An example method of manipulating an element using an autonomous vehicle includes the following operations: following engagement with the element and during movement of the autonomous vehicle, detecting relative movement between the autonomous vehicle and the element; in response to detecting the relative movement, making a determination that the engagement is inadequate for the autonomous vehicle to continue manipulating the element; and controlling the autonomous vehicle based on the determination.

When a fluid control valve is opened and closed, the port pressure of fluid control valve is guided to a main relief valve through a first passage, and its maximum pressure is controlled by the main relief valve. At the same time, the port pressure of fluid control valve is guided to pressure compensation valves of the respective fluid control valves. As a result, even when functions having different load pressures are simultaneously operated in the fluid control valves, constant operability can be always secured without depending on the load pressures. In addition, when the fluid control valve, which drives a tilt cylinder for a function of tilting a fork, is opened and closed, the port pressure of the fluid control valve is guided to a secondary relief valve through a second passage, and is also guided to the main relief valve and the pressure compensation valves of the respective fluid control valves through the first passage.

A forklift reach mechanism (10) has a main support (16) connected between a carriage (14) and a set of forks (48). The carriage is moveable vertically on a mast (12). The main support is lifted by a connecting member (32) that depends from an articulated levelling assembly comprising a pair of arms (22, 24) connected pivotally together and connected at their other ends to the mast and carriage respectively. The levelling assembly causes the distal end of the main support, on which the forks are mounted, to travel horizontally towards or away from the mast as the carriage is raised or lowered. The reach mechanism is operated by an extensible actuating member (36) such as a hydraulic cylinder that acts between the carriage and the connecting member, providing a strong and compact reach mechanism.

A forklift reach mechanism (10) has a main support (16) connected between a carriage (14) and a set of forks (48). The carriage is moveable vertically on a mast (12). The main support is lifted by a connecting member (32) that depends from an articulated levelling assembly comprising a pair of arms (22, 24) connected pivotally together and connected at their other ends to the mast and carriage respectively. The levelling assembly causes the distal end of the main support, on which the forks are mounted, to travel horizontally towards or away from the mast as the carriage is raised or lowered. The reach mechanism is operated by an extensible actuating member (36) such as a hydraulic cylinder that acts between the carriage and the connecting member, providing a strong and compact reach mechanism.

A bale loading apparatus has a base frame mounted to a loader vehicle operative to move the base frame up and down. Right and left fork frames are connected to right and left portions of the base frame by corresponding right and left linkages, and right and left fork pairs extend away from the loader end of the base frame. A right actuator is operative to pivot the right fork pair with respect to the base frame upward and outward to the right of a path of the loader vehicle from a lowered right position to a raised right position, and a left actuator is operative to pivot the left fork pair with respect to the base frame upward and outward to the left of the path of the loader vehicle from a lowered left position to a raised left position.

A bale loading apparatus has a base frame mounted to a loader vehicle operative to move the base frame up and down. Right and left fork frames are connected to right and left portions of the base frame by corresponding right and left linkages, and right and left fork pairs extend away from the loader end of the base frame. A right actuator is operative to pivot the right fork pair with respect to the base frame upward and outward to the right of a path of the loader vehicle from a lowered right position to a raised right position, and a left actuator is operative to pivot the left fork pair with respect to the base frame upward and outward to the left of the path of the loader vehicle from a lowered left position to a raised left position.

When a fluid control valve is opened and closed, the port pressure of fluid control valve is guided to a main relief valve through a first passage, and its maximum pressure is controlled by the main relief valve. At the same time, the port pressure of fluid control valve is guided to pressure compensation valves of the respective fluid control valves. As a result, even when functions having different load pressures are simultaneously operated in the fluid control valves, constant operability can be always secured without depending on the load pressures. In addition, when the fluid control valve, which drives a tilt cylinder for a function of tilting a fork, is opened and closed, the port pressure of the fluid control valve is guided to a secondary relief valve through a second passage, and is also guided to the main relief valve and the pressure compensation valves of the respective fluid control valves through the first passage.

A fork-carriage apparatus for a lift truck and configured for pulling a load, including: (a) a mounting frame assembly; (b) a side shifter frame assembly slidably mounted to the mounting frame assembly; (c) a pivot frame assembly pivotably mounted to the side shifter frame assembly for translating therewith; (d) a fork assembly mounted to the pivot frame assembly for pivoting therewith; and (e) at least one load-pulling connector mounted to the pivot frame assembly and configured to connect the load to the fork-carriage apparatus for pulling the load.

A fork-carriage apparatus for a lift truck and configured for pulling a load, including: (a) a mounting frame assembly; (b) a side shifter frame assembly slidably mounted to the mounting frame assembly; (c) a pivot frame assembly pivotably mounted to the side shifter frame assembly for translating therewith; (d) a fork assembly mounted to the pivot frame assembly for pivoting therewith; and (e) at least one load-pulling connector mounted to the pivot frame assembly and configured to connect the load to the fork-carriage apparatus for pulling the load.

A forklift attachment is shown and described. The forklift attachment, has a mounting sleeve which includes a base, at least one sidewall, and an open end. The mounting sleeve fits and slides over a tine of a forklift. A plurality of braces is disposed along a top surface of the mounting sleeve defining a channel which extends parallel to, and forward from, the mounting sleeve. The channel includes a first end and a second end and an elongated rod is pivotally secured to the plurality of braces at the second end of the channel. The elongated rod extends parallel to, and forward from, the plurality of braces. A lock selectively secures the elongated rod in a position parallel to the tine of the forklift.