
connected to said frame (14).]..Iadd., a pivot connection (23)
defining a substantially vertical axis (24) pivotally connecting
said implement (16) directly to said frame (14).Iaddend., first
means (18) for controllably pivotally moving said implement (16)
about said longitudinal axis (30) relative to said frame (14) and
second means (20) for controllably pivotally moving said implement
(16) .[.in a plane passing through said longitudinal axis (30)
relative to said frame (14), said frame (14) being of a
construction sufficient for supporting said implement (16).].
.Iadd.about said substantially vertical axis (24).Iaddend., the
improvement comprising:
a subframe (50) .Iadd.having a middle portion(52)
.Iaddend.pivotally connected to said frame (14) .[.and said second
means (20) and positioned adjacent and in contactable relationship
with said implement (16).]. .Iadd.on said substantially vertical
axis (24)at a location vertically spaced from said pivot connection
(23)of said implement (16) with said frame (14) and being pivotally
movable about said axis (24); .Iaddend.and
said implement (16) being .Iadd.totally supported by said frame
(14)and .Iaddend.pivotally movable about said longitudinal axis
(30) .[.along said subframe (50) and pivotally movable in said
plane with said subframe (50).]. .Iadd.in sliding relationship with
said subframe (50).Iaddend..
2. The implement assembly (12), as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said subframe (50) is substantially free from forces exerted by
gravity on said implement (16). .[.3. The implement assembly (12),
as set forth in claim 1, wherein said implement (16) is pivotally
slidably movable about said longitudinal axis (30) along said
subframe (50)..]. .[.4. The implement assembly (12), as set forth
in claim 1, wherein said pivotal connection (23) of the implement
(16) with the frame (14) defines a substantially vertical axis (24)
and said subframe (50) is pivotally connected to said frame (14) on
said vertical axis (24) and pivotally movable about said
vertical axis (24)..]. 5. The implement assembly (12), as set forth
in claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend., wherein said first means (18) is
pivotally connected to the frame (14) on said vertical axis (24)
and pivotally
movable about said vertical axis (24). 6. The implement assembly
(12), as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second means
(18,20) include tilt (28) and first angle (40) hydraulic cylinders,
respectively, said cylinders (28,40) each having first and second
ends (32,34;44,45) said first and second (32,34) ends of the tilt
cylinder (28) being pivotally connected to the frame (14) and
implement (16), respectively, said first and second ends (44,45) of
the first angle cylinder (40) being pivotally
connected to the frame (14) and subframe (50), respectively. 7. The
implement assembly (12), as set forth in claim 1, including third
means (64) for maintaining said subframe (50) at a preselected
position relative to said implement (16) in response to pivotally
moving said implement (16)
about the longitudinal axis (30) .[.along said subframe (50).].. 8.
The implement assembly (12), as set forth in claim 7, wherein said
third means (64) includes a first guiding element (65) connected to
the implement (16) and defining an opening (72) and wherein the
subframe (50) has a first guide member (68) movably positioned in
said opening (72). .[.9. The implement assembly, as set forth in
claim 1, wherein the subframe (50) has a middle portion (52) and
first and second end portions (54,56) and is pivotally connected at
the middle portion (52) to said frame (14) and the second means
(20) includes first and second angle cylinders (40,42) each having
first and second ends (44,45;46,47), said first ends (44,46) each
being connected to said frame (14), said second ends (45,47) each
being connected to a respective one of the first and second end
portions (54,56)
of said subframe (50)..]. 10. The implement assembly (12), as set
forth in claim .[.9.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend., including first and second
guiding elements (64,66) connected to said implement (16) and each
being of a configuration sufficient for maintaining said first and
second end portions (54,56) of said subframe (50), respectively, at
respective preselected positions relative to said implement (16) in
response to pivotally moving said implement (16) about said
longitudinal axis (30)
.[.along said subframe (50).].. 11. The implement assembly (16), as
set forth in claim 1, wherein said subframe (50) is of a
construction sufficient for receiving and transmitting generally
horizontal forces exerted on said implement (16). .[.12. The
implement assembly (12), as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
subframe (50) has a bearing pad (58) abutting said implement (16)
in response to moving said implement (16) with said subframe (50)
and in slidable contact with said implement (16) in response to
moving said implement (16) along said subframe (50)..]. .[.13. In
an implement assembly (12) having a frame (14) having a
longitudinal axis (30), a subframe (50) pivotally connected to said
frame (14), an implement (16) associated with said subframe (50),
first means (18) for controllably pivotally moving said implement
(16) about the longitudinal axis (30) relative to said frame (14)
and second means (20) for controllably pivotally moving said
implement (16) in a plane passing through said longitudinal axis
(30) relative to said frame (14), said frame (14) being of a
construction sufficient for supporting said implement (16), the
improvement comprising:
said implement (16) being directly pivotally connected to said
frame (14); and
said subframe (50) being positioned adjacent and in contactable
relationship with said implement (16) and connected to said second
means..]. .[.14. The implement assembly (12), as set forth in claim
13, wherein said subframe (50) is substantially free from forces of
gravity exerted on said implement (16)..]. .[.15. The implement
assembly (12), as set forth in claim 13, wherein said subframe (50)
is of a construction sufficient for receiving and transmitting
generally horizontal forces
exerted on said implement (16)..]. 16. An implement assembly (12),
comprising:
an implement (16);
a frame (14) having a longitudinal axis (30) .[.and being pivotally
connected to said implement (16) and of a construction sufficient
for supporting said implement (16).].; .Iadd.a pivot connection
(23) pivotally connecting said implement (16) directly to said
frame (14) and defining a substantially vertical axis (24) normal
to said longitudinal axis (30); .Iaddend.
first means (18) for controllably pivotally moving said implement
(16) about said longitudinal axis (30) relative to said frame (14),
said first means (18) including a hydraulic tilt cylinder (28)
having first and second ends (32,34) and being connected at the
first end (32) to said frame (14) and at said second end (34) to
said implement (16);
second means (20) for controllably pivotally moving said implement
(16) in a plane passing through said longitudinal axis (30)
relative to said frame (14), said second means (20) including a
first hydraulic angle cylinder (40) having first and second ends
(44,45) and being pivotally connected at the first end (44) to the
frame (14) and at the second end (45) to said subframe (50);
a subframe (50) .Iadd.having a middle portion (52)
.Iaddend.pivotally connected to said frame (14) .Iadd.on said
substantially vertical axis (24) at a location vertically spaced
from said pivot connection (23) of said implement (16) with said
frame (14) in and being pivotally movable about said axis (24);
.Iaddend.and positioned adjacent and in .Iadd.sliding
.Iaddend.contactable relationship with said implement (16) and
being substantially free from forces exerted by gravity on said
implement (16);
a first guiding element (64) connected to the implement (16) and
being of a configuration sufficient for maintaining said subframe
(50) at a preselected position relative to said implement (16) in
response to pivotally moving said implement (16) about the
longitudinal axis (30) along said subframe (50); and
said implement (16) being .Iadd.totally supported by said frame
(14) and .Iaddend.pivotally movable about said longitudinal axis
(30) .[.along said subframe (50) and pivotally movable in said
plane with said subframe (50).]..
Description
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
The invention relates to an angling and tilting implement assembly
associated with a work vehicle. More particularly, the invention
relates to the use of a subframe pivotally connected to a frame
supporting an implement and to means for angling and tilting said
implement, said implement being controllably movable along said
subframe during tilting operations and controllably movable with
said subframe during angling operations.
2. Background Art
In the use of an implement on a work vehicle, it is desirable to
position the implement and a frame supporting said implement
closely to the front of said vehicle for improved balance and
stability during vehicle operations. The present invention relates
to apparatus permitting such positioning of the frame and implement
while maintaining satisfactory implement operation and minimizing
weight of the associated elements.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,950,550 which issued on Aug. 30, 1960, to J. L.
French discloses a tractor blade movably connected to a blade
supporting subframe by plates movably positioned in tracks of the
blade. The subframe is pivotally connected to the main or C-frame
of the vehicle and accommodates tilting and angling of the blade.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,083,480 and 3,084,461 which issued on Apr. 2,
1963, to L. Kirchler and on Apr. 9, 1963, to J. J. Beckford,
respectively, also disclose embodiments of a blade connected to a
supporting subframe which is connected to a main or C-frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,825 which issued to J. Asal et al on June 20,
1972, discloses a vehicle blade having a subframe member pivotally
connected thereto and to a main or C-frame. The subframe member
moves in positioning plates on the blade for positioning the
subframe ends relative to the blade. Blade mounted subframes in
which the subframes are connected to main or C-frames are also
disclosed in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,132, Matsuzawa,
Mar. 22, 1977; U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,116, Coontz, Nov. 20, 1973; and
U.S. Pat. No. 3,529,678, Teasdale, Sept. 22, 1970. U.S. Pat. No.
3,991,832 which issued to Cooper on Nov. 16, 1976, discloses a
frame and frame tower mounted blade which is pivotable relative to
said frame owing to a plurality of ball and socket joints
therebetween.
For example, a track-type tractor commonly has a frame mounted
blade for performing various earthmoving or pushing operations. The
blade is generally tiltable about a longitudinal axis of the
vehicle or frame and movable through various angles relative to the
tractor in a plane passing through said axis. These tilt and angle
adjustments permit the controllabled positioning of the blade for
more flexible use in the varying situations encountered during work
operations. Hydraulic cylinders commonly perform these tilt and
angle operations with the cylinders being connected to the frame
and blade in preselected locations.
The blade is most commonly connected to and supported by a main or
C-frame of the associated tractor. The hydraulic cylinders which
"angle" the blade are each positioned between a respective track
and the body of the tractor. In "tilting" the blade, the angle
cylinders, of necessity, move laterally and can interfere with the
tracks or body of the vehicle owing to their connection to the
blade. This lateral movement limits the degree of tilt available
and necessitates positioning the blade and forward portion of the
C-frame an undesirable distance from the tractor in order to
maintain satisfactory tilt and angle parameters. The resultant
weight forward of the tractor can also decrease stability and
balance of the vehicle for certain operations.
In some blade assembly embodiments, the blade has been mounted to a
subframe which is in turn pivotally connected to the main or
C-frame. The subframe thus supports the blade. The angle cylinders
are connected to the C-frame and to either the subframe or the
blade, but the tilt cylinders are connected to said subframe and
the blade. This subframe arrangements tends to permit greater
freedom of tilting and angling. However, the weight of the subframe
necessary to support the blade, plus lateral movement of the
angling cylinders if connected directly to the blade, also can
decrease stability and balance of the vehicle and limit blade
movement necessary for some operations.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an implement assembly which
provides for mounting of the blade and support frame at a position
close to the front of the associated tractor.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, an implement assembly has a
frame having a longitudinal axis and an implement pivotally
connected to said frame. First means is provided for controllably
pivotally moving said implement about the longitudinal axis. Second
means is provided for controllably pivotally moving said implement
in a plane passing through said longitudinal axis. The implement
assembly has a subframe pivotally connected to said frame and said
second means and positioned adjacent and in contactable
relationship with said implement. The implement is pivotally
movable about said longitudinal axis along said subframe and
pivotally movable in said plane with said subframe.
In another aspect of the present invention, an implement assembly
has a subframe, an implement, and a frame having a longitudinal
axis. The subframe is pivotally connected to the frame. First means
is provided for controllably pivotally moving said implement about
the longitudinal axis. Second means is provided for controllably
pivotally moving said implement in a plane passing through said
longitudinal axis. In said implement assembly, the implement is
directly pivotally connected to said frame and the subframe is
positioned adjacent and in contactable relationship with said
implement and connected to said second means.
The implement is, for example, a blade of a track-type tractor. The
blade and frame supporting said blade are desirably closely
positioned to the front of the tractor for better stability and
balance. The second means, such as angling hydraulic cylinders, is
connected to the subframe. Use of the first means to "tilt" the
blade moves said blade relative to and alongside the subframe which
eliminates lateral movement of the angling hydraulic cylinders. The
blade and frame can thus be closely positioned to the front of the
tractor without interference of said cylinders with the tractor and
the weight of the implement assembly is minimized by said
configuration of the implement assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing an embodiment of
the invention on a track-type tractor; and
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the embodiment of
FIG. 1 in greater detail.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, a work vehicle 10 has an implement
assembly 12. The work vehicle 10 is shown, for example, as a
track-type tractor 10. The implement assembly 12 includes a frame
14, an implement 16 and first and second means 18,20. The implement
16 is, for example, a blade 22. The blade 22 is directly pivotally
connected to the frame 14. Said blade 22 is shown, for example,
connected to said frame 14 through a pivotal connection 23 which
defines a substantially vertical axis 24, as will be hereinafter
more fully explained. The frame 14 is of a "C" configuration and of
a construction sufficient for supporting the blade 22 by the direct
connection with said blade 22. Said frame 14 is pivotally connected
to the tractor 10 and first and second hydraulic lift cylinders
25,26 controllably pivotally move the frame 14 relative to the
tractor 10 for raising and lowering the blade 22.
The first means 18, such as a hydraulic tilt cylinder 28, is
provided for controllably pivotally moving the blade 22 about a
longitudinal axis 30 of the frame 14 and relative to the frame 14.
Said first means 18 or tilt cylinder 28 is preferably pivotally
connected to said frame 14 on the vertical axis 24 of the pivotal
connection 23 and pivotally movable about said vertical axis 24.
The tilt cylinder 28 has first and second ends 32,34. The first end
32 is pivotally connected to the frame 14 on the vertical axis 24,
preferably through a tower member 36 of said frame 14. The second
end 34 is pivotally connected to the blade 22. Said tilt cylinder
ends 32,34 can also be reversed. The tilt cylinder 28 is thus
controllably actuatable to controllably "tilt" the blade 22 about
the longitudinal axis 30 owing to the orientation of a rotatable
pin 38 in the pivotal connection 23 of the frame 14 with the blade
22, as is best seen in FIG. 2.
The second means 20, such as first and second hydraulic angle
cylinders 40,42, is provided for controllably pivotally moving the
blade 22 in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis 30. Said
blade 22 controllably pivotally moves relative to the frame 14. The
first and second angle cylinders 40,42 each have first and second
ends 44,45;46,47. Said first ends 44,46 are pivotally connected to
the frame 14. Said second ends 45,47 are positioned relative to the
blade 22 as will be hereinafter discussed. Said angle cylinders
40,42 can also be reversed. The angle cylinders 40,42 are
controllably actuatable to controllably "angle" the blade 22 in the
plane passing through the longitudinal axis 30 owing to a pinned
joint 48 defining the vertical axis 24 in the pivotal connection 23
of the frame 14 with the blade 22. Said plane is defined by the
relative tilt position of the blade 22 owing to moving or tilting
said blade 22 about the longitudinal axis 30.
The blade and frame construction above discussed are well known in
the earthmoving art. The first and second means 18,20 are also well
known in the earthmoving art and are commonly used to controllably
position a blade or other implement relative to the tractor for
performing different work functions.
The implement assembly 12 has a subframe 50 pivotally connected to
the frame 14 and the second means 20 or angle cylinders 40,42. Said
subframe 50 is positioned adjacent and in contactable relationship
with the blade 22. Therefore, the subframe 50 is free from
connection with the blade 22. The direct pivotal connection of the
blade 22 to the frame 14 thus by definition excludes a connectin of
said blade 22 and frame 14 through the subframe 50. As is shown,
the subframe 50 is subtantially free from forces of gravity exerted
on the blade 22. The frame 14 supports the blade 22 through the
pivotal connection 23 with said blade 22.
The blade 22 is pivotally movable about the longitudinal axis 30 of
the frame 14 along said subframe 50. In other words, the blade 22
moves relative to and alongside the subframe 50 in response to
"tilting" said blade 22. Preferably, the blade 22 is pivotally
slidably movable about the longitudinal axis 30 along said subframe
50. Said blade 22 is pivotally movable in said plane passing
through the longitudinal axis 23 with said subframe 50. In other
words, the blade 22 and subframe 50 move one with the other in said
plane, such as during "angling" operations of the blade 22. The
relationship of said subframe 50 and the associated elements will
be hereinafter more fully discussed.
The subframe 50 has a middle portion 52 and first and second end
portions 54,56 and is pivotally connected at the middle portion 52
to the frame 14. It is desirable that the subframe 50 be pivotally
connected to said frame 14 on the vertical axis 24 and pivotally
movable about said vertical axis 24. Said subframe 50 is connected
to the frame 14 at the tower member 36 of said frame 14. The second
ends 45,47 of the angle cylinders 40,42 are pivotally connected to
the subframe 50. Said second ends 45,47 are each connected to a
respective one of the first and second end portions 54,56 of said
subframe 50. The second end 45 of the first angle cylinder 40 is
shown, for example, connected to said first end portion 54.
The subframe 50 also has a bearing pad 58. The bearing pad 58 has
first and second portions 60,62 each positioned on the first and
second end portions 54,56 of the subframe 50, respectively. The
bearing pad 58 abuts the blade 22 in response to moving the blade
22 with said subframe 50. The bearing pad 58 is in slidable contact
with said blade 22 in response to moving said blade 22 along the
subframe 50. In tilting operations, the tilt cylinder 28 exerts
opposing forces on the blade 22 and frame 14 to slide said blade 22
along the bearing pad 58 to a desired tilt position.
Controllably actuating the angle cylinders 40,42 to "angle" the
blade 22 exerts forces on the subframe 50. Said subframe 50 is of a
construction sufficient for receiving and transmitting generally
horizontal forces exerted on the blade 22, such as those above
mentioned or those exerted on the blade 22 during earthmoving
operations. The forces exerted by the angling cylinders 40,42, for
example, are received by the subframe 50 and transmitted through
the bearing pad 58 to the blade 22 for pivotally moving or
"angling" said blade 22 with said subframe 50. The subframe 50 and
blade 22 both pivotally move one with the other about the vertical
axis 24 owing to their respective pivotal connections with the
frame 14 on said vertical axis 24.
The implement assembly 10 includes third means 64 for maintaining
the subframe 50 at a preselected position relative to the blade 22
in response to pivotally moving said blade 22 about the
longitudinal axis 30 along said subframe 50. The third means 64
includes a first guiding element 65 connected to the blade 22. The
implement assembly 10 preferably includes a second guiding element
66 connected to the blade 22. Each of said guiding elements 64,66
in the embodiment shown are of a configuration sufficient for
engageably maintaining the first and second end portions 54,56 of
the subframe 50, respectively, at respective preselected positions
relative to said blade 22 in response to pivotally moving said
blade 22 about the longitudinal axis 30 along the subframe 50. Said
preselected positions are hereinafter fully discussed.
The subframe 50 has first and second guide members 68,70 positioned
on the first and second end portions 54,56 of the subframe 50,
respectively. The guiding elements 65,66 each define an opening
72,74 between first and second blocks 73,75 in which the related
guiding members 68,70 are engageably positioned. Said guide members
68,70 slide relative to the guide elements 65,66 in said respective
openings 72,74. The blocks 73,75 are used to provide a wear
resistant surface for the guide members 68,70. In tilting the blade
22, said blade 22 is moveable along the subframe 50 but is blocked
from pivotally moving about the vertical axis 24 separate from the
subframe 50 in response to forces exerted on said blade 22 during
use of the implement assembly 12. The preselected positions of the
subframe 50 relative to the blade 22 are thus defined relative to
movement about the longitudinal axis 30 by the degree of tilt of
the blade 22 and relative to movement in the plane passing through
said axis 30 by the clearance of the guide members 68,70 in the
respective related openings 72,74. Said clearances are adjustable
owing to the use of shims 77 to determine the size of said openings
72,74.
It should be understood that the implement assembly 12 and work
vehicle 10 can be of other configurations as is known in the art
without departing from the invention.
Industrial Applicability
In the use of the implement assembly 12, actuation of the tilt
cylinder 28 pivotally moves or tilts the blade 20 by sliding said
blade 22 relative to the subframe 50 and along the bearing pad 58
of the subframe 50. Actuation of the angle cylinders 40,42
pivotally moves or angles the blade 22 by exerting forces on the
subframe 50 to pivotally move said subframe 50 and the blade 22 one
with the other. The blade 22 is shown both "tilted" and "angled" in
FIG. 2.
The angle cylinders 40,42 are positioned between a respective track
76 (one of which is shown in outline in FIG. 1) and body 80 of the
tractor 10 and aligned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis
30 of the frame 14. When actuated, said cylinders 40,42 each extend
or retract to position the blade 22 at a desired angle while
remaining generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 30 and free
from interference with the tracks 76 or body 80. Actuation of the
tilt cylinder 28 moves the blade 22 relative to the subframe 50
which results in substantially no lateral movement of the subframe
connected angle cylinders 40,42. Therefore, the blade 22 and frame
14 can be positioned closely to the front of the tractor 10 while
maintaining satisfactory extension of the angle cylinders 40,42 for
maximum angling of the blade 22.
Weight of the implement assembly 12 is minimized in the present
invention owing to the blade 22 being supported by the frame 14
through the pivotal connection 23 with said blade 22. The subframe
50 is of a construction sufficient to withstand substantially only
the horizontal forces which are received and transmitted by said
subframe 50, such as in angling the blade 22 or during earthmoving
operations. The resultant reduction in front end weight of the
tractor 10 substantially overcomes problems of balance associated
therewith.
Other aspects, objects and advantages will become apparent from a
study of the specification, drawings and appended claims.
* * * * *