Implement Support Linkages

This invention relates to implement support linkages adapted to be mounted on a tractor vehicle and in particular to stabilizer assemblies for such linkages.

Implement support structures comprising a pair of lower links universally jointed to a tractor and elevatable by a power lift are well known. Such structures usually have a check chain associated with each link which operates to limit the transverse movement of the links. If it is required to fix the implement relative to the tractor and prevent all movement in a transverse direction then stabilizer assemblies are use. Each assembly may comprise a bar or chain of adjustable length adapted to be connected between a link and the tractor. When the assembly is in place its length is adjusted so that movement of the links is prevented. In the case of a chain the movement in one direction only is prevented but the implement acts to rigidly connect the pair of links so that a rigid structure is formed.

The assemblies are usually connected on the outer side of the links since the space between the links is used for implements and power drives for the implements.

When the assemblies are used on tractors having a narrow track, such as vineyard tractors, adjustment of the stabilizers becomes difficult due to the lack of space.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a stabilizer assembly which permits ease of adjustment when used on narrow track tractors and obviates or mitigates the above disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a stabilizer assembly adapted to be connected at one end to a vehicle and at the other end to a lower link of an implement supporting structure, said assembly comprising a stablizer arm, and an extension connected to said arm and adapted to traverse said link to abut a stop mounted thereon.

According also to the present invention there is provided an implement support structure comprising at least one supporting link adapted to be connected to a vehicle and a stabilizer assembly adapted to be connected between said link and said vehicle, said stabilizer assembly comprising a stabilizer arm and an extension traversing said link and abutting a stop mounted on said link.

Preferably said stop is adjustable.

Preferably also said extension slides in a slot in said link.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a tractor;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the implement supporting structure of the tractor shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view in the direction of arrow III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view on the line IV to IV of FIG. 2 on an enlarged scale.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a tractor 10 is provided with an implement supporting structure 12. The tractor 10 is adapted for use in vineyards and so has wheels 14 set at a small track width.

The implement supporting structure 12 comprises a pair of lower links 16 each of which is pivoted to the tractor by ball joints 18. A lift rod 20 is connected between each link 16 and an associated lift arm 22 which may be raised or lowered by a hydraulic lift (not shown).

The outer extremity of each link 16 is provided with a ball joint 24 to allow attachment of an implement in the conventional manner.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, each link 16 is provided with a stabilizer arm 26 which is connected to the tractor 10 by a universal joint comprising a yoke bored to accommodate a pair of mutually perpendicular pins 30, 32, one of which is mounted on the tractor and the other of which is connected to the stabilizer arm 26. The other end of the stabilizer arm 26 is provided with an L shaped extension 34 which passes through a slot 36 in the link 16. The end of the extension 34 abuts a bolt 38 which is threaded in a block 40 mounted on the link 16 and prevented from turning by a wire clip 42 engaging the squared head 44 of the bolt 38. The block 40 is held on the link 16 by a stud 46 and nut 48 and located by a dowel pin 50.

The extension 34 is provided with holes 52 through which a pin 54 passes to secure a pair of plates 56, 58 to the extension 34. The plates 56, 58 are connected to a check chain 60 by means of a U shaped link 62 welded to each plate 56, 58. The check chain 60 is connected to the tractor 10 by a clevis 64 and pin 66 in the usual manner. The plates 56, 58 are provided with several holes 52 to allow for adjustment of the length of the check chain 60.

The operation of the device is as follows. With the bolt 38 fully retracted in the block 40 the extension 34 is free to slide in the slot 36 and so the link 16 is free to swing in a lateral direction. If the links 16 are fully raised the check chains 60 will tighten and prevent any lateral sway.

The bolt 38 may be adjusted to abut the extension 34 and so limit the travel in the slot 36 and prevent any outward movement beyond a predetermined position. When the links 16 are rigidly interconnected by an implement the bolts 38 may be adjusted to limit the sway in their respective directions so that the implement is rigidly located.

It will be seen that the arrangement of the stabilizer assembly allows simple adjustment of the stabilizers without encroaching on the space normally occupied by drive lines for the implements. Adjustment bolt 38 is readily accessible giving convenience of adjustment and improved operator safety.

Also it should be noted that the loads imposed on the check chains 60 are decreased since they are taken partly by the stabilizer arm 26, the arm 26 and the chain 60 operating on a wide triangular base instead of small offset of check chain to lower link.