A machine includes a chassis and an object detection sensor alignment monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a first sensor module coupled to an object detection sensor. The first sensor module measures values of object detection sensor pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system also includes a second sensor module coupled to the chassis. The second sensor module measures values of chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system further includes a control unit. The control unit compares the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The control unit determines whether the measured values are within a predefined tolerance. Further, the control unit generates an alert if the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw are beyond the predefined tolerance.

A machine includes a chassis and an object detection sensor alignment monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a first sensor module coupled to an object detection sensor. The first sensor module measures values of object detection sensor pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system also includes a second sensor module coupled to the chassis. The second sensor module measures values of chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system further includes a control unit. The control unit compares the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The control unit determines whether the measured values are within a predefined tolerance. Further, the control unit generates an alert if the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw are beyond the predefined tolerance.

A machine includes a chassis and an object detection sensor alignment monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a first sensor module coupled to an object detection sensor. The first sensor module measures values of object detection sensor pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system also includes a second sensor module coupled to the chassis. The second sensor module measures values of chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system further includes a control unit. The control unit compares the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The control unit determines whether the measured values are within a predefined tolerance. Further, the control unit generates an alert if the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw are beyond the predefined tolerance.

A tailgate assembly is provided for a vehicle having a cargo area disposed between first and second bedsides. A tailgate having at least one step is pivotally supported on the first and second besides. A tailgate latch assembly releasably retains the tailgate in a stowed position. First and second swing links are pivotally connected to first and second close faces of the tailgate. First and second swing link latch assemblies releasably retain the first and second swing links in a stored position. First and second support cables are connected to the first and second swing links to limit rotation of the tailgate between the stowed position and a first open position when the first and second swing links are in the stored position and to limit rotation between the first open position and a second open position when the first and second swing links are in a deployed position.

An actuator for opening and closing a hinged device is provided. In particular, the actuator is a power tailgate actuator. The actuator comprises a motor with a rotor, and an output shaft that rotates on an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis on which lies the rotor of the motor. The actuator has a rotary position sensor such as a rotary potentiometer which positively identifies the position of the tailgate. The tailgate also comprises a clutch which can engage and disengage depending on the mode of operation.

A motor vehicle has an automatically controllable rear-tailgate arrangement, which either is comprised of a single pivotable tailgate or a pivotable lower tailgate and a pivotable upper tailgate. An electronic control unit for the motorized control of the pivotable tailgates is associated with the rear-tailgate arrangement assembly. In particular, the control unit is designed to perform the following functionality by an appropriately programmed function module: the control unit evaluates information of a sensor unit for sensing the longitudinal tilt of the motor vehicle; after an opening command by an operating person, the control unit prevents complete opening either of the single rear tailgate or at least of the lower rear tailgate at least in the case of a rearward longitudinal tilt exceeding a defined threshold.

A spreader tailgate removal, storage, and reinstallation apparatus and method are disclosed for safety and efficiency of changing and storing replacement spreader tailgates. The apparatus includes a prop for holding the spreader tailgate away from a dump body and a cart to receive, hold, or stage the spreader tailgate for removal, storage, or reinstallation respectively.

A spreader tailgate removal, storage, and reinstallation apparatus and method are disclosed for safety and efficiency of changing and storing replacement spreader tailgates. The apparatus includes a prop for holding the spreader tailgate away from a dump body and a cart to receive, hold, or stage the spreader tailgate for removal, storage, or reinstallation respectively.

In at least some implementations, a cable control system includes a spool on which a portion of a cable may be taken up and released, an input shaft coupled to the spool, and a motor coupled to the input shaft to drive the input shaft and spool in a first direction to take up cable on the spool and in a second direction to release cable from the spool. The control system also has two clutches that allow rotation of the spool without corresponding rotation of the motor. Each clutch may have a first member coupled to the input shaft and a second member coupled to the spool and relative rotation between the first and second members of the clutch allows rotation of the spool relative to the motor or input shaft.

A chain connector for use with a tailgate chain linkage of a machine. The chain connector comprises a first flange, a second flange and a web. The chain connector provided with a first pair of apertures for coupling the chain connector to the machine, and a plurality of second pairs of apertures for coupling the chain connector to a chain. An effective length of the tailgate chain linkage may be adjusted by coupling the chain with a selected second pair of apertures since the plurality of second pairs of apertures are disposed at a plurality of distances from the first pair of apertures.