Method of lifting a boom assembly

• US 20070104566A1
• Filed: 12/21/2006
• Published: 05/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Sarl (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Sarl (Caterpillar Incorporated)
• Inventors: Parker, Jeffrey, Layko, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,578,651 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/815
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/342 Buckets emptying overhead E02F3/348 - E02F3/358 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 414/13 Handlers utilizing parallel links

Abstract

A method of lifting a boom assembly for a machine along a lift path is provided. The machine has a work implement coupled to the boom assembly. The method includes initially moving the work implement vertically from a lowered position to a first intermediate position forward of the lowered position. The method also includes subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the first intermediate position along a slightly rearwardly inclined direction to a second intermediate position rearward of the first intermediate position. The method also includes subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the second intermediate position along a slightly forwardly inclined direction to a third intermediate position forward of the second intermediate position. The method also includes finally moving the work implement vertically from the third intermediate position along a slightly rearward inclined direction to a final position rearward of the first, second, and third intermediate positions.

Claims

1. A method of lifting a boom assembly for a machine along a lift path, the machine having a work implement coupled to the boom assembly, comprising the steps of:

initially moving the work implement vertically from a lowered position to a first intermediate position that is forward of the lowered position;

subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the first intermediate position along a slightly rearwardly inclined direction to a second intermediate position that is rearward of the first intermediate position;

subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the second intermediate position along a slightly forwardly inclined direction to a third intermediate position that is forward of the second intermediate position; and

finally moving the work implement vertically from the third intermediate position along a slightly rearward inclined direction to a final position that is rearward of the first, second, and third intermediate positions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine is a skid steer loader.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the lift path has a W-shaped configuration.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first intermediate position is the maximum forward position.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the third intermediate position is rearward of the first intermediate position.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the lowered position is in close proximity to the ground.

7. The method of claim 1, including the step of:

lowering the work implement from the final position to a resting position in close proximity to the ground.

8. A method of lifting a boom assembly for a skid steer loader along a lift path, the skid steer loader having a work implement coupled to the boom assembly, comprising the steps of:

initially moving the work implement vertically from a lowered position to a first intermediate position that is forward of the lowered position;

subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the first intermediate position along a slightly rearwardly inclined direction to a second intermediate position that is rearward of the first intermediate position;

subsequently moving the work implement vertically from the second intermediate position along a slightly forwardly inclined direction to a third intermediate position that is forward of the second intermediate position and rearward of the first intermediate position; and

finally moving the work implement vertically from the third intermediate position along a slightly rearward inclined direction to a final position that is rearward of the first, second, and third intermediate positions.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the lift path has a W-shaped configuration.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the lowered position is in close proximity to the ground.

11. The method of claim 8, including the step of:

lowering the work implement from the final position to a resting position in close proximity to the ground.