Construction machines

18:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage is configured such that a point of application of and a direction of a lifting force applied to the height-adjustable edge protector by the second lifting actuator is determined by a location of a point of connection of the transmission linkage to the height-adjustable edge protector.

19:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage includes a lever arm.

20:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage is configured such that a direction of a lifting force applied to the height-adjustable edge protector by the transmission linkage acts essentially perpendicular to a ground surface when the machine frame is oriented parallel to the ground surface.

21:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage is configured such that a direction of a lifting force applied to the height-adjustable edge protector by the transmission linkage deviates from a vertical direction by a maximum of +/−55° when the machine frame is oriented horizontally.

22:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage includes at least two links and at least three articulated joints.

23:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage includes a first link, a second link, a first articulated joint connecting the second lifting actuator to the first link, and a second articulated joint connecting the second link to the height-adjustable edge protector.

24:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 23, wherein:
• the transmission linkage further includes a third articulated joint connecting the first link and the second link, the third articulated joint being connected neither to the machine frame nor to the height-adjustable edge protector.

25:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage is configured such that a connection of the transmission linkage to the height-adjustable edge protector moves on a circular path.

26:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage includes at least two rigid links and at least three articulated joints.

27:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 16, wherein:
• the transmission linkage is configured such that a force applied to the height-adjustable edge protector by the transmission linkage is transmissible in two directions so that the height-adjustable edge protector can be raised or lowered by the transmission linkage.

29:

• The method of claim 28, wherein:
• in step (b) the transmission linkage applies the lifting force to the edge protector essentially perpendicular in relation to a ground surface on which the construction machine is supported.

30:

• The method of claim 28, wherein:
• steps (a) and (b) are performed simultaneously.

31:

• The method of claim 28, wherein:
• steps (a) and (b) are performed successively.

33:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 32, wherein:
• the transmission linkage is configured such that a direction of a lifting force applied to the height-adjustable edge protector by the transmission linkage deviates from a vertical direction by a maximum of +/−55° when the machine frame is oriented horizontally.

34:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 32, wherein:
• the second lifting actuator is located forward of the first lifting actuator.

35:

• The self-propelled construction machine of claim 34, wherein:
• the second lifting actuator is shorter than the first lifting actuator