Three-point hitch loader

Details Three-point hitch loader Three-point hitch loader

2001-09-04

2003-12-16

Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3652)

Material or article handling

Vertically swinging load support

Shovel or fork type

C414S920000, C037S403000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06663338

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to tractor-mounted loaders and, more particularly, to a loader that is adapted to mount to the three-point hitch of a tractor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Front end loaders are widely used today. Basically, a front end loader is mounted to a tractor such that the bucket is supported in front of the tractor by a pair of lift arms that extend forwardly along opposite sides of the tractor. Generally, front end loaders require two sets of hydraulic remotes. A first hydraulic remote is operative to articulate the front bucket while the second set of hydraulic remotes is utilized to raise and lower the lift arms.
Many front end loaders are designed to handle fairly heavy-duty loading operations. Front end loaders are used in a wide variety of areas. For example, they are extensively used in the construction industry, in farming operations, in landscaping, and in a host of other areas. However, front end loaders are generally dedicated to a tractor. That is, it is not very easy to connect and disconnect a front end loader from a tractor. Therefore, one will find that, as a general rule, front end loaders remain mounted to a tractor for relatively long periods of time. This, of course, means that the tractor is tied up and not useful with other implements. In addition, the front end loader mounted on a tractor tends to cause wear and tear on the front end of a tractor because of the load placed on the front end of the tractor by the front end loader itself.
Therefore, there has been, and continues to be, a need for a loader that can be quickly and easily mounted to a tractor, especially a tractor in the 25-60 hp range. Further, there is a need for a tractor-mounted loader that will only require one set of hydraulic remotes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention entails a loader adapted to be mounted to the three-point hitch of a tractor. The loader, in a preferred embodiment, includes a hitch frame that is attachable to the three-point hitch of the tractor. Extending from the hitch frame is a lift arm structure that is movably mounted to the hitch frame. Mounted to the lift arm structure is a bucket that is controlled by a bucket actuator. A flexible line or cable is connected to the lift arm structure and at least one portion of the cable is fixed or secured at a point relative to the three-point hitch of the tractor. Thus, when the three-point hitch of the tractor is raised or lowered, the cable will cause the lift arm structure to raise or lower in response to the movement of the three-point hitch.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the bucket is adapted to assume two modes, a loader mode and a box blade mode. In the loader mode, the bucket performs conventional loading tasks. In the box blade mode, the bucket is rotated such that it assumes a conventional box blade position.
Further, in another embodiment, the loader of the present invention can be adapted to function as a forklift. In this case, a pair forks are secured to the bucket.


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