Work vehicle boom assembly providing improved visability

Abstract

A work vehicle has a boom assembly for a work implement that provides an improved sightline between the cabin and work implement. The boom assembly can be a dual function boom having a wishbone configuration with an elongated body supporting the work implement and at the other end having branch sections extending outwardly at acute angles with open space therebetween. A boom support arch can provide an elevated boom mount on which the boom can pivot about a boom pivot axis at pivots located on the branches of the boom. The boom support arch can have its own pivotal mounting connection to the work vehicle. Actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, can be coupled to the boom and support arch to independently pivot the boom and the support arch with respect to each other and the work vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]This disclosure relates to work vehicles and booms for work vehicles that support and position implements attached thereto.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0004]Work vehicles known as skidders are heavy-duty vehicles used in the forestry industry to gather and clear logs. Cable skidders use a winch line to wrap around and winch the logs together so that the skidder can drag them to the landing area. Grapple skidders have a grapple mounted on a boom at the rear of the vehicle that the vehicle operator controls, using onboard controls and actuation systems, to raise, lower, and rotate the grapple as well as open and close the grapple tongs as needed to clamp around the logs that are to be dragged away by the skidder.[0005]Grapple skidders generally come in one of three types based on the type of boom employed. The booms of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent text describes an improved boom construction for a work vehicle that allows the operator to have a better line of sight to the work tool implement and the area being worked. The boom has a split end, creating an open space between the branches, allowing for a window of sight. The boom can also have interior passages for routing working lines and a bulkhead for coupling shorter lines. Additionally, the boom can mount a work light to illuminate the implement and work area. These improvements enhance the operator's view of the implement and work area, especially in low ambient light conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Yet even then, in conventional fixed boom assemblies the boom interferes with, if not almost entirely blocks, the operator's line of sight to the implement.

The mounting position and height of the boom and the large, heavy-duty construction required for the boom and boom support components further exacerbate the problem of poor operator visibility to the area being worked.

Furthermore, the additional elevated pivot connection often found in dual function booms creates another obstacle in the sightline between the vehicle cabin and the implement.

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