E02F3/765

WORK MACHINE AND MOTOR GRADER

A work implement lever is supported by a left console for operating a work implement. A steering control lever is supported by a left console behind the work implement lever for operating a steering mechanism. The steering control lever includes an upper surface and a stick located below the upper surface. The upper surface is pivotable with a center of pivot of the stick being the center, and the upper surface has an arc shape as viewed from a direction in which the center of pivot extends.

Apparatuses and methods for measuring saddle linkage position of a motor grader

Graders and methods of operation thereof. A grader includes a chassis, a saddle linkage, and a motion measurement system. The saddle linkage is supported for movement relative to the chassis and includes a mount movably coupled to the chassis, first and second arms each movably coupled to the mount, and a crossbar movably coupled to each of the first and second arms. The mount has a lock pin aperture, each of the first and second arms has a locking hole, and the crossbar has a plurality of locking holes. The lock pin aperture may be aligned with one locking hole of the first arm, the second arm, or the crossbar to position the saddle linkage in use of the grader. The motion measurement system is coupled to the saddle linkage and configured to measure movement or position of one or more components of the grader in use thereof.

TORQUE DIVIDING ARRANGEMENT FOR A CIRCLE DRIVE
20210140514 · 2021-05-13 ·

A circle drive for rotating a blade on a draft frame of a motor grader includes a circle gear mounting the blade, a worm wheel, a torque dividing arrangement, and a single input provided on a first shaft. The torque dividing arrangement includes a set of shafts positioned about the worm wheel, a torque dividing gear set, and a set of worm gears meshed with the worm wheel. The worm wheel is operatively coupled to drive the circle gear. The set of worm gears includes a first worm gear on a first shaft and a second worm gear on a second shaft. The single input is configured to provide a driving torque that drives the set of worm gears such that the set of worm gears divides the driving torque. The driving torque is capable of driving the worm wheel for driving the circle gear and rotating the blade.

Method of controlling motor grader and motor grader
10961685 · 2021-03-30 · ·

A motor grader includes a blade between a front wheel and a rear wheel, the blade being attached to a swing circle which adjusts a blade angle. A control method performed in the motor grader includes obtaining current topography in front of the motor grader and adjusting the blade angle to an angle in accordance with the current topography by revolving the swing circle.

MOUNTING ASSEMBLY
20210087781 · 2021-03-25 · ·

A wear element for a mounting system for a blade of a motor grader is provided. The wear element extends along a longitudinal axis. The wear element includes a first portion having a first cross-sectional area transverse to the longitudinal axis. The wear element further includes a second portion opposite of the first portion, the second portion having a second cross-sectional area having a V-shape that extends away from the first portion.

MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A GRADING MACHINE
20210047807 · 2021-02-18 · ·

A system for a grading machine includes a lift cylinder sensor to measure a position or movement of a lift cylinder, which is coupled to a drawbar. The drawbar is coupled to a circle. The circle is coupled a blade carrier assembly, and the blade carrier assembly is coupled to a blade. The system also includes a drawbar sensor to measure a position or movement of the drawbar, a circle sensor to measure a position or movement of the circle, a blade carrier assembly sensor to measure a position or movement of the blade carrier assembly, and a blade sensor to measure a position or movement of the blade. A controller receives information from the lift cylinder sensor and one or more of the aforementioned sensors and determines whether one or more wear components is in need of inspection, repair, or replacement.

VARIABLE FLOAT AND VARIABLE BLADE IMPACT
20210062463 · 2021-03-04 ·

A method and control system operable to control movement of a work implement of a work vehicle. The control system includes a reservoir that retains fluid, a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an actuator in fluid communication with the pump. The actuator has a first side and a second side. A control valve is fluidly positioned between the pump and the actuator, a first proportional relief valve is fluidly positioned between the pump and the first side of the actuator, and a second proportional relief valve is fluidly positioned between the pump and the second side of the actuator. The first proportional relief valve is configured to permit flow of fluid from the first side of the actuator to the reservoir when a pressure at the first side of the actuator exceeds a pressure set point.

Motor grader

A motor grader including a main frame, an operational frame movable relative to the main frame in three directions, and a linkage system coupling the operational frame to the main frame. The linkage system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders each movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust the length thereof. The plurality of cylinders is operationally connected such that movement of one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders causes movement of at least another cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. A processor is configured to receive a signal related to the length of at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders, and estimate, based in part on the signal, a position of the operational frame relative to the main frame in the three directions.

Agricultural machine having a processor configured to track a position of a draft frame

A motor grader including a main frame, an operational frame movable relative to the main frame about a primary joint, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders configured to adjust a position of the operational frame relative to the main frame, where each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust the length thereof. The motor grader further includes a processor configured to receive a signal indicating a desired cross slope of the operational frame, receive a signal identifying one of the plurality of cylinders as a lead cylinder, determine a desired position of the operational frame that achieves the desired cross slope of the operational frame, estimate a current position of the operational frame by monitoring a length of the lead cylinder, and adjust the position of the operational frame by controlling a follower cylinder of the plurality of cylinders to create the desired cross slope.

Mounting assembly
10889960 · 2021-01-12 · ·

A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader includes a mounting bracket having a mounting channel. The mounting assembly includes an adjustment block disposed in the mounting channel. The adjustment block includes a mounting groove and at least one slot disposed spaced apart with respect to the mounting groove. The mounting assembly also includes at least one retention plate disposed on the mounting bracket. The at least one retention plate is adapted to engage with the at least one slot provided on the adjustment block. The at least one retention plate is adapted to limit movement of the adjustment block along a longitudinal axis of the adjustment block. The mounting assembly further includes a wear element disposed in the mounting groove provided in the adjustment block. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon.