VEHICLE FORKLIFT WITH INTERCHANGEABLE BODY

Abstract

This exhibit provides a hoist for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis. The hoist includes a hoist frame having a pivot end and a raised end for sliding support of the interchangeable body. A subframe with a bolt-on installation is provided for fixed connection to the vehicle chassis. A connecting link connects the hoist frame to the subframe. The link also includes a hinged joint member for raising the raised end of the hoist frame. A mounting bracket pivotally connects to the pivot end of the hoist frame. The mounting bracket has a bolt-on installation for fixed connection to the vehicle chassis.A winch installation is retained at the raised end of the forklift frame and extends to the pivot end to lift the interchangeable body over the forklift frame.

Description

FORKLIFT FOR VEHICLES WITH INTERCHANGEABLE BODY I. BACKGROUND Field of Invention This invention generally pertains to the field of vehicles such as trucks that use interchangeable bodies. In particular, the invention relates to forklifts used to lift and install an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis. Background of the Invention It is known that vehicles such as trucks have different types of bodies, including flatbeds, dump bodies, box bodies, etc. Trucks of the same class may have several different bodies installed on the same chassis. Typically, vehicles such as trucks have a specific body that is permanently installed on a chassis. Such a truck is sold and used as a type of special-purpose vehicle to handle the specific types of work associated with that particular body. Vehicles with specialized bodies are limited to the specific types of work that particular body type is designed for. For example, a dump truck is only useful for unloading. Such vehicles can remain idle when not performing their assigned tasks. A small business may not have the resources to acquire and maintain a fleet of specialized vehicles with different bodies. For this reason, vehicles with interchangeable bodies offer certain advantages. A truck with interchangeable bodies allows the same vehicle to be converted and adapted for a variety of different jobs, eliminating the need to maintain a separate fleet. These vehicles with interchangeable bodies typically include a forklift to lift and install an interchangeable body onto the vehicle chassis. Such a common-type forklift includes a mobile forklift frame to support an interchangeable body, which is mounted on a subframe welded to the vehicle chassis. In this way, the subframe is held in a fixed position. The forklift frame ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ - 2 can be selectively raised and tilted to allow an interchangeable body to be slidably installed onto the chassis. Although there are advantages to using interchangeable bodies, vehicles with interchangeable bodies also have certain drawbacks. Such a vehicle must be dedicated specifically to the installation of interchangeable bodies, as a welded-on forklift often prevents conversion to another single-use vehicle. Therefore, it is difficult to repurpose the vehicle for uses other than the installation of interchangeable bodies due to chassis damage caused by the welding. Furthermore, the welding is usually outsourced to a professional welder rather than performed on-site by personnel. Furthermore, the forklift can be damaged by the repeated installation and removal of different types of interchangeable bodies. Replacing a damaged forklift can be time-consuming, partly due to the scheduling of subcontracted welding services, resulting in vehicle downtime. The chassis can also be further damaged by the repeated welding operations involved in repeated forklift replacements, which can shorten the vehicle's lifespan or necessitate additional vehicle servicing for chassis repair or replacement. Furthermore, welded forklift systems of the aforementioned type are specifically sized to allow for the deployment of only one interchangeable body length. Additionally, in such welded forklift systems, the lifting components for the forklift frames are rigidly installed at a fixed angle, which reduces the usefulness of certain interchangeable body types for specific applications. Moreover, these welded forklift systems are more prone to wear and tear, which can shorten the system's service life. Summary of the Invention This exhibit provides a hoist system for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis. The hoist includes a hoist frame having a pivoting end and a raised end to slide the interchangeable body onto it. A subframe with a bolt-on mounting is provided for fixed connection to the vehicle chassis. A connection connects ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ The forklift frame is connected to the subframe. The connection also includes a hinged joint member for raising the raised end of the forklift frame. A mounting bracket pivotally connects to the pivot end of the forklift frame. The mounting bracket has a bolt-on installation for fixed connection to the vehicle chassis. A winch assembly is retained at the raised end of the forklift frame and extends to the pivot end to raise the interchangeable body onto the forklift frame. The forklift frame may include first and second parallel frame members, each extending along a longitudinal axis of the forklift frame between the raised end and the pivot end, to support the interchangeable vehicle body. One or both of these parallel frame members may also include a body clamping bracket to allow the use of different-sized interchangeable vehicle bodies on the forklift. Furthermore, the body clamping bracket may support one or more grease-free sliding pads made of a low-friction material to support the interchangeable vehicle body during movement along the forklift. The parallel frame members of the present forklift frame may also include one or more grease-free sliding strips, formed of a low-friction material, and installed along one side of the respective first and second parallel frame members to protect against friction damage. In addition, the parallel frame members may also include one or more grease-free rollers, installed at a pivot end of the respective parallel frame members, to facilitate the installation of the interchangeable vehicle body onto the forklift. The present hoist system for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis may also include a hydraulic cylinder, connected to the subframe, to move the linkage for raising the raised end of the hoist frame. Additionally, a pump plate is connected to the subframe to support the hydraulic and electrical components that power the system. The mounting bracket of the present hoist system may also include a grease-free V-roller assembly to glide along a cable from the winch system for lifting the interchangeable body onto the hoist frame. Furthermore, it may MA / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ -4. Provide a winch plate on the raised end of the hoist frame. The winch plate includes two perpendicular sides for connecting to two respective sides of the winch installation, such that the winch plate supports the winch installation in two separate planes. In the present forklift system, each of the first and second parallel subframe members is formed by a plurality of self-locating modular holes for coupling and supporting the joint at a respective plurality of selectable positions along the subframe. Similarly, each of the first and second parallel frame members is formed by a plurality of self-locating modular holes for coupling and supporting the joint at a respective plurality of selectable positions along the forklift frame. The selective placement of the joint in these respective self-locating modular holes allows the forklift system to be modularly adjusted to provide different capacities. According to one aspect of the invention, a freight elevator system is provided that can be easily installed on the chassis of a vehicle without welding. According to another aspect of the invention, a forklift system is provided that an authorized dealer can install on the chassis of a vehicle. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a forklift system is provided that can be installed on the chassis of a vehicle without permanently dedicating the vehicle for use with interchangeable bodies. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a freight elevator system is provided that is resistant to damage from repeated installation and removal. According to another aspect of the invention, a forklift system is provided that can be replaced quickly and easily without causing damage to the vehicle chassis. According to another additional aspect of the invention, a modular hoist system is provided in which the position of the connection can be selectively adjusted to suit a variety of different capacities. Other benefits and advantages of this invention will become evident to the ML / t / ZUZZ / UZO IOZ -5 experts in the technique to which it belongs after reading and understanding the following detailed specification. ML / ZO I Brief Description of the Figures of the Invention The hoist described for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the modalities of which will be described in detail in this exposition and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the left side of an exemplary embodiment of a hoist system for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the right side of an exemplary embodiment of a hoist system for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a folded state of an exemplary embodiment of a hoist system for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a detailed view of the auxiliary frame with the pump plate and the articulated component cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a detailed view of the rollers at the pivot end of the forklift body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a detailed view of the pivot end of the forklift body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a detailed view of the V-roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a detailed view of the winch plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a detailed view of a sliding body guide pad according to an exemplary embodiment of the present -6invention; Figure 10 is a detailed view of the underside of a body fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a rear view of the features of the side channel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 12 is a detailed view of a pipe support according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a detailed view of a side rail according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention With reference now to the drawings where the images are intended to illustrate modalities of the article only and not to limit it, and where it is understood that similar reference numbers refer to similar components: Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the left and right sides, respectively, of exemplary embodiments of a forklift system 100 according to the present invention. The forklift system 100 includes a forklift frame 102 for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body 104 onto a vehicle chassis 106. The forklift frame 102 is defined by first and second parallel frame members 102a, 102b. The forklift frame 102 is provided to slideably support the interchangeable body 104. The forklift frame 102 includes a pivot end 102p, about which the forklift frame 102 pivots, and a raised end 102e. , which is raised when the interchangeable vehicle body 104 is raised and installed, as will be described in more detail below. Frame members 102a, 102b extend along the longitudinal axis of the forklift frame 102, which extends between the raised end 102e and the pivot end 102p. It should be noted that this exposition includes descriptions of similar components such as frame members 102a and 102b, where identical corresponding structures are described and assigned similar part numbers. To the extent that both corresponding structures are not clearly shown in a particular view, especially in a view in ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ - 7Detail, it should be understood and appreciated that such corresponding structures resemble the structures clearly shown in the views. A subframe 110 is provided to ultimately connect the forklift frame 102 to the vehicle chassis 106. The subframe 110 is defined by a bolt-on installation for permanently connecting the forklift frame 102 to the vehicle chassis 106. Specifically, the subframe 110 connects to the vehicle chassis 106 via a pump plate 114 and a mounting bracket 130. As shown particularly in the detailed view of Figure 4, the pump plate 114 is integrally formed with the subframe 110 and includes mounting portions 114a and 114b that engage with the vehicle chassis 106. Each of the mounting portions 114a and 114b includes a series of mounting holes 116 that receive bolts to allow the pump plate 114 to be bolted to the vehicle chassis 106. Similar structures are included in the 130 mounting bracket as will be explained below.A 114c cover is provided to protect the 114 pump plate from damage. The 114c cover may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The subframe 110 is sized so that the pump plate 114 can be bolted to the first and second parallel vehicle chassis members 106a and 106b. It should be noted that the pump plate 114 can be easily bolted to different locations on the subframe 110 to accommodate different vehicle classes, forklift capacities, and dump angles (as will be explained in more detail later). The subframe 110 thus eliminates the need for welding to the vehicle chassis 106 and the resulting damage to it. The mounting portions 114a and 114b are reinforced members to provide support for the forklift system 100.This allows the 110 auxiliary frame to be manufactured from prefabricated sheet metal parts, which is a lighter and less expensive material than the structural steel used with welded hoist systems of the previous type, resulting in greater economy and efficiency with the present invention. With further reference to Figures 1 and 2, a connection is provided for connecting the hoist frame 102 to the subframe 110. The connection is preferably a hinge-joint type 120 for raising the raised end 102e of the hoist frame 102. The hinge-joint member 120 includes an upper leaf member 122 and a leaf member MA / ZO I -8 lower 124 that are pivotally connected to each other by means of a pin member 126. Each of the upper and lower leaf members 122, 124 includes a pair of parallel structures designed to interlock when the hoist system 100 is in a collapsed position as shown in Figure 3, when the interchangeable body 104 (not shown in this view) is fully installed and secured to the vehicle chassis 106. The upper leaf member 122 is movably connected to the hoist frame 102 by a first pivot bar 118i that spans the parallel frame members 102a, 102b and is secured to rotate between them during lifting and lowering of the hoist system 100. The lower leaf member 124 is movably connected to the subframe 110 by a second pivot bar 118ii to rotate between them during lifting and lowering of the hoist system 100. The hinged joint member 120 is raised and lowered to raise and lower the raised end 102e of the forklift frame 102 using a hydraulic pump cylinder 128. The hydraulic pump cylinder 128 is also connected to the second pivot bar 118ii, which is coupled to the subframe 110 along with the lower leaf member 124. These features are shown in particular in the folded view of Figure 3, along with the view in Figure 4. The hydraulic pump cylinder 128 fits inside the lower leaf member 124 when it is in the folded position. Specifically, the hydraulic pump cylinder 128 is attached to the subframe 110 in such a way that the forces from the hydraulic pump cylinder 128 are transferred to the mounting points 114a and 114b. A special feature of the present hoist system 100 is its modular construction, which allows for a variety of different configurations to suit a variety of different applications. As shown particularly in Figure 4, the subframe 110 includes first and second parallel subframe members 110a, 110b, each of which is formed by a plurality of self-locating modular holes. The Figure depicts three self-locating modular holes, although any suitable number may be employed without departing from the invention. The second pivot bar 118ii can be inserted and removably retained in a respective pair of opposing holes and secured with the respective brackets. Modular chevron-shaped connections HOam, llObm. The subframe members 110a, 110b are formed with suitable bolt holes to allow the connecting brackets llOam, llObm to be securely bolted to them. The plurality of self-locating modular holes allows the second pivot bar 118ii to be engaged and held in a respective plurality of selectable positions along the subframe 110. In this way, the hoist system 100 can be modularly adjusted in different locations to provide different capacities. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a similar plurality of self-locating modular holes can also be formed in the first and second parallel frame members 102a, 102b. The first pivot bar 118i can be inserted and removably retained in a respective pair of opposing holes and secured with the respective chevron-shaped modular connecting brackets 102am, 102bm. The first and second parallel frame members 102a, 102b are also formed with suitable bolt holes to allow the connecting brackets 102am, 102bm to be securely bolted to them. The plurality of self-locating modular holes allows the first pivot bar 118i to be coupled and held in a respective plurality of selectable positions along the forklift frame 102. In this way, the 100 forklift system can also be modularly adjusted in different locations to provide different capacities.By selectively positioning the first and second pivot bars 118i, 118ii, the 100 forklift system can be selectively adjusted to be closer to or further from the vehicle cab along the forklift frame 102 to accommodate different interchangeable body types with varying weights and capacities. For example, when used with a tipper body, the linkage is used for unloading, and selectively positioning the pivot bars 118i, 118ii is useful for selecting a suitable unloading angle for a given load. A higher unloading angle is understood to be more useful for unloading a viscous load such as mud, although there is a penalty in pulling capacity due to reduced leverage within the linkage. Conversely, a load of rocks slides more easily and can be positioned at a lower unloading angle, resulting in increased lifting capacity.In this way, the present invention offers a significant improvement over existing systems. ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ - 10 welded forklifts of the above type that cannot be selectively positioned since the discharge angles are fixed at the welding point. Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a mounting bracket 130 is provided for pivotal connection to the pivot end 102p of the forklift frame 102. Like the pump plate 114, the mounting bracket 130 is a bolt-on installation for permanently connecting the forklift system 100 to the vehicle chassis 106. The mounting bracket 130 includes first and second pivot pins 132a, 132b, around which the forklift frame 102 pivots during lifting and lowering of the forklift. The pivot pins 132a, 132b are installed on each respective side of the forklift frame 102 through holes formed in the respective parallel frame members 102a, 102b. As shown particularly in the detailed view of Figure 6, which shows one side of the pivot end 102p, the second pivot pin 132b is received through holes in the transverse portions 134i, 134ii of the mounting plate 130, which are located on opposite sides of the hole in the second parallel frame member 102b. The second pivot pin 132b may be of a common type and include a cotter pin to retain the pin 132b against accidental slippage, as understood in the art. It should be appreciated that a similar structure exists associated with the first pivot pin 132a through the first parallel frame member 102a and the mounting plate 130.As also shown in Figure 6, the mounting plate 130 includes a series of mounting holes 136 that receive bolts to allow the mounting plate 130 to be bolted to the vehicle chassis 106 using common-type bolts as known in the art. As shown particularly in Figure 1, a winch assembly 140 is retained at the raised end 102e of the forklift frame 102. The winch assembly 140 includes a winch motor 142 that powers a cable 144 extending along the longitudinal axis of the forklift frame 102 to the pivot end 102p and connecting to a hook 146, for lifting the interchangeable body 104 above the forklift frame 102. In the preferred embodiment, the hook 146 is a swivel hook that pivots at the end to release any twisting in the cable 144 that might result from torsion, which would reduce the service life of the cable 144. In the preferred embodiment, the winch motor 142 is a hydraulic motor, as shown in Figure 1. ML / ZO I - 11 will explain in more detail below. As shown particularly in the detailed view of Figure 5, the first and second rollers 150a and 150b are provided at the pivot end 102p of the forklift frame 102. These rollers connect to the respective ends of the first and second parallel frame members 102a and 102b, oriented outwards, away from the longitudinal axis of the forklift frame 102. In this way, the rollers 150a and 150b engage with the interchangeable body during lifting and mounting on the forklift 100, providing low-friction support during movement. As a special feature, the first and second rollers 150a and 150b are grease-free, providing even lower friction engagement to further facilitate the installation of the interchangeable vehicle body on the forklift 100.In the preferred embodiment, the greaseless rollers 150a, 150b are steel castings with phenolic bearings inside to replace the hand-made metal rollers that operated with a metal-on-metal surface requiring grease in devices of the earlier type, thus further reducing wear and breakage. As shown particularly in the detailed view of Figure 7, a V-roller 160 is provided on the mounting bracket 130. In the preferred embodiment, the V-roller 160 is a grease-free V-roller assembly for sliding support of the cable 144 of the winch assembly 140. In this way, the V-roller 160 provides support and guidance for the cable 144 when the interchangeable body 104 is lifted onto the hoist frame 102. In the preferred embodiment, the V-roller 160 is formed from a polymeric material such as Nylatron to replace the metal rollers used in devices of the earlier type, thereby further reducing wear and breakage of the cable 114 and eliminating the need for grease. As shown particularly in the detailed view of Figure 8, a winch plate 170 is attached to the raised end 102e of the hoist frame 102 and is used to support the winch assembly 140. The winch plate 170 is a formed piece of sheet metal that replaces the single tube on the front of earlier-type devices. The main advantage of the winch plate 170 compared to earlier-type devices is that it allows the winch assembly 140 to be installed on ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ - 12 two planes versus a single plane as with the single-tube design of devices of the previous type. The winch plate 170 includes two perpendicular sides, a first side 172 and a second side 174, and each side 172, 174 has a set of oblong holes 176 for connecting to two respective perpendicular sides of the winch assembly 140. In this way, the winch plate 170 supports the winch assembly 140 on two separate planes, providing greater safety for the winch assembly 140. In addition, the winch plate 170 provides extra space for adapting the swivel hook 146. In front of the winch plate 170 are front body fasteners 180 and a body immobilizer 182. As the interchangeable body 104 is raised by cable 144, it encounters a switch inside the body immobilizer 182 that stops the winch motor 142, halting the forward movement of the body 104. The body immobilizer 182 includes a coupling hook 184 to retain the body 104 in a secure position. The front body fastener 180 is similar to the body immobilizer 182, but it does not have a hook and functions as a stop to prevent forward movement. The body immobilizer 182 is assembled with a quick-release pin, allowing the body immobilizer 182 to be replaced if damaged, unlike earlier types of devices where a corresponding component was soldered in place.This allows for quick replacement in the field compared to the welded method of the previous type of devices, which would require grinding, welding, and additional painting work when the immobilizing part needs to be replaced. The detailed view in Figure 9 shows particular details of a slip strip 190. A slip strip 190 may be installed on each of the parallel frame members 102a, 102b, preferably on an outer side, facing outward away from the longitudinal axis of the forklift frame 102, to protect the parallel frame members 102a, 102b from destructive contact with the interchangeable body 104. The slip strip 190 is preferably a flat strip fixed to the frame members 102a, 102b. A plurality of slip strips 190 may be installed with screws having cross-slotted heads on the outer sides of each of the parallel frame members 102a, 102b to provide surfaces ML / t / ZUZZ / U70 IOZ - 13 additional low-friction ones. In the preferred embodiment, the 190 sliding strips are grease-free sliding strips formed from a low-friction material to support the interchangeable vehicle body during movement along the forklift. In the preferred embodiment, the 190 sliding strips are formed from Nylatron, which reduces wear and breakage of the system. In particular, the 190 sliding strips (and other Nylatron and polymeric parts described herein) reduce metal-to-metal contact between the forklift system 100 and the interchangeable bodies 104, which can expose bare metal to the elements through oxidation, potentially shortening the service life of the forklift system 100. Furthermore, the Nylatron 190 sliding strips can be replaced when worn, further extending the service life of the forklift system 100. Figures 2, 3 and the details and rear views in Figures 10, 11, and 13 show particular details of body fasteners in the form of side channels 200a, 200b. As shown, the side channel body fasteners 200a, 200b are hook-shaped structures having a generally C-shaped cross-section with upper portions 202a, 202b configured to receive and securely engage the coupling components 210 formed in an interchangeable body 104. Each of the body fasteners 200a, 200b is installed on each of the respective parallel frame members 102a, 102b, preferably on the respective outer sides, facing outwards away from the longitudinal axis of the forklift frame 102.The C-shaped cross-section with the resulting upper portions 202a, 202b are sufficiently large to accommodate a variety of coupling components 210 of different sizes associated with a variety of interchangeable vehicle bodies 104 of different sizes, and therefore allow the use of a variety of interchangeable vehicle bodies of different sizes on the hoist. As shown especially in Figure 13, the side channels 200a, 200b cooperate with the sliding pads 212 in the form of metal brackets, each of which has an upward-facing surface that includes a Nylatron pad that is attached to the first and second parallel frame members 102a, 102b. When raised, the interchangeable body 104 moves within the body fasteners 200a, 200b that hold the body 104 in place. ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ - 14 aligned and supported. The body 104 does not make contact with the body fasteners 200a, 200b but allows a clearance of approximately 1 / 8 inch, as shown in Figure 11. When a body 104 is fully loaded, it rests on the body fasteners 200a, 200b which support the body 104 in case of rollover, thus providing additional safety. As shown in the detailed views of Figure 12, the frame members 102a, 102b may include a support section 220 that provides a pipe support for pipe 222, as can also be seen in Figure 3. Pipe 222 supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic winch motor 142. It is appreciated in the art that using a hydraulic winch motor is a smaller-volume option required for certain applications because it has a much higher duty cycle. However, it should be appreciated that other types of winch motors 142, such as electric motors, may be used alternatively without departing from the invention. Numerous embodiments have been described herein. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatus may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all modifications and alterations to the extent that they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hoist system for lifting and installing an interchangeable vehicle body onto a vehicle chassis, comprising: a hoist frame for slidingly supporting the interchangeable body, wherein the hoist frame includes a pivot end and a raised end; a subframe with a bolt-on installation for fixed connection to the vehicle chassis; a connection for connecting the hoist frame to the subframe, wherein the connection comprises a hinged joint member for raising the raised end of the hoist frame; a mounting bracket for pivotally connecting to the pivot end of the hoist frame, wherein the mounting bracket has a bolt-on installation for fixed connection to the vehicle chassis;and a winch installation, retained at the raised end of the forklift frame and extending to the pivot end, for lifting the interchangeable body onto the forklift frame.

2. The forklift system of claim 1, wherein the forklift frame comprises first and second parallel frame members extending along a longitudinal axis of the forklift frame between the raised end and the pivot end, to support the interchangeable vehicle body.

3. The hoist system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second parallel frame members further comprises a body clamping support to allow interchangeable vehicle bodies of different sizes to be used on the hoist.

4. The hoist system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second parallel frame members further comprises a body support bracket that supports at least one grease-free sliding pad formed of a low-friction material to support the interchangeable vehicle body during movement along the hoist.

5. The hoist system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second parallel frame members further comprises the ML / t / ZUZZ / U / O IOZ minus a grease-free sliding strip, formed of a low-friction material, and installed along one side of the respective first and second parallel frame members, to protect against friction damage.

6. The hoist system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second parallel frame members further comprises at least one grease-free roller, installed at a pivot end of the respective first and second parallel frame members, to facilitate the installation of the interchangeable vehicle body onto the hoist.

7. The hoist system of claim 1, further comprising a hydraulic cylinder, connected to the auxiliary frame, for moving the connection to raise the raised end of the hoist frame.

8. The hoist system of claim 1, further comprising a pump plate, connected to the subframe, to support the hydraulic and electrical components that power the system.

9. The hoist system of claim 1, wherein the mounting support further comprises a grease-free V-roller installation for slidingly supporting a winch cable for lifting the interchangeable body onto the hoist frame.

10. The hoist system of claim 1, further comprising a winch plate at the raised end of the hoist frame, wherein the winch plate comprises two perpendicular sides for connecting to two respective sides of the winch installation, such that the winch plate supports the winch installation on two separate planes.

11. The hoist system of claim 1, wherein the subframe comprises first and second parallel subframe members, each formed with a plurality of self-locating modular holes for coupling and supporting the connection in a respective plurality of selectable positions along the subframe, thereby enabling the hoist system to be modularly adjusted to provide different capacities.

12. The freight elevator system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of self-locating modular holes comprises three self-locating modular holes.

13. The hoist system of claim 1, wherein the hoist frame comprises first and second parallel frame members, each formed with a plurality of self-locating modular holes for coupling and supporting the connection at a respective plurality of selectable positions along the hoist frame, thereby enabling the hoist system to be modularly adjusted to provide different capacities.

14. The hoist system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of self-locating modular holes comprises three self-locating modular holes.

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