US 6,089,328 AGranted

Hitch assembly for a work machine

AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.

InventorsJeffrey A. Moore, Gregory K. Stuckey, Lynn A. Sutton

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Abstract

A hitch for a work machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the work machine. The hitch is attached to the machine frame. The hitch includes first and second draft arms that are pivotally connected with and spaced apart on the frame by intermediate links. The intermediate links provide pivotal movement of the draft arms constrained about a first horizontal axis. The intermediate links also provide pivotal movement of the first draft arm constrained about a second axis, and of the second draft arm constrained about a third axis. At least one draft cylinder is connected to one of the intermediate links and to a respective draft arm. The hitch incorporates multiple degrees of movement in a compact package and is useful as a steerable component of the machine to provide positive steering force.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A hitch assembly for attaching an implement to a work machine frame comprising:

a draft arm assembly including
a first draft arm having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion being connected with the machine frame and adapted for pivotal movement about a first axis and a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to and remote from said first axis, said second end portion being adapted for connection to the implement;
a first intermediate link having first and second receiving portions, said first intermediate link being pivotally connected with the machine frame and adapted for pivotal movement about the first axis, said first receiving portion defining the second axis and being connectable to the first end portion of the first draft arm;
a second draft arm having a first and second end portion, said first end portion being connected with the machine frame and adapted for pivotal movement about said first axis and a third axis, the third axis being perpendicular to and remote from said first axis, said second end portion being adapted for connection to the implement, said second draft arm being disposed in generally parallel relationship to said first draft arm;
and
a second intermediate link having first and second receiving portions, said second intermediate link being pivotally connected with the machine frame and adapted for pivotal movement about the first axis, said first receiving portion defining the third axis and being connectable to the first end portion of the second draft arm;
said hitch assembly further including at least one draft cylinder being pivotally connected with one of said first and second intermediate link.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.