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.

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.

A reconfigurable box blade includes a box frame that includes a left sidewall, a right sidewall, and a scraping blade that spans laterally between the left sidewall and the right sidewall. The reconfigurable box blade also includes a means for attaching the box frame to a vehicle. The reconfigurable box blade has a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration includes the scraping blade being in contact with a ground surface, and, a longest dimension of the box blade oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The second configuration includes the scraping blade being out of contact with the ground surface and the longest dimension of the box frame being substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader includes a mounting bracket having a groove, at least one first bore, and a second bore. The mounting assembly includes a wear element disposed in the groove. The wear element includes at least one recess. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon. The mounting assembly also includes a retention pin disposed in the at least one first bore. The retention pin includes an aperture provided therein. The retention pin is adapted to engage the at least one recess provided on the wear element to limit longitudinal movement of the wear element within the groove. The mounting assembly further includes a lynch pin disposed in each of the second bore and the aperture to limit axial movement of the retention pin within the at least one first bore.

A levelling apparatus, that is typically as used on tractors, excavators and skid-steer vehicles, and references the levelling assembly and mounting options including directly to the existing blade of vehicles as well as other mounting arrangements. Preferred embodiments of a levelling apparatus include a blade body portion and body mounting portion connected by an arrangement of fixed and adjustable linkages, preferably hydraulic, to allow movement of the blade body portion, relative to the body mounting portion, in substantially an up and down direction, as well as rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the general plane of an attached blade.

Disclosed is a ground modifying apparatus of a type sometimes known as levellers, typically as used on tractors and skid-steer vehicles. In current practice these are used for preparing, levelling, and contouring the ground. Such device includes at least an accessory body portion supporting a ground modifying accessory or includes a way to attach the same. The apparatus includes a travelling carriage assembly pivotably attached by a carriage pivot, about a rotational axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The carriage pivot is positioned lower than the center of gravity of the travelling carriage assembly.

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.

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.

A box blade earth grading implement incorporating a blade; a left wall having upper and lower segments, the lower segment having a lower end, and the upper segment being attached to the left end of the blade; a right wall having upper and lower segments, the lower segment having a lower end, and the upper segment being attached to the right end of the blade; left and right skid plates attached to the lower ends of the lower wall segments; left and right hydraulic cylinders having left and right upper mounts attaching to the walls' upper segments; left and right pivot mounts attaching the lower ends of the left and right hydraulic cylinders to the left and right skid plates; and a towing tongue extending forwardly from the blade.

A mounting assembly for a blade of a motor grader is provided. The mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket having a groove, at least one first bore, and a second bore. The mounting assembly includes a wear element disposed in the groove. The wear element includes at least one recess. The wear element is adapted to slidably receive a portion of the blade thereon. The mounting assembly also includes a retention pin disposed in the at least one first bore. The retention pin includes an aperture provided therein. The retention pin is adapted to engage the at least one recess provided on the wear element to limit longitudinal movement of the wear element within the groove. The mounting assembly further includes a lynch pin disposed in each of the second bore and the aperture to limit axial movement of the retention pin within the at least one first bore.