Tracked utility vehicle with mid-frame support

Abstract

In one aspect, a power machine (200) includes an operator station (250), a lift arm (230), a utility box (212) and a frame (210). In an exemplary embodiment, the frame (210) includes a lateral support (236) positioned between the operator station (250) and the utility box (212). In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arm (230) is pivotally connected to the frame (210) proximate the lateral support (236). In another aspect, a power machine includes an operator station (250), a frame (210), a utility box (212) that is movable relative to the frame (210), and a fresh air intake (214). In an exemplary embodiment, the fresh air intake (214) is positioned between the operator station (250) and the utility box (212), and above the frame (210).

Description

TRACKED UTILITY VEHICLE WITH MID-FRAME SUPPORTBACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure is directed toward power machines. Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type of machine that generates power to accomplish a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Work vehicles include excavators, utility vehicles, loaders, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few examples.

[0002] The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, a power machine comprises an operator station, a lift arm, a utility box and a frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame comprises a lateral support positioned between the operator station and the utility box. In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arm is pivotally connected to the frame proximate the lateral support.

[0004] In another aspect, a power machine comprises an operator station, a frame, a utility box that is movable relative to the frame, and a fresh air intake. In an exemplary embodiment, the fresh air intake is positioned between the operator station and the utility box, and above the frame.

[0005] This summary and the Abstract are provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. All descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional systems of a representative power machine on which embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front left perspective view of a representative power machine in the form of a tracked utility vehicle of a type on which the disclosed embodiments can be practiced.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front right perspective view of an exemplary utility vehicle.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear left perspective view of an exemplary utility vehicle.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear right perspective view of the exemplary utility vehicle.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the exemplary utility vehicle with the fuel tank removed, to show the lift arm in a lowered position.

[0013] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 but shows the lift arm pivoted partially upward.

[0014] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 but shows the left arm substantially raised and with an inner arm telescopically extended therefrom.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a partial top perspective view with portions of the operator cab removed so that control structures for the lift arm and engine are visible.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a rear left perspective view of a frame of the utility vehicle, showing a lateral mid-frame support plate positioned approximately midway between the front and rear of the frame.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a rear left perspective view of an exemplary utility vehicle, with a utility box and fuel tank removed therefrom, so that structures under the box are visible.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of structures under the removed utility box.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a partial side perspective view showing internal box tilt mechanisms.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a left side perspective view of an exemplary utility vehicle with the operator cab removed and showing internal structures related to operation of the utility box.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a partial top perspective view of some components of FIG. 14, showing a frame of the utility box in a forward position, as also depicted in FIGS. 2-4.

[0022] FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 but shows the box translated rearward relative to the machine frame.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a rear and left perspective view of a utility vehicle with its box translated rearward relative to a frame of the machine, corresponding to the internal component positions of FIG. 16.

[0024] FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 16 but shows further extension of actuators to tilt the box frame.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a rear left perspective view of the exemplary utility vehicle with the box in a tilted configuration, corresponding with internal structures as illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0026] While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure.

[0027] The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments, and the terminology is not intended to be limiting. Unless indicated otherwise, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are used to distinguish or identify different elements or steps in a group of elements or steps and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation on the elements or steps of the embodiments thereof. For example, "first," "second," and "third" elements or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the embodiments thereof need not necessarily be limited to three elements or steps. Unless indicated otherwise, any labels such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "forward," "reverse," "clockwise," "counter clockwise," "up," "down," or other similar terms such as "upper," "lower," "aft," "fore," "vertical," "horizontal," "proximal," "distal," "intermediate" and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used toreflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. The singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as “including,” “comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

[0030] A representative power machine on which the embodiments can be practiced is illustrated in diagram form in FIG. 1 and one example of such a power machine is illustrated in FIGS. 2-19. For the sake of brevity, only one power machine is discussed. However, the disclosed teachings can be practiced on any of a number of power machines, including power machines of different types from the representative, illustrated power machine. Power machines, for the purposes of this discussion, include a frame, at least one work element, and a power source that can provide power to the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a class of power machines that include a frame, work element, and a power source that can provide power to the work element. At least one of the work elements is a motive system for moving the power machine under power.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrates the basic systems of a power machine 100 upon which the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously incorporated and can be any of several distinct types of power machines. The block diagram of FIG. 1 identifies various systems on power machine 100 and the relationship between various components and systems. As mentioned above, at the most basic level, power machines for the purposes of this discussion include a frame, a power source, and a work element. The power machine 100 has a frame 110, a power source 120, and a work element 130. Because power machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a self-propelled work vehicle, it also has tractive elements 140, which are themselves work elements provided to move the power machine over a support surface and an operator station150 that provides an operating position for controlling the work elements of the power machine. A control system 160 is provided to interact with the other systems to perform various work tasks at least in part in response to control signals provided by an operator.

[0032] Certain work vehicles have work elements that can perform a dedicated task. For example, some work vehicles have a lift arm to which an implement 180 such as a bucket is attached such as by a pinning arrangement. The work element, i.e., the lift arm can be manipulated to position the implement 180 for performing the task. The implement 180, in some instances can be positioned relative to the work element, such as by rotating a bucket relative to a lift arm, to further position the implement. Under normal operation of such a work vehicle, the bucket is intended to be attached and under use. Such work vehicles may be able to accept other implements by disassembling the implement / work element combination and reassembling another implement in place of the original bucket. Other work vehicles, however, are intended to be used with a wide variety of implements and have an implement interface such as implement interface 170 shown in FIG. 1. At its most basic, implement interface 170 is a connection mechanism between the frame 110 or a work element 130 and an implement 180, which can be as simple as a connection point for attaching an implement directly to the frame 110 or a work element 130 or more complex, as discussed below.

[0033] On some power machines, implement interface 170 can include an implement carrier, which is a physical structure movably attached to a work element. The implement carrier has engagement features and locking features to accept and secure any of several implements to the work element. One characteristic of such an implement carrier is that once an implement is attached to it, it is fixed to the implement (i.e., not movable with respect to the implement) and when the implement carrier is moved with respect to the work element, the implement moves with the implement carrier. The term “implement carrier” is not merely a pivotal connection point, but rather a dedicated device specifically intended to accept and be secured to various different implements. The implement carrier itself is mountable to a work element 130 such as a lift arm or the frame 110. Implement interface 170 can also include one or more power sources for providing power to one or more work elements on an implement. Some power machines can have a plurality of work element with implement interfaces, each of which may, but need not, have an implement carrier for receiving implements. Some other power machines can have a work element with aplurality of implement interfaces so that a single work element can accept a plurality of implements simultaneously. Each of these implement interfaces can, but need not, have an implement carrier.

[0034] Frame 110 includes a physical structure that can support various other components that are attached thereto or positioned thereon. The frame 110 can include any number of individual components. Some power machines have frames that are rigid. That is, no part of the frame is movable with respect to another part of the frame. Other power machines have at least one portion that can move with respect to another portion of the frame. For example, excavators can have an upper frame portion that rotates about a swivel with respect to a lower frame portion. Other work vehicles have articulated frames such that one portion of the frame pivots with respect to another portion for accomplishing steering functions.

[0035] Frame 110 supports the power source 120, which can provide power to one or more work elements 130 including the one or more tractive elements 140, as well as, in some instances, providing power for use by an attached implement via implement interface 170. Power from the power source 120 can be provided directly to any of the work elements 130, tractive elements 140, and implement interfaces 170. Alternatively, power from the power source 120 can be provided to a control system 160, which in turn selectively provides power to the elements that are capable of using it to perform a work function. Power sources for power machines frequently include an engine such as an internal combustion engine and a power conversion system such as a mechanical transmission or a hydraulic system that can convert the output from an engine into a form of power that is usable by a work element. Other types of power sources can be incorporated into power machines, including electrical sources or a combination of power sources, known generally as hybrid power sources.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a single work element designated as work element 130, but various power machines can have any number of work elements. Work elements are typically attached to the frame of the power machine and movable with respect to the frame when performing a work task. In addition, tractive elements 140 are a special case of work element in that their work function is generally to move the power machine 100 over a support surface. Tractive elements 140 are shown separate from the work element 130 because many power machines have additional work elements besides tractive elements, although that is not always the case. Power machines can have any number of tractive elements, some or all of which can receive power from the power source 120to propel the power machine 100. Tractive elements can be, for example, wheels attached to an axle, track assemblies, and the like. Tractive elements can be rigidly mounted to the frame such that movement of the tractive element is limited to rotation about an axle or steerably mounted to the frame to accomplish steering by pivoting the tractive element with respect to the frame.

[0037] Power machine 100 includes an operator station 150, which provides a position from which an operator can control operation of the power machine. In some power machines, the operator station 150 is defined by an enclosed or partially enclosed cab. Some power machines on which the disclosed embodiments may be practiced may not have a cab or an operator compartment of the type described above. For example, a walk behind utility vehicle may not have a cab or an operator compartment, but rather an operating position that serves as an operator station from which the power machine is properly operated. More broadly, power machines other than work vehicles may have operator stations that are not necessarily similar to the operating positions and operator compartments referenced above. Further, some power machines such as power machine 100 and others, whether they have operator compartments or operator positions, may be capable of being operated remotely (i.e., from a remotely located operator station) instead of or in addition to an operator station adjacent or on the power machine. This can include applications where at least some of the operator-controlled functions of the power machine can be operated from an operating position associated with an implement that is coupled to the power machine. Alternatively, with some power machines, a remote-control device can be provided (i.e., remote from both of the power machine and any implement to which is it coupled) that can control at least some of the operator-controlled functions on the power machine.

[0038] FIGS. 2-19 illustrate a utility vehicle 200, which is one particular example of a power machine of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously employed. The illustrated utility vehicle 200 is a tracked utility vehicle, though in some embodiments, the tractive elements 140 can be wheels. The utility vehicle 200 should not be considered limiting, especially as to features that the utility vehicle 200 may have described herein that are not essential to the disclosed embodiments. Such features may or may not be included in power machines other than the utility vehicle 200 upon which the embodiments disclosed below may be advantageously practiced. Unless specifically noted otherwise, embodiments disclosedbelow can be practiced on a variety of power machines, with the utility vehicle 200 being only one of those power machines.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, utility vehicle 200 includes frame 210. The frame 210 supports a power system, the power system being configured to generate or otherwise provide power for operating various functions on the power machine. The frame 210 also supports a work element in the form of a lift arm 230 that is selectively powered by the power system in response to signals from an operator control system and can perform various work tasks. The lift arm 230 in turn supports an implement carrier 272, which is configured to receive and secure various implements to the utility vehicle 200 for performing various work tasks. The utility vehicle 200 can be operated from an operator station 250 from which an operator can manipulate various control devices to cause the power machine to perform various functions, discussed in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 210 also supports a traction system 240, which is also selectively powered by the power system in response to signals from the operator control system. The traction system 240 is configured to propel the power machine over a support surface.

[0040] Various power machines that can include and / or interact with the structures and / or functions of embodiments discussed below can have various frame components that support various work elements. The elements of frame 210 discussed herein are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily the only type of frame that a power machine on which the embodiments discussed below can be practiced can be employed, unless otherwise specifically indicated. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, for example, lift arm 230 is connected to frame 210 at joint 216. Lift arm 230 is capable of pivoting about axis 218 of joint 216 (labeled in FIG. 10), relative to the frame 210. Other power machines can have a plurality of work elements, including a plurality of lift arms, each of which is mounted to the machine in its own configuration. The frame 210 also supports a pair of track assemblies 242 on either side of the utility vehicle 200.

[0041] The illustrated lift arm 230 is one example of a lift arm that can be attached to a power machine such as the utility vehicle 200. In an exemplary embodiment, lift arm 230 has a mid-mount attachment to frame 210, in that its attachment joint 216 is positioned proximate a longitudinal middle portion of frame 210 rather than at the front of the vehicle 200 or at the rear of the vehicle 200. By positioning a mounting joint 216 of the lift arm 230 proximate a longitudinalmidpoint of the frame 210, a center of gravity of the working machine 200 is near a longitudinal midpoint, intermediate the front end and back end of the vehicle. This feature, combined with the track assemblies 242, allows the power machine 200 to traverse soft ground surfaces such as snow covered or boggy grounds while reducing the incidence of becoming stuck. Placing a joint 216 of a lift arm 230 proximate a longitudinal midpoint also allows the utility vehicle 200 to lift and maneuver extreme loads at the implement 180 with a reduced chance of tipping the machine 200.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, mid-frame lateral plate 236 offers a mounting and support location for control and hydraulic valves, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Positioning more weight of the machine 200 centrally between the front and back of the machine also reduces the formation of ruts in the ground surface from motion of the track assemblies 242, as the weight of the machine 200 is more evenly distributed across the entire surface of each endless track 244 that contacts the ground. Moreover, the better balance of weight in machine 200 compared with one in which more weight is positioned rearward allows the disclosed machine 200 to travel at a faster speed, such as about 15-16 miles per hour (mph), compared to about 10 mph in a conventional utility vehicle.

[0043] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, because the attachment joint 216 of the lift arm 230 is positioned at a distance from either the front or back of the utility vehicle 200, a significant length of the lift arm 230 can be carried by a quite compact utility vehicle 200. Because the pivot joint 216 is also raised from a ground surface, a range of motion of the implement 180 at an end of the lift arm is quite high, as shown in a comparison of the lowered lift arm of FIG. 6 and the raised lift arm of FIG. 8. This range of motion is additionally increased by the telescoping feature of inner arm 232 moving in and out of the sleeve 234 of the lift arm 230.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the lift arm 230 is moveable (i.e., the lift arm can be raised and lowered) at joint 216 with respect to the frame 210. That movement (i.e., the raising and lowering of the lift arm 230) is described by a radial travel path, shown generally by arrow 233 in FIG. 8. Actuators, which on utility vehicle 200 can be hydraulic cylinders configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid from the power system, are configured to pivot the lift arm 230 about axis 218 (labeled in FIG. 10) and telescopically extend and retract inner arm 232 relative to sleeve 234 of the lift arm 230. The actuators (not shown) for pivoting the lift arm 230 and for extending and contracting the inner arm 232 can instead be electric or other types of actuators in some exemplary embodiments.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, operator cab 250 is laterally offset on frame 210, with the lift arm 230 being mounted on one side of the operator cab. This positioning offers the operator high visibility of not only the implement end of the lift arm 230, but also of its entire range of motion. Moreover, these advantages are provided in a compact vehicle 200 having a narrow width dimension (such as about 68 inches, for example). In an exemplary embodiment, fuel tank 202 is positioned over one track assembly 242 and on a side of the lift arm 230 opposite the operator cab 250.

[0046] Also supported by the frame 210 is a utility box 212 at the rear of the machine 200 for carrying loads. In some embodiments, the box 212 is moveable with respect to the frame 210 to allow material to be dumped from the box 212. This provides advantageous and unique functionality to a utility vehicle 200, allowing the utility vehicle to perform functions of a loader, while also providing the benefits of a utility vehicle. For instance, while being capable of performing work functions similar to that performed by a loader using lift arm 230, utility vehicle 200 can haul materials, tools, or other items in box 212. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, operator control system 160 can also be used to dump material from box 212.

[0047] An example of an implement interface 270 includes an implement carrier 272 that is configured to accept and secure a variety of different implements 180 to the lift arm 230. Such implements have a machine interface that is configured to be engaged with the implement carrier 272. In an exemplary embodiment, the implement carrier 272 is pivotally mounted to the inner arm 232. Other examples of power machines of the type that can advantageously employ the disclosed embodiments discussed herein may not have an implement carrier 272, but instead may allow only for implements to be directly attached to its lift arm such as by pinning.

[0048] An implement interface 270 may also include an implement power source for connection to an implement 180 on the lift arm 230. The implement power source can include pressurized hydraulic fluid ports to which an implement can be coupled. The pressurized hydraulic fluid ports selectively provide pressurized hydraulic fluid for powering one or more functions or actuators on an implement. The implement power source can, but need not, also or alternatively include an electrical power source for powering electrical actuators and / or an electronic controller on an implement. An electrical power source can also include electrical conduits that are incommunication with a data bus on the utility vehicle 200 to allow communication between a controller on an implement and electronic devices on the utility vehicle 200.

[0049] The frame 210 supports a pair of attached tractive elements, such as left and right track assemblies 242. As labeled in FIG. 2, each of the track assemblies 242 has a track frame 243 that is coupled to the frame 210. The track frame 243 supports and is surrounded by an endless track 244, which rotates under power to propel the utility vehicle 200 over a support surface. Various elements are coupled to or otherwise supported by the track frame 243 for engaging and supporting the endless track 244 and causing it to rotate about the track frame 243. For example, a sprocket 247 is supported by the track frame 243 and engages the endless track 244 to cause the endless track to rotate about the track frame. One or more idlers 249 are held against the track 244 by a tensioner to maintain proper tension on the track 244. The track frame 243 also supports a plurality of rollers 248, which engage the track 244 and, through the track, the support surface on which the weight of the utility vehicle 200 is distributed.

[0050] An operator station 250 in the form of an enclosed cab is positioned toward a front of the frame 210 and offset to one side of the frame 210. While an operator is seated in cab 250, the operator has access to a plurality of operator control inputs that, when manipulated by the operator, can provide control signals to control work functions of the power machine 200, including, for example, the traction system 240, the lift arm 230, and the utility box 212. Operator control inputs can include joysticks, switches, buttons, knobs, levers, variable sliders, roller-ball inputs and other multi -axis input devices, for example.

[0051] Display devices are provided in the operator station to give indications of information relatable to the operation of the power machines in a form that can be sensed by an operator, such as, for example audible and / or visual indications. Audible indications can be made in the form of buzzers, bells, and the like or via verbal communication. Visual indications can be made in the form of graphs, lights, icons, gauges, alphanumeric characters, and the like. Displays can be designed to provide dedicated indications, such as warning lights or gauges, or dynamic to provide programmable information, including programmable display devices such as monitors of various sizes and capabilities. Display devices can provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, instructional information, and various other types of information that assist anoperator with operation of the power machine or an implement coupled to the power machine. Other information that may be useful for an operator can also be provided.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a partial top perspective view of an exemplary utility vehicle 200 with portions of the cab removed so that a portion of the engine compartment 204 is visible. FIGS. 10-12 show that the engine compartment 204 extends beneath a removed box 212. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, tilting box 212 about axle 206 allows access to the engine compartment 204.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in an exemplary embodiment, lift arm 230 is attached at pivot joint 216 to a pair of side plates 228 of frame 210. The side plate 228 are in turn attached to lateral plate 236 of frame 210, thereby forming a rigid structure at approximately a longitudinal midpoint of machine 200 for the connection and operation of lift arm 230. In an exemplary embodiment, lateral plate 236 extends across a width of the frame 210 behind cab 250 and in front of box 212.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in an exemplary embodiment of utility vehicle 200, condenser 208 for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for the utility vehicle 200 is positioned behind the operator cab 250, over the engine compartment 204, and in front of the box 212. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 19, an air intake for both the engine compartment 204 and condenser 208 is provided at louvers 214 at a top of frame 210 between the operator cab 250 and the box 212. This raised air intake mounting position allows for the inflow of clean air, removed from dirt, debris and other contaminants that are common near the ground surface. Air flowing through louvers 214 from an outside environment and through condenser 208 exhausts out of vent 220 of side panel 222. For cooling the engine compartment 204, air enters through louvers 214 and is drawn through the engine compartment 204 and across a contained radiator, charged air cooler and oil cooler to exhaust from a rear grate 226 on a lower portion of frame 210. This air flow also serves to cool the hydraulic working oils in control valves and cylinders that are also positioned in the engine compartment 204, and most effectively those that are attached to the lateral plate 236.

[0055] Condenser 208 is advantageously positioned behind the cab 250 and outside of the engine compartment 204 to provide a mounting location that is close to the cab 250 for increased efficiency, as well as isolated from heat generated in the engine compartment 204. In addition,mounting the condenser 208 behind the cab and above engine compartment 204 eases space requirements inside the engine compartment 204.

[0056] FIGS. 13-16 and 18 show some internal components of machine 200, without frame 210, so that structures related especially to the operation of box 212 are visible. As shown in FIG.13, in an exemplary embodiment, two slide brackets 238 are provided on a rear of frame 210, to which axle 206 of box frame 246 is slidably coupled. In an exemplary embodiment, each slide bracket 238 has a longitudinal slot 260 in which the axle 206 can slide forward and backward. In an exemplary embodiment, each slide bracket 238 has a gate 262 that is selectively able to be opened and closed to allow for the insertion of axle 206 into slots 260. In an exemplary embodiment, box actuators 264 are pivotally connected to lateral plate 236 at joints 266 (see FIGS.14, 16 and 18). In FIG. 13, rear ends of the box actuators 264 are shown as disconnected from box frame 246 so that structures of the slide bracket 238 are more clearly visible. However, FIG. 18 shows attachment of the other ends of box actuators 264 to box frame 246 at pivots 268. As shown in FIG. 13, each slot 260 of side bracket 238 has a forward end 274 and a rearward end 276. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when box actuators 264, such as hydraulic cylinders or electric actuators, are retracted, axle 206 is positioned at the forward end 274 of each slot 260, and box 212 is in a flat, forward position. This position of box 212 is also illustrated in drawing FIGS. 2- 8. An exemplary box 212 includes interior and exterior panels and a bed surrounding the box frame 246.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, partial extension of the box actuators 264 slides the axle 206 of box frame 246 to the rearward end 276 of slots 260. In an exemplary embodiment, a length of each slot 260 is about 3 inches to about 4 inches and accordingly, a movement rearward of the box frame 246 in FIG. 16 and of the corresponding box 212 in FIG. 17 is about 3 to 4 inches from the forward positions previously discussed. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, once the box frame axle 206 is at the rearward end 276 of slot 260, continued extension of box actuators 264 causes the box frame 246 to tilt upward and backward about axle 206, as shown in FIG. 18. A corresponding position of machine 200 is shown in FIG. 19. By having this structure in which the box 212 moves rearward before tilting, it is possible to dump a load of material farther rearward from a location of machine 200 on a ground surface, thereby increasing an operator’s ability to dump material directly into a trench or other excavated area, while positioning the machine 200 at a safe distancefrom an edge of the excavated pit. Moreover, the horizontal motion of box 212 backward before tilting allows the machine 200 to have a compact length and a clean, uninterrupted side panel contour, as shown in FIG. 4, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, side panels 278 can open to reveal compartments for the storage of tools.

[0058] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a power machine are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a power machine 200 comprises an operator station 250, a lift arm 230, a utility box 212 and a frame 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 210 comprises a lateral support 236 positioned between the operator station 250 and the utility box 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arm 230 is pivotally connected to the frame 210 proximate the lateral support 236.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the operator station 250 is positioned on the frame 210 to one side of the lift arm 230, as shown in FIG. 3. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, a first track assembly 242 is positioned under the operator station 250 and under the utility box 212. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, a second track assembly 242 is positioned under a fuel tank 202 and under the utility box 212.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 13, the power machine 200 comprises a slide bracket 238 by which the utility box 212 is attached to the frame 210, the slide bracket 238 comprising a slot 260 having a first end 274 and an opposed second end 276, wherein a portion 206 of the utility box is configured to move from the first end 274 to the second end 276, thereby moving the utility box 212 farther from the operator station 250 while maintaining a level orientation of the utility box 212 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). In an exemplary embodiment, an actuator 264 is connected between the frame 210 and the utility box, wherein partial extension of the actuator 264 is configured to move the portion 206 of the utility box from the first end 274 to the second end 276. In an exemplary embodiment, further extension of the actuator 264 is configured to tilt the utility box 212 about the portion 206 of the utility box, thereby departing from the level orientation of the utility box (see FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, a fresh air intake 214 is positioned between the operator station 250 and the utility box 212, and above the frame 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the fresh air intake 214 is fluidly connected to an engine compartment 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the engine compartment 204 is located below the utility box 212. In an exemplaryembodiment, a condenser 208 is positioned between the operator station 250 and the utility box 212, and below the fresh air intake 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the condenser 208 is located outside an engine compartment 204. In an exemplary embodiment, an air flow path through the fresh air intake 214 and through the condenser 208 exhausts from a side panel 222.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arm 230 comprises an inner arm 232 that is configured to extend from an outer sleeve 234. In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arm 230 is pivotally connected to the frame 210 at a pivot joint 216, and the pivot joint 216 extends between two side plates 228 attached to the lateral support 236.

[0063] In another exemplary embodiment, a power machine 200 comprises an operator station 250, a frame 210, a utility box 212 that is movable relative to the frame 210, and a fresh air intake 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the fresh air intake 214 is positioned between the operator station 250 and the utility box 212, and above the frame 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the operator station 250 is positioned on one side of the frame 210. In an exemplary embodiment, a lift arm 230 is positioned to one side of the operator station 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the lift arm 230 is connected to the frame 210 proximate a longitudinal midpoint of the machine 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the fresh air intake 214 is in fluid communication with an engine compartment 204 of the frame 210 that is located beneath the utility box 212.

[0064] Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A power machine comprising: an operator station; a lift arm; a utility box; and a frame comprising a lateral support positioned between the operator station and the utility box; wherein the lift arm is pivotally connected to the frame proximate the lateral support.

2. The power machine of claim 1, wherein the operator station is positioned on the frame to one side of the lift arm.

3. The power machine of claim 1 comprising a first track assembly positioned under the operator station and under the utility box.

4. The power machine of claim 3 comprising a second track assembly positioned under a fuel tank and under the utility box.

5. The power machine of claim 1 comprising a slide bracket by which the utility box is attached to the frame, the slide bracket comprising a slot having a first end and an opposed second end, wherein a portion of the utility box is configured to move from the first end to the second end, thereby moving the utility box farther from the operator station while maintaining a level orientation of the utility box.

6. The power machine of claim 5 comprising an actuator connected between the frame and the utility box, wherein partial extension of the actuator is configured to move the portion of the utility box from the first end to the second end.

7. The power machine of claim 6, wherein further extension of the actuator is configured to tilt the utility box about the portion of the utility box, thereby departing from the level orientation of the utility box.

8. The power machine of claim 1 comprising a fresh air intake positioned: between the operator station and the utility box; and above the frame.

9. The power machine of claim 8, wherein the fresh air intake is fluidly connected to an engine compartment.

10. The power machine of claim 9, wherein an air flow path is directed in the fresh air intake, through the engine compartment and out a rear of the frame.

11. The power machine of claim 8, comprising a condenser positioned: between the operator station and the utility box; and below the fresh air intake.

12. The power machine of claim 11, wherein the condenser is located outside an engine compartment.

13. The power machine of claim 11, wherein an air flow path through the fresh air intake and through the condenser exhausts from a side panel.

14. The power machine of claim 1, wherein the lift arm comprises an inner arm that is configured to extend from an outer sleeve.

15. The power machine of claim 1, wherein the lift arm is pivotally connected to the frame at a pivot joint, and wherein the pivot joint extends between two side plates attached to the lateral support.

16. A power machine compri sing : an operator station; a frame; a utility box that is movable relative to the frame; and a fresh air intake positioned: between the operator station and the utility box; and above the frame.

17. The power machine of claim 16, wherein the operator station is positioned on one side of the frame.

18. The power machine of claim 17, comprising a lift arm positioned to one side of the operator station.

19. The power machine of claim 18, wherein the lift arm is connected to the frame proximate a longitudinal midpoint of the power machine.

20. The power machine of claim 16, wherein the fresh air intake is in fluid communication with an engine compartment of the frame that is located beneath the utility box.

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