Patent ID: 6402177
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
A hitch assembly (16) for a front frame (12) of an articulated machine (10), comprising:a pair of side plates (62,64) having a first (76,78) and second (116) end portions and being positioned in spaced, parallel relation to one another; a tubular member (66) having a bore (67) defined therethrough along a first axis (X) is positioned between and secured to the side plates (62,64); an upper hitch plate (118) positioned between and secured to the side plates (62,64) at the second end portions (116) thereof; a lower hitch plate (120) positioned between and secured to the side plates (62,64) at the second end portions (116) thereof at a location that is vertically spaced from the upper hitch plate (118); and a first support plate (128) having an upper end portion secured to the upper hitch plate (118) and a lower end portion secured to the lower hitch plate (120), said first support plate (128) being positioned between and secured to each of the side plates (62,64) along the entire lengths of opposing sides of the support plate (128).