A stabiliser assembly

Abstract

A stabiliser assembly for a working machine, the stabiliser assembly includes: a housing 36 comprising first and second stabiliser leg mounts 42a, 42b arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing;

Description

FIELD The present teachings relate to a stabiliser assembly, an undercarriage comprising a stabiliser assembly, a working machine comprising a stabiliser assembly, and to a method of assembling a stabiliser assembly. BACKGROUND Off-highway vehicles / working machines are typically those used in construction industries (e.g. backhoe loaders, slew excavators, telescopic handlers, forklifts, skid-steer loaders, dump trucks, bulldozers, graders), agricultural industries (e.g. tractors, combine harvesters, wheeled loading shovels, telescopic handlers, self-propelled harvesters and sprayers), quarrying (e.g. excavators, wheeled loading shovels, aggregate crushing equipment), and forestry (e.g. timber harvesters, feller bunchers). Many working machines have a primary function of moving material using either a lifting arm (e.g. a pivoting boom) or a working arm (e.g. an excavator arm) and may be referred to as material handling machines. These off-highway vehicles / working machines may be provided with a stabiliser in one form or another to stabilise the off-highway vehicle / working machine when loads are being lifted on to or off the vehicle, for example. One form of stabiliser is known as stabiliser legs that are mounted to the working machine, for example to the chassis or undercarriage of the machine. The present teachings seek to provide an improved stabiliser assembly. SUMMARY The present teachings provide a stabiliser assembly, an undercarriage comprising a stabiliser assembly, a working machine comprising a stabiliser assembly, and a method of assembling a stabiliser assembly according to the appended claims. A first aspect of the teachings provides a stabiliser assembly for a working machine, the stabiliser assembly comprising: a housing comprising first and second stabiliser leg mounts arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing; and a mounting body connected to the housing, said mounting body comprising first and second mounting plates each comprising first and second actuator mounts, said first and second mounting plates being arranged to oppose each other such that the first actuator mounts are substantially aligned and the second actuator mounts are substantially aligned. The provision of a separate mounting body that is configured to mount first and second actuators to the assembly helps to reduce the number of components in the stabiliser assembly. The stabiliser assembly may comprise first and second stabiliser legs pivotally mounted to the first and second stabiliser leg mounts, respectively. The stabiliser assembly may comprise a first actuator mounted to the first actuator mount at a first end thereof and connected to the first stabiliser leg at a second end thereof, and a second actuator mounted to the second actuator mount at a first end thereof and connected to the second stabiliser leg at a second end thereof. The first and second mounting plates may be connected together by a bridging member extending therebetween. Providing the mounting body as a single component helps to further simplify manufacture of the stabiliser assembly. The mounting body may be formed as a single unitary component, for example a cast component. Forming the mounting body as a unitary or monolithic body has been found to simplify manufacture and assembly of the stabiliser leg assembly. The mounting body may be a cast iron or steel component. The mounting body may be formed as a sub-assembly of the stabiliser assembly. Forming the mounting body as a removable or separate sub-assembly has been found to simplify manufacture and assembly of the stabiliser assembly. The mounting body may comprise a stiffening rib extending between the first and second mounting plates. This helps to improve the structural rigidity of the mounting body. An outer face of the first mounting plate may comprise an attachment mount for mounting an attachment thereto. The stiffening rib may be aligned with the attachment mount. This helps to improve the structural rigidity of the mounting body, and helps to transfer load applied by an attachment through to the second or rear mounting plate. Each first and second actuator mount may comprise an aperture in the respective mounting plate. The housing may comprise first and second spaced apart housing walls, and the first and second mounting plates may be connected to or mounted to the first and second housing walls, respectively. The first and second housing walls may each define an aperture therein, and the first and second mounting plates may be arranged in said apertures. Outer faces of the first and second mounting plate may be substantially flush with outer surfaces of the first and second housing walls. The first and second mounting plates may be welded to the respective housing wall around a perimeter of each mounting plate. A perimeter of each plate may be contiguous with the first and second housing walls. An outer face of each mounting plate may be exposed on an exterior of the stabiliser assembly. The housing may comprise a mounting arrangement for attaching the stabiliser assembly to a working machine. A second aspect of the teachings provides an undercarriage for a working machine, the undercarriage comprising a stabiliser assembly of the first aspect. The undercarriage may comprise a ground engaging structure. A third aspect of the teachings provides a working machine comprising a stabiliser assembly according to the first aspect or an undercarriage according to the second aspect. The working machine may comprise a body mounted on a ground engaging structure, and a drive arrangement configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure. The working machine may comprise a working arm pivotally mounted to the body. The body may comprise an undercarriage mounted on the ground engaging structure and a superstructure rotatably mounted to the undercarriage. The undercarriage comprises the stabiliser assembly. According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of assembling a stabiliser assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a mounting body comprising first and second mounting plates each comprising first and second actuator mounts, and arranging the first and second mounting plates to oppose each other such that the first actuator mounts are substantially aligned and the second actuator mounts are substantially aligned; providing stabiliser assembly housing; and attaching the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing. The stabiliser assembly housing may comprise first and second stabiliser leg mounts arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing. The method may comprise pivotally mounting first and second stabiliser legs to the first and second stabiliser leg mounts, respectively, mounting a first actuator to the first actuator mount at a first end thereof and to the first stabiliser leg at a second end thereof, and mounting a second actuator to the second actuator mount at a first end thereof and to the second stabiliser leg at a second end thereof. The method may comprise the step of forming the mounting body as a subassembly of the stabiliser assembly. The method may comprise the step of forming the mounting body as a single unitary component. The method may comprise the step of casting the mounting body as a single unitary component. The mounting body may be cast from iron or steel. The step of attaching the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing may comprise welding the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing. The housing may comprise first and second spaced apart housing walls, and the method may comprise the step of welding the first and second mounting plates to the first and second housing walls, respectively, for example around a perimeter of each mounting plate. The step of welding the mounting body to the housing may be performed externally to the housing. The first and second housing walls each may define an aperture therein, and the step of attaching the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing may comprise arranging the mounting body in said apertures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a working machine according to the present teachings; Figure 2 is an isometric view of a working machine according to the present teachings; Figure 3 is an isometric view of a stabiliser assembly of the working machine of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an isometric view of the stabiliser assembly of Figure 3 with the stabiliser legs and actuator omitted; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a mounting body of the stabiliser assembly of Figures 3 and 4; Figures 6 and 7 are isometric views of a stabiliser assembly according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments and the inventive concept. However, those skilled in the art will understand that: the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or with known equivalents of these specific details; that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments; and, that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of alternative embodiments. It will also be appreciated that well known methods, procedures, components, and systems may not have been described in detail. References to vertical and horizontal in the present disclosure should be understood to be in relation to the machine when stood on horizontal ground in a non-working condition. The term axial is generally used in relation to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The term width is generally used in relation to the longitudinal length, that is, transverse to the length. Referring firstly to Figure 1, an embodiment of the teachings includes a working machine 10. The working machine 10 may be a load handling machine 10. In this embodiment, the load handling machine 10 is a rotary telescopic handler. In other embodiments the load handling machine 10 may be a telescopic handler, a forklift, an excavator, a skid-steer loader, a compact track loader, a wheel loader, or a telescopic wheel loader, a tractor, for example. Such working machines may be denoted as off-highway vehicles or as non-road mobile machinery. The working machine 10 includes a front side and a rear side defined by a principal direction of travel, a cab side, and an offside. The cab side and the offside are located on either side of a longitudinal axis a-a of the working machine 10. The working machine 10 includes a ground engaging structure 12a, 12b, and a body 14 supported on the ground engaging structure 12a, 12b. The ground engaging structure 12a, 12b is provided in the form of front and rear wheels 12a, 12b. The ground engaging structure 12a, 12b of this embodiment may be configured to provide four-wheel steering, as is known in the art. As such, both of the front and rear wheels 12a, 12b may be configured to turn relative to the body 14 under the influence of a steering device to effect steering. The compact size of the working machine 10, along with the four-wheel steering capabilities, makes the working machine 10 suitable for operating in confined spaces. The front and rear wheels 12a, 12b are attached to corresponding axles which form part of a transmission of the working machine 10. The working machine 10 includes a drive arrangement (not shown) configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure 12a, 12b. The drive arrangement may include a prime mover, for example an internal combustion engine, and a transmission. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 14 includes an undercarriage 16 supported on the ground engaging structure 12a, 12b, and a superstructure 18 mounted on the undercarriage 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the superstructure 18 is rotatably mounted on the undercarriage 16. The superstructure 18 is connected to the undercarriage 16 by a mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement is located on an uppermost surface of the undercarriage 16. In alternative embodiments, the superstructure 18 may be fixed relative to the undercarriage 16. In alternative embodiments, the body 14 may not include the undercarriage 16 and superstructure 18. The working machine 10 includes an operator station in the form of a cab 26 mounted to the body 14. In the illustrated example, the cab 26 is mounted to the superstructure 18 to be rotatable therewith. The cab 26 is illustrated as being offset on the superstructure, but may be arranged substantially centrally in some embodiments. In Figure 1, the working machine 10 is illustrated in a forward aligned position. The forward aligned position is taken to mean that a longitudinal axis of the undercarriage 16 is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the lifting arm 28 and the drive arrangement is on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis a-a with respect to the cab 26. The working machine 10 includes a lifting arm 28. The lifting arm 28 mounts an implement to perform work functions. The lifting arm 28 is mounted to the superstructure 18 in a position offset from the longitudinal axis a-a of the working machine 10 so as to be positioned closer to the offside than the cab side. The lifting arm 28 is configured to carry a load handling implement 30, such as a shovel or forks 30, at a second end to allow the load handling implement 30 to pivot relative to the lifting arm 28 about a second generally horizontal axis. Specifically, the load handling implement 30 is mounted to a carriage 32 having a suitable known interface to the implement 30, the carriage 32 being pivotable relative to the lifting arm 28 so that a load may be kept in a constant horizontal or other desired orientation as the lifting arm 28 pivots up and down, as is well known in the art. The working machine 10 includes the lifting arm 28 which is mounted to the superstructure 18 for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting arm 28 is a telescopic lifting arm 28 and is pivotally mounted to the superstructure 18 at or proximate the rear thereof, and extends forward to project beyond the front of the superstructure 18. It shall be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the lifting arm 28 may be not telescopic, for example if the working machine 10 is a compact wheeled excavator, may be mounted proximate the front of the superstructure 18 may have a dipper arm (not shown) pivotably mounted to a free end thereof, and may slew relative to the superstructure 18. The structural strength of the undercarriage 16 is provided by an undercarriage frame. The frame mounts the ground engaging structure 12a, 12b, the superstructure 18 and first and second stabiliser leg assemblies 34a, 34b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second stabiliser leg assemblies 34a, 34b are mounted to the undercarriage 16, but alternatively may be formed as a part of the undercarriage 16. In embodiments of the working machine 10 not including the undercarriage 16, the first and second stabiliser leg assemblies 34a, 34b may be part of or connected to the body 14. In some embodiments, it will be understood that the working machine 10 may only include one stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. Referring now to Figure 2, an embodiment of the teachings includes a working machine 100. In this embodiment, the working machine 100 is an excavator. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the working machine 100 is a wheeled excavator. The working machine 100 includes a ground engaging structure 112a, 112b, and a body 114 supported on the ground engaging structure 112a, 112b. The ground engaging structure 112a, 112b is provided in the form of front and rear wheels 112a, 112b. The ground engaging structure 112a, 112b of this embodiment may be configured to provide four-wheel steering, as is known in the art. As such, both of the front and rear wheels 112a, 112b may be configured to turn relative to the body 114 under the influence of a steering device to effect steering. The compact size of the working machine 100, along with the four-wheel steering capabilities, makes the working machine 100 suitable for operating in confined spaces. The front and rear wheels 112a, 112b are attached to corresponding axles which form part of a transmission of the working machine 100. The working machine 10 includes a drive arrangement (not shown) configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure 12a, 12b. The drive arrangement may include a prime mover, for example an internal combustion engine, and a transmission. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 114 includes an undercarriage 116 supported on the ground engaging structure 112a, 112b, and a superstructure 118 mounted on the undercarriage 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the superstructure 118 is rotatably mounted on the undercarriage 116. The superstructure 118 is connected to the undercarriage 116 by a mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement is located on an uppermost surface of the undercarriage 116. In alternative embodiments, the superstructure 118 may be fixed relative to the undercarriage 116. In alternative embodiments, the body 114 may not include the undercarriage 116 and superstructure 118. The working machine 100 includes an operator station in the form of a cab 126 mounted to the body 114. In the illustrated example, the cab 126 is mounted to the superstructure 118 to be rotatable therewith. The cab 126 is illustrated as being offset on the superstructure, but may be arranged substantially centrally in some embodiments. The working machine 100 includes a lifting arm 128. The lifting arm 128 mounts an implement to perform work functions. The lifting arm 128 is mounted to the superstructure 118 in a position offset from the longitudinal axis of the working machine 100 so as to be positioned closer to the offside than the cab side. The lifting arm 128 is configured to carry a load handling implement 130, such as a bucket. The working machine 100 includes the lifting arm 128 mounted to the superstructure 118 for rotation therewith. In the illustrated example, the lifting arm 128 includes a boom 128a pivotally mounted to the superstructure 118. The lifting arm 128 may further include a dipper arm 128b pivotably mounted to a free end of the boom 128a. The working implement 130 is mounted to a free end of the dipper arm 128b. The structural strength of the undercarriage 116 is provided by an undercarriage frame. The frame mounts the ground engaging structure 112a, 112b. The undercarriage 116 includes a first stabiliser assembly 34a. In the illustrated example, the first stabiliser assembly 34a is provided at a first end of the undercarriage 116. In some embodiments, it will be understood that the working machine 100 may include a second stabiliser assembly at a second end thereto. Referring now to Figure 3, a stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b is illustrated in more detail. The stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b includes a housing or body 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 36 includes a first housing portion 38a that extends substantially parallel to the axis a-a of the working machine 10. The housing 36 includes a second housing portion 38b that extends substantially transverse relative to the axis a-a of the working machine 10. Put another way, the housing 36 is substantially T-shaped in plan view, although it will be appreciated that any suitable shape may be used in alternative embodiments. The housing 36 is provided with a mounting arrangement 40 for attaching the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b to the working machine 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting arrangement 40 mounts the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b to the undercarriage 16. The mounting arrangement 40 is provided on the first housing portion 38a, but in some embodiments the first housing portion 38a may be omitted and the second housing portion 38b may be provided with the mounting arrangement 40. Although not illustrated, the mounting arrangement 40 is provided in the form of a mounting plate including one or more apertures that align with corresponding apertures (not shown) on the undercarriage 16. In alternative embodiments, however, any suitable mounting arrangement may be used such as welding. The housing 36 includes first and second stabiliser leg mounts 42a, 42b arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing 36. In the present embodiment, the first and second stabiliser leg mounts 42a, 42b are arranged at opposing ends or sides of the second housing portion 38b. First and second stabiliser legs 44a, 44b are pivotally mounted to the housing 36 at the first and second stabiliser leg mounts 42a, 42b. The first and second stabiliser legs 44a, 44b are pivotally connected to the housing 36 at or near a first end thereof. At a second end of first and second stabiliser legs 44a, 44b there may be provided a foot or floorplate 46a, 46b. The foot or floorplate 46a, 46b may be pivotally connected to the second end of the respective first and second stabiliser leg 44a, 44b. The stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b includes a mounting body 48 connected to the housing 36. The mounting body 48 is configured to mount first and second actuators 52 to the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b, i.e. to the housing 36. A first end of each actuator is mounted to the mounting body 48 and a second end is mounted to or connected to a respective stabiliser leg 44a, 44b to enable the stabiliser legs 44a, 44b to be raised and lowered. The mounting body 48 includes an attachment mount 50 (shown in Figure 4) for mounting an attachment thereto. The attachment mount 50 is provided as a mounting plate or surface on an outer surface of the mounting body 48. The mounting plate 50 includes four apertures or bore 51 to receive fasteners (not shown)therein for mounting an attachment to the mount 50. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable mounting arrangement may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a towing hitch (not shown) may be mounted the attachment mount, but any suitable attachment may be attached to the attachment mount. Referring now to Figure 4, the housing 36 includes first and second spaced apart housing walls 54a, 54b to define a space therebetween that accommodates or houses the first and second actuators. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 36 includes an upper wall 54c and a lower wall 54d so as to be substantially boxshaped, but may be u-shaped or n-shaped in other embodiments, or any other suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 54a-d form the second housing portion 38b of the housing 36. Opposing ends of the housing 36 are open to enable the actuators and / or the stabiliser legs 44a, 44b to extend through. The mounting body 48 is connected to or mounted to at least one of the walls 54a-d of the housing 36. In the illustrated example, the mounting body 48 is welded to the housing 36. In other embodiments, the mounting body may be fastened or otherwise secured to the housing 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 48 is mounted to the first and second walls 54a, 54b. Each of the first and second walls 54a, 54b may each define an aperture therein, and the mounting body 48 is arranged in said apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b are welded to the first and second walls 54a, 54b, respectively, and to the bottom wall 54d of the housing 36. In particular, the first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b are welded to an inner edge of the apertures. The welds 49a, 49b extend around the perimeter of each mounting plate 56a, 56b. The mounting body 48 may also be welded to the lower wall 54d of the housing 36, i.e. along a bottom edge of each mounting plate 56a, 56b. However, in other embodiments, the mounting body 48 may be mounted or welded to any one or any combination of the walls 54a-d. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, the mounting body 48 has first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b. It will be understood that the first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b are arranged in the apertures in the first and second walls 54a, 54b, respectively. An outer face of each mounting plate 56a, 56b may be exposed on an exterior of the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. The outer faces of the first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b may be configured and arranged to be substantially flush with outer surfaces of the first and second housing walls 54a, 54b. In some embodiments, an outer perimeter of each mounting plate 56a, 56b may be contiguous with the first and second housing walls 54a, 54b. It will be understood than an outer surface of the first mounting plate 56a may include the attachment mount 50. The first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b are arranged to oppose each other. Each mounting plate 56a, 56b has first 58a and second 58b actuator mounts. The mounting plates 56a, 56b are arranged so that the pair of first actuator mounts 58a are aligned and the pair of second actuator mounts 58b are aligned. Each actuator mount 58a, 58b is provided in the form of an aperture extending through the respective mounting plate 56a, 56b, but may be provided in any suitable configuration in alternative embodiments. The first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b may be connected together to form a single body or unt. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b are connected by a bridging member 60. The bridging member 60 is arranged between the first 58a and second 58b actuator mounts. In the illustrated embodiment, a part or portion of the bridging member 60 is interposed between the first 58a and second 58b actuator mounts of each mounting plate 56a, 56b. In some embodiments, for example as illustrated, a portion of the bridging member 60 may be connected to the first 58a and second 58b actuator mounts of each mounting plate 56a, 56b. The provision of the bridging member 60 helps to improve the structural strength of the first and second actuator munts 58a, 58b and of the mounting body 48 as a whole. In some embodiments, the first and second mounting plates 56a, 56b may be connected via a stiffening rib 62 extending therebetween. This may be in addition to or as an alternative to the bridging member 60. The stiffening rib 62 helps to increase the structural rigidity of the mounting body 48 and so of the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. The stiffening rib 62 is arranged to be substantially aligned with, e.g. behind, the attachment mount 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the stiffening rib 62 is arranged below the bridging member 60. One or both of the bridging member 60 and the stiffening rib 62 may be arranged substantially centrally with respect to a width of the mounting body 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 48 is formed as a single unitary component, for example the mounting body 48 may be formed as a monolithic body. In the present example, the mounting body 48 is formed as an integrally cast component. For example, the mounting body 48 may be a cast iron or steel component. The mounting body 48 may be formed as a sub-assembly of the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a stabiliser assembly 100 according to the prior art is illustrated. The stabiliser assembly 134 includes a housing or body 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 136 includes a first housing portion 138a that extends substantially parallel to the axis of the working machine (not shown). The housing 136 includes a second housing portion 138b that extends substantially transverse relative to the axis of the working machine. The housing 136 is provided with a mounting arrangement 140 for attaching the stabiliser assembly 134 to the working machine, e.g. to the undercarriage of the working machine. The housing 136 does not include an attachment mount, and instead requires an attachment to be welded to an external surface of the housing 136. The housing 136 includes first and second stabiliser leg mounts 142a, 142b arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing 136. In the present embodiment, the first and second stabiliser leg mounts 142a, 142b are arranged at opposing ends or sides of the second housing portion 138b. The stabiliser assembly 134 has a first pair 158a and a second pair 158b of actuator mounts. The pair of first actuator mounts 158a are aligned and the pair of second actuator mounts 158b are aligned. A first of each pair of actuator mounts 158a, 158b is provided in the form of an elongate bore extending through and extending from the housing 136. The first pair 158a and the second pair 158b of actuator mounts are assembled together into a complex sub-assembly comprising 13 separate parts. A first pair of first and second actuator mounts 158a, 158b are connected by a first bridging member 160a that is welded therebetween. A second pair of first and second actuator mounts 158a, 158b are connected by a second bridging member 160b that is welded therebetween. Additionally, the complex assembly includes first and second bridging members 164a, 164b that are welded between first pair 158a and the second pair 158b of actuator mounts. During assembly of the stabiliser assembly 134, the first pair 158a and second pair 158b of actuator mounts are each individually welded internally on the inside of the housing 136. By contrast, providing the first and second pairs of actuator mounts on respective mounting plates, significantly reduces the number of components used in the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. Moreover, the use of these mounting plates 56a, 56b enables the pairs of actuator mounts 58a, 58b to be attached to the housing 36 via 5 welding around the perimeter of each plate 56a, 56b. This results in a significant reduction in the amount of internal welding required during manufacture of the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. In embodiments including the provision of an outer or external mounting plate 56a having an attachment mounting plate 50, this enables an attachment to be bolted to the mounting body 48 further reducing the 10 amount of welding required during assembly of the stabiliser assembly. Additionally, in embodiments where the mounting body 48 is provided as a single unitary body, this further reduces the amount of welding required during manufacture of the stabiliser assembly 34a, 34b. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only and it 15 will be appreciated that the variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stabiliser assembly for a working machine, the stabiliser assembly comprising:a housing comprising first and second stabiliser leg mounts arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing;a mounting body connected to the housing, said mounting body comprising first and second mounting plates each comprising first and second actuator mounts, said first and second mounting plates being arranged to oppose each other such that the first actuator mounts are substantially aligned and the second actuator mounts are substantially aligned;first and second stabiliser legs pivotally mounted to the first and second stabiliser leg mounts, respectively;a first actuator mounted to the first actuator mount at a first end thereof and connected to the first stabiliser leg at a second end thereof; anda second actuator mounted to the second actuator mount at a first end thereof and connected to the second stabiliser leg at a second end thereof.

2. The stabiliser assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second mounting plates are connected together by a bridging member extending therebetween.

3. The stabiliser assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mounting body is formed as a single unitary component, for example a cast component.

4. The stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting body is formed as a sub-assembly of the stabiliser assembly.

5. The stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting body comprises a stiffening rib extending between the first and second mounting plates.

6. The stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer face of the first mounting plate comprises an attachment mount for mounting an attachment thereto.

7. The stabiliser assembly according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the stiffening rib is aligned with the attachment mount.

8. The stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each first and second actuator mount comprises an aperture in the respective mounting plate.

9. The stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises first and second spaced apart housing walls, and wherein the first and second mounting plates are connected to or mounted to the first and second housing walls, respectively.10.The stabiliser assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first and second housing walls each define an aperture therein, and wherein the first and second mounting plates are arranged in said apertures.11.The stabiliser assembly according to claim 10, wherein outer faces of the first and second mounting plate are substantially flush with outer surfaces of the first and second housing walls.12.The stabiliser assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a perimeter of each plate is contiguous with the first and second housing walls.13.The stabiliser assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein an outer face of each mounting plate is exposed on an exterior of the stabiliser assembly.14.The stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a mounting arrangement for attaching the stabiliser assembly to a working machine.

15. An undercarriage for a working machine, the undercarriage comprising: a ground engaging structure anda stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim.

16. A working machine comprising:a body mounted on a ground engaging structure;a working arm pivotally mounted to the body;a drive arrangement configured to provide motive power to the ground engaging structure; anda stabiliser assembly according to any preceding claim.17.The working machine according to claim 16, wherein the body comprises an undercarriage mounted on the ground engaging structure and a superstructurerotatably mounted to the undercarriage, and wherein the undercarriage comprises the stabiliser assembly.

18. A method of assembling a stabiliser assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a mounting body comprising first and second mounting plates each comprising first and second actuator mounts, and arranging the first and second mounting plates to oppose each other such that the first actuator mounts are substantially aligned and the second actuator mounts are substantially aligned;providing stabiliser assembly housing comprising first and second stabiliser leg mounts arranged at or near opposing ends of the housing;attaching the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing;pivotally mounting first and second stabiliser legs to the first and second stabiliser leg mounts, respectively;mounting a first actuator to the first actuator mount at a first end thereof and to the first stabiliser leg at a second end thereof; andmounting a second actuator to the second actuator mount at a first end thereof and to the second stabiliser leg at a second end thereof.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising the step of forming the mounting body as a sub-assembly of the stabiliser assembly.20.The method according to claim 18 or claim 19, comprising the step of forming the mounting body as a single unitary component.

21. The method according to claim 20, comprising the step of casting the mounting body as a single unitary component, optionally wherein the mounting body is cast from iron or steel.22.The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the step of attaching the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing comprises welding the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing.23.The method according to claim 22, wherein the housing comprises first and second spaced apart housing walls, and the method comprises the step of welding the first and second mounting plates to the first and second housing walls, respectively, for example around a perimeter of each mounting plate.24.The method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the step of welding the mounting body to the housing is performed externally to the housing.25.The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the first and second housing walls each define an aperture therein, and wherein the step of attaching the mounting body to the stabiliser assembly housing comprising arranging the mounting body in said apertures.

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