Method and apparatus for mounting a flail mower
AssigneeVenture Products, Inc.
InventorsMichael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.
Claims21
An attachment system for a tractor, comprising:
- an implement having a body;
- an attachment frame assembly having at least one pivot assembly operably engaged to the implement;
- and
- a flip-up assembly operably engaged to the body of the implement and the attachment frame assembly, wherein the flip-up assembly is adapted to independently rotate the implement in a first direction about a longitudinal axis relative to the attachment frame assembly;
- wherein the at least one pivot assembly allows the implement and the flip-up assembly to collectively rotate in a second direction about a longitudinal direction of the tractor.
A method of adjusting an implement with an attachment system, comprising the steps of:
- operably engaging the attachment system carrying an implement, an attachment frame assembly, and a flip-up assembly thereon with a tractor;
- pivotably engaging the implement and the flip-up assembly to the attachment frame assembly, via at least one pivot assembly, such that the implement and the flip-up assembly are able to collectively rotate in a second direction about a longitudinal direction of the tractor;
- raising the implement, the attachment frame assembly, and the flip-up assembly via a hydraulic motor of the tractor;
- actuating the flip-up assembly of the attachment system via a first input on a mechanical power source of the tractor;
- applying a first force, via the mechanical power source of the tractor, to a force generating device of the flip-up assembly;
- pivoting the implement, via the force generating device, away from a ground surface independent of the frame attachment assembly;
- and
- maintaining the implement at a desired angle relative to the frame attachment assembly.
An attachment system for a tractor, comprising:
- an implement having a body, a first cross frame bracket operably engaged to an exterior surface of the body and defining a first slot and a first opening, and an opposing second cross bracket operably engaged to the exterior surface of the body and defining a second slot and a second opening;
- an attachment frame assembly having pivot assemblies operably engaged to the implement;
- and
- a flip-up assembly operably engaged to the body of the implement and the attachment frame assembly, wherein the flip-up assembly is adapted to independently rotate the implement about a longitudinal axis relative to the attachment frame assembly;
- the flip-up assembly comprising:
- a force generating device operably engaged to the body of the implement, the force generating device having:
- a cylinder having first end, an opposing second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween;
- a first protruding arm extending away from the cylinder orthogonal to the longitudinal axis;
- an opposing second protruding arm extending away from the cylinder orthogonal to the longitudinal axis;
- and
- a rod extending from the cylinder and moveable inside of the cylinder along the longitudinal axis;
- a connector operably engaged to the force generating device, wherein the connector is operably engaged to the first cross frame bracket and the second cross frame bracket;
- and
- at least one mounting plate operably engaging the force generating device with the attachment frame assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.