Powered access device

A device for accessing an elevated entry position on a machine including an operator position, the device comprising:

• a platform configured to ascend and descend between a base position and the elevated entry position, wherein the platform remains within an existing envelope of the machine throughout ascent, descent, and storage of the platform;
• a lifting mechanism coupled to the machine and to the platform;
• a controller configured to operate the lifting mechanism and move the platform between the base position and the entry position, wherein the controller is configured to move the platform from the entry position to the base position only when the machine is not in motion or when the parking brake is engaged, and move the platform from the base position to the entry position irrespective of whether the machine is in motion or the parking brake is not engaged;
• and
• a latching mechanism including a hydraulic latch actuator configured to close when the platform reaches the entry position, the controller including a communicative connection to at least one sensing system configured to sense an operational state of the machine, the operational state including at least one of whether the machine is in motion or whether a parking brake of the machine is engaged, the latching mechanism is communicatively connected to the controller, wherein the latching mechanism is configured to communicate a positional state of the platform to the controller.

A device for accessing an elevated entry position on a machine including an operator position, the device comprising:

• a platform including a step surface, configured to ascend and descend between a base position and an elevated entry position, wherein the platform is a portion of a walkway at the elevated entry position on which an operator may walk on from a first area of the machine to a second area of the machine, and wherein the platform remains within an existing envelope of the machine throughout ascent, descent, and storage of the platform;
• a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the machine and coupled to a side of the platform such that the platform projects as a cantilever from the lifting mechanism;
• and
• a latching mechanism including a hydraulic latch actuator configured to close when the platform reaches the entry position, further including one or controllers associated with the lifting mechanism and including a communicative connection to at least one sensing system configured to sense an operational state of the machine, the operational state including at least one of whether the machine is in motion or whether a parking brake of the machine is engaged, the latching mechanism is communicatively connected to said one or more controllers, wherein the latching mechanism is configured to communicate a positional state of the platform to the controller.