Patent ID: 6773223
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
A work vehicle comprising at least one implement lifting arm connectable to an implement and a hydraulic implement circuit for powering the implement, the hydraulic implement circuit having a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic fluid reservoir connected to hydraulic conduits of the hydraulic implement circuit, wherein the hydraulic pump is connected to pump hydraulic fluid from the reservoir through the conduits of the hydraulic implement circuit, wherein the implement circuit further comprises:at least one hydraulic implement cylinder for maneuvering the implement, the at least one implement cylinder being connected to the conduits of the implement circuit so as to be powered by the hydraulic pump; and a latch mechanism comprising a latch valve and a latch cylinder, wherein the latch valve is connected to receive hydraulic fluid from the at least one implement cylinder, and the latch cylinder is connected to receive hydraulic fluid from the latch valve, wherein the latch mechanism operates to securely connect the implement at one end of the at least one lifting arm when the at least one implement cylinder is in a fully retracted state and the latch valve is operated to direct hydraulic fluid to the latch cylinder.