Patent ID: 6589007
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: E02F,Y10S

Abstract:
A skid steer loader attachment, comprising:an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures with first and second parallel pivot support axes, respectively; a grapple component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure of the implement; a pair of support ears and a pivot shaft forming the second pivot support structure, the support ears secured to the implement in spaced apart relation, the pivot shaft aligned parallel with the second pivot support axis, the pivot shaft extending between and being supported by the support ears such that the pivot shaft acts as a physical barrier to objects that may be gripped between the implement and the grapple component if the gripped objects should be forced through a gap between the implement and grapple component absent the pivot shaft; a hydraulically actuated cylinder having a first end pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and a second end pivotally secured to the grapple component, the hydraulically actuated cylinder being expandable and retractable to pivot the grapple component relative to the implement; wherein the pair of support ears for the second pivot support structure is wider than the first pivot support structure with the hydraulic actuated cylinder disposed between the pair of pivot support ears and across a top side of the grapple such that the pivot shaft fills said gap to protect hoses running to the cylinder; and wherein the skid steer loader attachment comprises two grapple components independently pivotally secured to the implement.