Guide link arm assembly and method for a work machine

A work machine, comprising:

• a frame;
• a ground-engaging mechanism supporting the frame;
• a boom pivotally coupled to the frame;
• a first actuator interconnecting the boom and the frame, the first actuator operable to move the boom relative to the frame;
• a dipper stick pivotally coupled to the boom for rotational movement about a pivot axis;
• a second actuator interconnecting the dipper stick and the boom, the second actuator operable to move the dipper stick about the pivot axis relative to the boom;
• an implement pivotally coupled to the dipper stick;
• a third actuator interconnecting the implement and the dipper stick, the third actuator operable to move the implement relative to the dipper stick;
• a sensor operable to sense one or more of an implement position and a direction of movement of one or more of the boom, the dipper stick, and the implement;
• a guide link arm assembly pivotally coupled to the dipper stick on a first end and pivotally coupled to the implement on a second end, the guide link arm assembly comprising
• an elongated member having a sensor housing recess defined in part by a base surface and opposed sensor housing recess surfaces extending from the base surface, the sensor housing recess configured to receive the sensor;
• and
• a cover removably coupled to the elongated member for enclosing the sensor in the sensor housing recess.

A method of producing a guide link arm assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a single-piece elongated member with a first pivotal coupling on a first end and a second pivotal coupling on a second end, the elongated member having a sensor housing recess defined in part by a base surface and opposed sensor housing recess surfaces extending from the base surface and configured to receive a sensor;
• providing a restricting member removably coupled to the base surface, the restricting member securing the sensor when coupled to the base surface;
• providing a cover removably coupled to the elongated member for enclosing the sensor in the sensor housing recess;
• securing the cover to the elongated member with at a first contact area and a second contact area.