SKID STEER IMPLEMENT MOUNTING

Abstract

A skid steer implement has an implement body with a front side adapted to engage material to be moved, and a back side opposite the front side, and a connection plate disposed on the back side of the implement body. The connection plate has an upper bracket extending horizontally across a central width of the connection plate and defining a downwardly-facing recess running along the central width, and a lower lock plate disposed below, and spaced from, the upper bracket and defining therein multiple lock ports for receiving locking pins to releasably secure the implement to a vehicle for use. The multiple lock ports comprise multiple pairs of lock ports, the lock ports of each pair spaced apart laterally from each other a set distance across the implement, the pairs of lock ports defining respective implement mount positions enabling the implement to be locked to the vehicle in each of multiple, selectable, lateral positions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to mounting implements, and more particularly to mounting implements to the front of skid steer machines.

BACKGROUND

Implements such as buckets, augers, fork lifts, mowers, trenchers, etc., are commonly used by attaching to skid steer machines such as mini skid steers and standard skid steers. The skid steer machines are typically engine powered and are supported and driven with tracks or wheels. The implements are attached to skid steer mounts/structures which are typically directly attached to the skid steer machines or to selectively movable loader arms. The skid steer machines provide mobility and the ability to lift and move the implements as may be needed for working earth or other materials, or moving pallets.

There are configurations of skid steer implement mounts in use. Some allow the operator to shift the implement laterally when mounted, such as by hydraulic systems that must have some dimensional clearance or play to allow the device to shift. Improvements in implement mounts that provide greater flexibility in use while also retaining a secure, stiff connection with the implement are desired.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention features a skid steer implement with an implement body having a front side adapted to engage material to be moved, and a back side opposite the front side, and a connection plate disposed on the back side of the implement body. The connection plate has an upper bracket extending horizontally across a central width of the connection plate and defining a downwardly-facing recess running along the central width, and a lower lock plate disposed below, and spaced from, the upper bracket and defining multiple lock ports for receiving locking pins to releasably secure the implement to a vehicle for use. The multiple lock ports include multiple pairs of lock ports, the lock ports of each pair spaced apart laterally from each other a set distance across the implement. The pairs of lock ports define respective implement mount positions enabling the implement to be locked to the vehicle in each of multiple, selectable, lateral positions.

In some embodiments, the implement defines a working volume for moving earth, such as a bucket.

In some examples the lock ports include three pairs of lock ports defining three respective implement mount positions.

The three implement mount positions may include a central mount position in which the implement is locked to the vehicle in a centered position.

In some cases, the three pairs of lock ports are formed by five discrete lock ports, with a central one of the lock ports forming part of each of two pairs of lock ports.

In some embodiments, adjacent pairs of lock ports overlap across the implement.

In some cases, the set distance spans more than one-third of an overall lateral width of the implement.

In some embodiments, the lock ports comprise apertures, such as rectangular apertures, through the lower lock plate.

In some examples, the connection plate is welded to the back side of the implement body.

Another aspect of the invention features a method of adjusting a skid steer implement. The method includes removing an implement as described above from an implement mount of a vehicle, including withdrawing pawls of the implement mount from a first pair of lock ports of the lower lock plate of the implement; and then reattaching the implement to the implement mount, including engaging the pawls of the implement mount in a second pair of lock ports of the lower lock plate of the implement.

Various examples of the invention can provide a relatively straightforward way to attach a given implement in each of multiple, selectable lateral positions on the same implement mount, while maintaining a very secure, stable mounting connection in whatever lateral position is selected. In this manner, an implement can be set up to extend laterally beyond the right tires/tracks of the vehicle for operation adjacent a wall or other structure on the right side, and then can be readily reconfigured to extend laterally beyond the left tires/tracks of the vehicle when such a configuration is useful. This can be accomplished, in the illustrated example, with very little cost impact or added complexity to the implement. Furthermore, the positive, locking engagement of the pawls or pins can withstand significant lateral loads during implement usage without the compliance or force limitations of hydraulic lateral actuators.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wheeled vehicle with a front implement mount.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bucket with a mounting plate.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the mounting plate.

FIG. 4 is an end view of the mounting plate.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged views of areas 5 and 6, respectively, in FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7A-7C are rear views of the bucket attached to the implement mount, in right, center and left positions, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of area 9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area 10 in FIG. 8.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, a front end loader 10 includes a quick change implement mount 12 for selectively attaching implements to perform a variety of tasks, such as earth-moving, grading, etc. Mountable implements (not shown in this figure) include, for example, buckets, hydraulic augers, fork lifts, hydraulic mowers, hydraulic trenchers, etc. The implement mount is attached to a powered lift system that enables the operator to lift and/or tilt an attached implement. Hydraulic connections 14 are provided for attaching a hydraulic motor of an implement to a hydraulic power source of the front end loader. Although shown as a skid steer vehicle, implement mount 12 may be carried on a tractor or other type of vehicle.

Implement mount 12 has manually operable handles 16 for engaging and disengaging an associated implement. Handles 16 are each connected to a pawl 18 that extends downward from the mount frame to latch an implement to the implement mount. This is a standard type of mount in current use. The invention described herein can employ any other type of implement mounting system that features discrete latches that engage discrete mounting features of the implement. In another example, hydraulic actuators in the implement mount are operable from within the cab to release or engage the pawls or pins to disconnect or connect an associated implement.

Referring next to FIG. 2, bucket 20 is an example of an implement configured to be releasably mounted to the implement mount shown in FIG. 1. Bucket 20 is a steel weldment with left and right side walls 22, a floor 24, and a back wall 26 connecting the side walls and floor and facing away from a working volume defined between the side walls. The forward edge of floor 24 features extending tines 28. The back wall 26 of the bucket is solid and carries a mounting plate 30 welded to the back wall to be disposed in a generally vertical orientation in use.

Referring also to FIGS. 3-6, mounting plate 30 is a steel weldment consisting of a solid back plate 32, two side plates 34 welded to either lateral end of the back plate, and a top plate 36 welded along the upper edge of back plate 32 and to the upper ends of the side plates. The lower edge of the back plate is bent rearward at about a 55 degree angle to form a lower lip 38 of the mounting plate. The lower lip 38 forms a lower lock plate, and the top plate 36 forms an upper bracket defining a downwardly-facing recess 39. The mounting plate defines a series of rectangular apertures 40 through the back plate, spaced along its length. In this example, five apertures 40 are shown. The upper edges of the apertures generally extend along the bend at the upper edge of the lower lip 38. In this example, the mounting plate has an overall length ‘L’ of about 76 inches.

Apertures 40 function as lock ports to receive the latching pawls or pins of the implement mount in use, to hold the attached implement to the vehicle. For use with an implement mount having two spaced apart pawls, as shown in FIG. 1, the apertures 40 will be employed in associated pairs to mount the implement to the vehicle in any one of a plurality of laterally spaced positions with respect to the implement mount. For example, to mount the implement in a right position (FIG. 7A), the mounting plate will be mounted to the implement mount with the pawls received in the apertures labeled A and C. To mount the implement in a center position (FIG. 7B), the mounting plate will be mounted to the implement mount with the pawls received in the apertures labeled B and D. To mount the implement in a left position (FIG. 7C), the mounting plate will be mounted to the implement mount with the pawls received in the apertures labeled C and E. For this mounting flexibility, the lateral distance between associated pairs of apertures should be fixed and equal. For example, the lateral spacing ‘X’ of apertures A and C should equal the lateral spacing of apertures B and D, etc., and all such lateral spacings should equal the lateral distance between the pawls of the implement mount. As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the associated pairs A-C, B-D and C-E overlap across the width of the implement, such that the amount of lateral implement adjustment achieved by moving the implement laterally one position is less than the lateral spacing ‘X’. In this example, spacing ‘X’ is about 47 inches. Although this mounting selection has been explained with respect to a three-position mounting arrangement featuring five apertures, a greater number of apertures can be employed to provide four, five or more discrete mounting positions. It should be noted that the pawls are constrained laterally in the apertures to prevent gross lateral shifting of the mounted implement.

Referring also to FIGS. 8 through 10, to mount the implement bucket 20 to the implement mount 12, the implement mount is first moved forward until the upper edge of the implement mount is beneath the top plate 36 of the mounting plate 30. In this example, the upper edge comprises the upper edges of two structural plates coincident with the two mount latch assemblies. The implement mount is then lifted such that the upper edge of the implement mount is received in the undercut of top plate 36. Further lifting of the implement mount lifts the implement itself. The implement mount must be sufficiently tilted rearward that the implement mount lies against the back plate 32 of the mounting plate. The latch handles 16 may then be operated to lower and lock pawls 18 in apertures 40 of the lower lip 38 of the pack plate, to secure the implement to the implement mount in a selected lateral position. Alternatively, the pawls or pins 18 may be fixed and the handles operated to raise the upper edge of the implement mount into the top plate recess to secure the implement. In that case, the operator would first lower the implement mount such that the pins are in the apertures, tilting the implement mount forward until it lies against the back plate of the mounting plate, and then operate the latches to raise the upper edge of the implement mount into the recess.

While a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A skid steer implement, comprising: an implement body having a front side adapted to engage material to be moved, and a back side opposite the front side;a connection plate disposed on the back side of the implement body and having an upper bracket extending horizontally across a central width of the connection plate and defining a downwardly-facing recess running along the central width; anda lower lock plate disposed below, and spaced from, the upper bracket and defining therein multiple lock ports for receiving locking pins to releasably secure the implement to a vehicle for use;wherein the multiple lock ports comprise multiple pairs of lock ports, the lock ports of each pair spaced apart laterally from each other a set distance across the implement, the pairs of lock ports defining respective implement mount positions enabling the implement to be locked to the vehicle in each of multiple, selectable, lateral positions.

2. The skid steer implement of claim 1, wherein the implement defines a working volume for moving earth.

3. The skid steer implement of claim 1, wherein the lock ports comprise three pairs of lock ports defining three respective implement mount positions.

4. The skid steer implement of claim 3, wherein the three implement mount positions include a central mount position in which the implement is locked to the vehicle in a centered position.

5. The skid steer implement of claim 3, wherein the three pairs of lock ports are formed by five discrete lock ports, with a central one of the lock ports forming part of each of two pairs of lock ports.

6. The skid steer implement of claim 3, wherein adjacent pairs of lock ports overlap across the implement.

7. The skid steer implement of claim 1, wherein the set distance spans more than one-third of an overall lateral width of the implement.

8. The skid steer implement of claim 1, wherein the lock ports comprise apertures through the lower lock plate.

9. The skid steer implement of claim 8, wherein the apertures are rectangular.

10. The skid steer implement of claim 1, wherein the connection plate is welded to the back side of the implement body.

11. A method of adjusting a skid steer implement, the method comprising: Removing an implement according to claim 1 from an implement mount of a vehicle, including withdrawing pawls of the implement mount from a first pair of lock ports of the lower lock plate of the implement; andReattaching the implement to the implement mount, including engaging the pawls of the implement mount in a second pair of lock ports of the lower lock plate of the implement.