WO2015101502A1 - Front loader frame - Google Patents

Front loader frame Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015101502A1
WO2015101502A1 PCT/EP2014/078308 EP2014078308W WO2015101502A1 WO 2015101502 A1 WO2015101502 A1 WO 2015101502A1 EP 2014078308 W EP2014078308 W EP 2014078308W WO 2015101502 A1 WO2015101502 A1 WO 2015101502A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
frame
tractor
loader
front loader
hood
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2014/078308
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Sap
Original Assignee
Agco Sa
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Agco Sa filed Critical Agco Sa
Publication of WO2015101502A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015101502A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D49/00—Tractors
    • B62D49/06—Tractors adapted for multi-purpose use
    • B62D49/065—Coupling of multi-purpose tractors with equipment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
    • A01D87/00—Loaders for hay or like field crops
    • A01D87/0053—Tractor-mounted loaders
    • A01D87/0069—Tractor-mounted loaders mounted on the tractor but having their own lifting device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D49/00—Tractors
    • B62D49/02—Tractors modified to take lifting devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
    • E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
    • E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
    • E02F3/627—Devices to connect beams or arms to tractors or similar self-propelled machines, e.g. drives therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to agricultural implements and in particular, but not exclusively, to a frame for mounting a front loader or other front implement on a tractor.
  • a front loader is used for various tasks and is mounted onto the vehicle, usually as a dealer fitted product or an after-market product.
  • the forward facing arms of the loader are attached to brackets which extend upwardly from the chassis of the vehicle on either side of the hood.
  • the loader will typically carry a bucket for general farm work or more specialised hay handling forks.
  • brackets Due to the high loads imparted on the brackets due to the weight supported by the loader arms, the brackets are prone to failure over time due to fatigue.
  • a front loader frame for a tractor having a U-shaped profile which extends from chassis rails of the tractor to form an enclosed frame for supporting the loader arms.
  • the front loader frame is vertically aligned.
  • the front loader frame preferably comprises an inverted U-shaped profile.
  • the provision of an enclosed U-shaped frame considerably increases the strength of the structure reducing the chances of failure through fatigue. Furthermore the increased rigidity of the frame increases the positional accuracy of the loader bucket.
  • the frame forms part of the exterior surface of a hood of the tractor.
  • this reduces the material required to form the hood.
  • the frame is provided as a single frame member.
  • the single frame member may be fitted to the tractor, for example by sliding the single frame member onto the hood of a tractor.
  • the frame is provided as an assembly of parts comprising at least first and second bracket arms extending from chassis rails of the tractor and a cross arm extending between distal ends of the first and second bracket arms to form an enclosed U-shaped frame.
  • the frame preferably comprises loader arm mounting positions.
  • the loader arm mounting positions are arranged to receive loader arms for a tractor.
  • the frame comprises an outwardly flaring lower portion.
  • a flared lower portion may be used to accommodate relatively wide engine components of the tractor.
  • the frame comprises an inwardly tapered neck portion for mounting to chassis rails of the tractor.
  • tractor comprising a front loader frame as described above.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of the front end of a tractor showing a prior art front loader bracket
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of the front end of a tractor showing the front loader frame of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is an isometric view of the front loader frame of Figure 2 showing greater detail
  • Figure 4 is a plan view of a tractor for use with the frame of Figures 2 and 3.
  • FIG. 1 the front end of a tractor 10 is shown having a hood 12 and a chassis rails (only one side shown in this view) 14.
  • Bolted to the chassis rails 14 are front loader brackets 16 which each carry an arm 18 of the front loader, which is not shown in full for clarity.
  • the brackets 18 are only attached to the chassis rails 14 at a single position indicated by bolts 20. This constitutes a point of weakness of the prior art design as considerable load is passed from the brackets to the chassis at this single position. As a result the bracket is prone to fatigue failure at this point.
  • the frame 30 of the present invention is shown bolted to the chassis rails 14 by bolts 20.
  • the frame has upwardly extending side portions 32 and an upper section 34 that extends between the side portions 32. Located at the top of the side portions 32 are loader arm mounting positions 36.
  • the outer profile of the frame 30 forms part of the exterior of the hood 12.
  • the frame is formed from 200mm thick steel.
  • the frame 30 is arranged in a vertical alignment, the frame 30 forming an inverted U- shaped profile.
  • the frame 30 may be provided as a part of a tractor construction. Additionally or alternatively, the frame 30 may be provided as a retrofitted solution.
  • the frame 30 may be applied to a tractor by sliding the frame 30 over the hood 12 of the tractor from the front end of the tractor.
  • the frame 30 may be provided as an assembly, wherein the side portions 32 are provided as separate bracket arms for coupling with a cross arm to form upper section 34.
  • the loader arm mounting positions 36 may comprise any suitable aperture or connector for receiving loader arms of a tractor.
  • the frame may further comprise a suitable arm control and actuation system, to provide for the control of loader arms received on the frame.
  • a suitable arm control and actuation system to provide for the control of loader arms received on the frame.
  • Such systems may comprise for example a hydraulic circuit for the raising and lowering of such arms.
  • Such a hydraulic circuit may be coupled to the existing hydraulic systems of the tractor.
  • the frame 30 can be seen in further detail in Figure 3 which shows the U-shaped profile of the frame 30 forming an enclosed arch over the hood 12.
  • the frame has an outwardly flaring lower portion 34 but it is conceivable that the frame 30 could be shaped differently without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • Figure 3 further illustrates an inwardly-tapered neck section, which is arranged to be mounted to the chassis rails of the tractor.
  • FIG. 4 An agricultural tractor 100 is illustrated in Figure 4.
  • the tractor 100 comprises front wheels 102, rear wheels 104, an engine hood section 106 and a cab section 108.
  • the tractor 100 may comprise a chassis or frame to which components may be attached or mounted.
  • the frame shown in Figures 2 and 3 is provided as a component of a tractor 100.
  • the frame may be provided as a retrofit solution for an existing tractor 100.

Abstract

A front loader frame (30) for a tractor (10) having a U-shaped profile which extends from a chassis rails (14) of the tractor to form an enclosed frame for supporting the loader arms.

Description

FRONT LOADER FRAME
The present invention relates to agricultural implements and in particular, but not exclusively, to a frame for mounting a front loader or other front implement on a tractor.
Tractors frequently carry implements at the front of the vehicle. For example, a front loader is used for various tasks and is mounted onto the vehicle, usually as a dealer fitted product or an after-market product. The forward facing arms of the loader are attached to brackets which extend upwardly from the chassis of the vehicle on either side of the hood. The loader will typically carry a bucket for general farm work or more specialised hay handling forks.
Due to the high loads imparted on the brackets due to the weight supported by the loader arms, the brackets are prone to failure over time due to fatigue.
It is an objective of the present invention to at least mitigate one or more of the above problems. According to the invention there is provided a front loader frame for a tractor having a U-shaped profile which extends from chassis rails of the tractor to form an enclosed frame for supporting the loader arms.
Preferably, the front loader frame is vertically aligned.
The front loader frame preferably comprises an inverted U-shaped profile.
Advantageously, the provision of an enclosed U-shaped frame considerably increases the strength of the structure reducing the chances of failure through fatigue. Furthermore the increased rigidity of the frame increases the positional accuracy of the loader bucket.
Preferably, the frame forms part of the exterior surface of a hood of the tractor. Advantageously, this reduces the material required to form the hood.
In one aspect, the frame is provided as a single frame member. The single frame member may be fitted to the tractor, for example by sliding the single frame member onto the hood of a tractor.
In an alternative aspect, the frame is provided as an assembly of parts comprising at least first and second bracket arms extending from chassis rails of the tractor and a cross arm extending between distal ends of the first and second bracket arms to form an enclosed U-shaped frame.
The frame preferably comprises loader arm mounting positions. The loader arm mounting positions are arranged to receive loader arms for a tractor.
Preferably, the frame comprises an outwardly flaring lower portion.
A flared lower portion may be used to accommodate relatively wide engine components of the tractor.
In one aspect, the frame comprises an inwardly tapered neck portion for mounting to chassis rails of the tractor.
There is further provided a tractor comprising a front loader frame as described above.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of the front end of a tractor showing a prior art front loader bracket; and
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the front end of a tractor showing the front loader frame of the present invention; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the front loader frame of Figure 2 showing greater detail; and
Figure 4 is a plan view of a tractor for use with the frame of Figures 2 and 3.
Referring to Figure 1, the front end of a tractor 10 is shown having a hood 12 and a chassis rails (only one side shown in this view) 14. Bolted to the chassis rails 14 are front loader brackets 16 which each carry an arm 18 of the front loader, which is not shown in full for clarity. It will be noted that the brackets 18 are only attached to the chassis rails 14 at a single position indicated by bolts 20. This constitutes a point of weakness of the prior art design as considerable load is passed from the brackets to the chassis at this single position. As a result the bracket is prone to fatigue failure at this point. Turning now to Figures 2, the frame 30 of the present invention is shown bolted to the chassis rails 14 by bolts 20. The frame has upwardly extending side portions 32 and an upper section 34 that extends between the side portions 32. Located at the top of the side portions 32 are loader arm mounting positions 36. The outer profile of the frame 30 forms part of the exterior of the hood 12. The frame is formed from 200mm thick steel.
The frame 30 is arranged in a vertical alignment, the frame 30 forming an inverted U- shaped profile. The frame 30 may be provided as a part of a tractor construction. Additionally or alternatively, the frame 30 may be provided as a retrofitted solution. For example, the frame 30 may be applied to a tractor by sliding the frame 30 over the hood 12 of the tractor from the front end of the tractor. In an alternative approach, the frame 30 may be provided as an assembly, wherein the side portions 32 are provided as separate bracket arms for coupling with a cross arm to form upper section 34. The loader arm mounting positions 36 may comprise any suitable aperture or connector for receiving loader arms of a tractor. It will be understood that the frame may further comprise a suitable arm control and actuation system, to provide for the control of loader arms received on the frame. Such systems may comprise for example a hydraulic circuit for the raising and lowering of such arms. Such a hydraulic circuit may be coupled to the existing hydraulic systems of the tractor.
The frame 30 can be seen in further detail in Figure 3 which shows the U-shaped profile of the frame 30 forming an enclosed arch over the hood 12. In this embodiment of the invention the frame has an outwardly flaring lower portion 34 but it is conceivable that the frame 30 could be shaped differently without departing from the scope of the invention.
The embodiment of Figure 3 further illustrates an inwardly-tapered neck section, which is arranged to be mounted to the chassis rails of the tractor.
Advantageously this design of frame 30 requires no modification of the chassis rails 14 but provides a considerably strengthened base on which to attach the front loader. An agricultural tractor 100 is illustrated in Figure 4. The tractor 100 comprises front wheels 102, rear wheels 104, an engine hood section 106 and a cab section 108. The tractor 100 may comprise a chassis or frame to which components may be attached or mounted. In one aspect, the frame shown in Figures 2 and 3 is provided as a component of a tractor 100. In an alternative aspect, the frame may be provided as a retrofit solution for an existing tractor 100.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, and may be modified or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A front loader frame for a tractor having a U-shaped profile which extends from a chassis rails of the tractor to form an enclosed frame for supporting the loader arms.
The frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front loader frame is vertically aligned.
The frame as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front loader frame comprises an inverted U-shaped profile.
The frame as claimed in any one of claims 1-3 wherein the frame forms part of the exterior surface of a hood of the tractor.
The frame as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the frame is provided as a single frame member.
The frame as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the frame member is fitted to the tractor by sliding the frame member onto the hood of a tractor.
The frame as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the frame is provided as an assembly of parts comprising at least first and second bracket arms extending from chassis rails of the tractor and a cross arm extending between distal ends of the first and second bracket arms to form an enclosed U-shaped frame.
The frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises loader arm mounting positions.
The frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises an outwardly flaring lower portion. The frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises an inwardly tapered neck portion for mounting to chassis rails of the tractor.
A tractor comprising a front loader frame as claimed in any preceding claim.
PCT/EP2014/078308 2013-12-31 2014-12-17 Front loader frame WO2015101502A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1323180.8 2013-12-31
GBGB1323180.8A GB201323180D0 (en) 2013-12-31 2013-12-31 Front loader frame

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015101502A1 true WO2015101502A1 (en) 2015-07-09

Family

ID=50114898

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2014/078308 WO2015101502A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2014-12-17 Front loader frame

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB201323180D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2015101502A1 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2436723A (en) * 1946-06-15 1948-02-24 Ottawa Steel Products Inc Loading device attachment for tractors
FR1396397A (en) * 1964-03-05 1965-04-23 Materiel Agricole Sa Lifting devices
US3335882A (en) * 1964-10-08 1967-08-15 Deere & Co Power loader
NL6816260A (en) * 1968-11-14 1970-05-19
JPS5895375U (en) * 1981-12-22 1983-06-28 セイレイ工業株式会社 Tractor driver operation panel support frame structure
EP0382272A1 (en) * 1989-01-23 1990-08-16 Ford New Holland Inc. Loader mounting frame
JP2002316669A (en) * 2001-04-24 2002-10-29 Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg Co Ltd Bonnet structure of tractor
US20030075375A1 (en) * 2001-10-19 2003-04-24 Sprinkle David Laverne Tower and boom structure for loader bucket

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2436723A (en) * 1946-06-15 1948-02-24 Ottawa Steel Products Inc Loading device attachment for tractors
FR1396397A (en) * 1964-03-05 1965-04-23 Materiel Agricole Sa Lifting devices
US3335882A (en) * 1964-10-08 1967-08-15 Deere & Co Power loader
NL6816260A (en) * 1968-11-14 1970-05-19
JPS5895375U (en) * 1981-12-22 1983-06-28 セイレイ工業株式会社 Tractor driver operation panel support frame structure
EP0382272A1 (en) * 1989-01-23 1990-08-16 Ford New Holland Inc. Loader mounting frame
JP2002316669A (en) * 2001-04-24 2002-10-29 Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg Co Ltd Bonnet structure of tractor
US20030075375A1 (en) * 2001-10-19 2003-04-24 Sprinkle David Laverne Tower and boom structure for loader bucket

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201323180D0 (en) 2014-02-12

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