Control lever assembly for walk-behind compaction roller

A control lever assembly and methods of forming and using a control lever assembly of a compaction roller are disclosed. A control lever assembly includes a lever that is defined by a body having a first end connectable to a control arm of a compaction roller. The body forms a first grip site and a second grip site that are each offset from the first end of the body. The first grip site and the second grip site are laterally offset from a longitudinal center-line axis of the control arm and spaced from one another so that each of the first grip site and the second grip site are beyond the reach of a hand engaged with the other of the first grip site and the second grip site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Walk-behind compaction rollers are used to compact soil and asphalt in order to provide a firm foundation for structural building, to reduce future settlement of soil, or to compact asphalt for pathway, road, and parking lot construction. Such machines are commonly controlled by a single operator who follows behind the machine to direct the machine's travel direction and actuate its vibration control(s). Commonly, a control arm extends rearwardly from the machine and provides the mechanical advantage to allow the operator to physically manipulate the direction of travel of the machine. Such machines may have one drum (single-rum) or two (dual-drum) drums acting as compaction surface(s).

One method to control the speed and direction (forward and/or rearward) of such machines is with a control lever that is supported at a rearward end portion of the control arm and whose position relative to the control arm actuates forward and reverse self-propelled travel of the machine. As alluded to above, such machines can be steered with a lateral force applied to the control arm to effectuate turning of the machine.

Commonly, when the control lever is released, a spring force returns the control lever into the neutral position, and the machine ceases all travel. Such machines are also commonly provided with a button or plunger that is disposed on a rearward distal end of the control arm and which interacts with the control associated with manipulation of the control lever. Depression of the button from behind the machine can suspend travel of the rolling machine altogether or at least prevent rearward propulsion of the machine while permitting forward propulsion. Such a configuration prevents an operator from being pinned between the machine and an obstacle behind the machine.

These machines are relatively heavy, making turning of the machine difficult. As mentioned above, the length of the control arm is set to obtain leverage sufficient to allow a single operator to turn the machine by imparting lateral directional forces of a manageable magnitude to the control arm.

In addition to the physical interaction of the operator with the control arm and the control lever, desired operation of the compaction roller requires the operator be able to readily visually inspect the operating environment to assess the speed and direction of travel relative to, for instance, areas already compacted, obstructions such as trench walls, other personnel, equipment, grade stakes or markings, already set formwork, etc. Because the rearward orientation of the control arm and control lever places the operator in a position that is substantially directly behind the compaction roller, the compaction roller can substantially hinder the operator's ability to visually inspect the operating environment.

Many prior manually operated compaction milers are provided with a single control handle on the control arm that is oriented along the centerline or in-plane with the machine's centerline. One such configuration is shown inFIG. 24, in which a visible area is denoted by lines30relative to the underlying compaction roller32. Such a configuration requires the operator to frequently reposition his body relative to the control arm34and the control lever36in order to achieve a desired orientation required to visually inspect the longitudinal edges38that extend along generally opposite lateral sides of the underlying compaction roller32. In confined work environments, cornering and edge following can result in the operator attaining positions relative to the control arm34and control lever36that detracts from the operator's overall ability to manipulate the compaction roller32to effectuate the desired turning and travel direction control of the compaction roller.

The position and orientation of the control lever relative to the control arm of many manually steered compaction rollers are ill-suited to allow the operator to attain various operating positions relative to the control arm and the control lever to provide the desired physical interaction with both the control arm and the control lever. They also provide for only limited positional association of the operator relative to the control arm to improve the visibility associated with operation of the compaction roller while maintaining a desired interaction of the operator with the control arm and the control lever. That is, the operators of such devices must commonly shuffle their left and right hands into and out of interaction with the control lever and/or the control arm or control handles to achieve the desired visibility and operator physical positioning with respect to the compaction roller controls to achieve the desired changes to the operating status and direction of travel of the compaction roller.

There is therefore a need for an improved arrangement for controlling operation of manually steered compaction roller machines from various positions relative to the control lever and control arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compaction roller control assemblies and methods of forming and using a control lever assembly of a compaction roller that solves one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above. A first aspect of the invention discloses a control lever assembly that includes a lever that is defined by a body and which is operable from alternate lateral positions associated with the direction of travel of the compaction roller.

Another aspect of the invention discloses a control lever assembly of a compaction roller wherein the control lever assembly includes a body having a first end connectable to a control arm of a compaction roller. The control lever assembly includes a first grip site and a second grip site that are formed by the body and offset from the first end of the body. The first grip site and the second grip site are laterally offset from a longitudinal center-line axis of the control arm and spaced from one another so that one of the first grip site and the second grip site is beyond reach of a hand engaged with the other of the first grip site and the second grip site.

A further aspect of the invention that is usable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a control assembly of a walk-behind compaction roller. The control assembly includes a first control handle and a second control handle that are each rigidly connected to a control arm that is configured to extend in a rearward direction from a compaction roller. A control lever is connected to the control arm and movable relative thereto to manipulate a travel speed of the compaction roller. A first grip site and a second grip site are defined by the control lever and oriented such that the first grip site and the second grip site are laterally offset from one another and shaped to slidably cooperate with a respective one of the first control handle and the second control handle so that an operator can simultaneously grip at least one of 1) the first grip site and the first control handle or 2) the second grip site and the second control handle.

Another aspect of the invention that is combinable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a method of forming a control arrangement for a walk behind compaction roller. A control lever is provided which defines a first grip site and a second grip site that are laterally offset from another. The control lever is connectable to a control arm that is constructed to extend rearward from a compaction roller. A first control handle and a second control handle are connected to the control arm so that the first control handle is proximate the first grip site and the second control handle is proximate the second grip site and the first and second control handles are oriented on opposite lateral sides of the control arm.

A further aspect this is useable with one or more of the above aspects discloses a method of controlling a walk behind compaction roller that has at least one rotating drum, a frame supported on the drum, and a control arm extending rearwardly from the frame. The method of controlling the walk behind compaction roller includes moving a control lever that defines a first grip site and a second grip site that are laterally offset from opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the control arm to control forward and rearward travel of the compaction roller. The method further includes concurrently grasping at least one of 1) the first grip site and a first control handle and 2) the second grip site and a second control handle to maintain a desired orientation of the control lever relative to the control arm. A lateral force can be imparted to the control arm to turn the compaction roller via grasping of at least one of the first control handle and the second control handle.

Various other features, aspects, embodiments and alternatives of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications could be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a number of control lever assemblies according to different embodiments of the invention that each overcome one or more of the drawbacks discussed above.FIGS. 1-20are various views of a control arrangement of a manually steered compaction roller according to one embodiment of the invention.FIGS. 21-23show alternate embodiments of the invention that achieve the same benefits as disclosed with respect to the following description ofFIGS. 1-20. The various embodiments are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1shows a compaction roller40having a control arm42that may be pivotably and/or removably connected to a frame44of the compaction roller40. Compaction roller40includes an engine46and a hydraulic system48associated therewith. Engine46can be provided in various configurations such as electric start, pull start, and crank start configurations. When provided in a crank start configuration, compaction roller40is provided with a crank handle47(FIG. 2.FIG. 5) configured to be removably associated with a crankshaft associated with engine46for initiating the first combustion compression cycle and thereby manual starting of engine46. Crank handle47removably cooperates with control arm42such that the orientation shown inFIG. 2is associated with a storage position of crank handle47relative to compaction rollers40equipped with a crank start feature. Understandably, crank handle47need not be provided with compaction rollers having electric start and/or recoil start engine configurations.

A first drum50and a second drum52of compaction roller40are supported by frame44and constructed to compact the ground surface54associated with movement of compaction roller40. One or both of drums50,52can be directly or indirectly excitable so as to enhance the compaction performance associated with operation of compaction roller40. For example, an eccentric weight may be located on a lower portion of frame44between the two drums50to vibrate both drums50and52. In this case, the upper portion of the frame may be vibrationally isolated from the lower portion by shock mounts or the like. At least one drum, and possibly both, is bi-directionally drivable to propel the compaction roller back and forth or in a forward and a rearward direction relative to the supporting ground surface.

A pivot assembly56pivotably connects control arm42to frame44such that control arm42can be pivoted about a horizontal axis between an in-use orientation, as shown inFIG. 1, in which the control arm42extends generally rearward from frame44and a storage or transport orientation, indicated by arrow58, for reducing the footprint associated with compaction roller40when not in use. It is further appreciated that control arm42can be secured in one or both of the in-use and storage or transport orientations. In a preferred embodiment, control arm42can be secured in the storage orientation but freely movable from the in-use orientation toward the storage orientation. It is appreciated that such configurations can include one or more catch arrangements that can be manipulated by the user to change the orientation of control arm42relative to frame44of compaction roller40.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a control or an operator area60of compaction roller40is defined in the vicinity of a rearward portion62of control arm42and offsets an operator in a rearward longitudinal length or distance, indicated by dimension63, relative to roller40. Although an exemplary dimension or distance63is shown in the drawings, it is appreciated that the length of control arm42can be selected to improve the mechanical advantage associated with manual turning during operation of compaction roller40. It is appreciated that a greater distance between compaction roller40and operator area60will increase the mechanical advantage associated with control arm42, whereas shorter distances will require the operator to impart greater forces to control arm42to yield comparable turning performance than associated with longer control arms. It is further appreciated that control arm42can be pivotably connected to compaction roller40to be settable at various elevations to accommodate operators of different heights and/or provide different positions of the operator area60to suit different operator preferences—such as the control area being positioned at a hip height or rib height as different operators may prefer or different operational situations may require.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, operator area60includes a control lever assembly or control lever64; one or more control handles66,68; and can include one or more of an exciter control or exciter control assembly70; a throttle control or throttle control assembly71, and a plunger or button72. Referring toFIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, alternate ends of control handles66,68are rigidly connected to control arm42whereas control lever64is pivotably or otherwise movably connected thereto such that control lever64is movable relative to both control arm42and control handles66,68. As disclosed further below, control handles66,68provide for a rigid interaction of the user with control arm42during operation of compaction roller40.

As shown inFIG. 2, control lever64cooperates with a push-pull cable74associated with generating forward and rearward linear operation of compaction roller40as a function of the orientation of control lever64relative to control arm42. Preferably, control lever64is biased to a neutral position associated with suspending propulsion of compaction roller40in either the forward or the rearward directions. It is appreciated that push-pull cable74, or any other suitable linkage, can be provided in any of a number of suitable configurations for communicating instructions associated with the orientation of control lever64to the underlying compaction roller40. It is further appreciated that push-pull cable74and/or the control lever64can be configured to manipulate any of a number of operational systems, such as a hydraulic system or an electrical system associated with generating the desired forward, rearward, and neutral or non-moving operation of compaction roller40. It is further appreciated that control lever64and/or the push-pull cable74can be configured to interact with various systems, such as relays, valves, etc., associated with generating the desired manipulation of the underlying operation of compaction roller40.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more of exciter control70and engine controls, such as a throttle control71, and/or button72are positioned on control arm42proximate operator area60such that a user or operator engaged with control lever64can interact with and control operation of the engine and/or the exciter associated with operation of compaction roller40. It is appreciated that the exciter control70and throttle control71can be configured to maintain a desired operation of the respective exciter and/or throttle associated with the underlying engine46without sustained operator interaction with the respective exciter control70and/or throttle control71. It is further appreciated that, like control lever64, exciter control70and/or throttle control71be provided with a push-pull cable, elongated connector, gears, transmission, fluid system, relays, valves, etc. and/or an electrical system to effectuate communication of the exciter operation instructions and/or discrete throttle control instructions from operator area60to the respective underlying exciter and throttle systems of roller40. In a preferred embodiment, exciter control70is positioned nearer push button72than throttle control71as many users prefer to more commonly adjust operation of the exciter assembly than manipulate the throttle position during operation of compaction roller40. Preferably, each of exciter control70and throttle control71are configured to be manipulated by a single hand of a user such that the desired orientation of control lever64can be maintained even during adjustment of exciter control70or throttle control71.

From the orientation shown inFIG. 2, it should be understood that rearward or clockwise movement of control lever64from a neutral position, toward a distal end82of control arm42, as indicated by arrow78, effectuates rearward travel of compaction roller40. Conversely, forward or counterclockwise movement of control lever64, as indicated by arrow80, effectuates forward operation of compaction roller40. In the illustrated embodiment, control lever64rotates about a pivot axis86, thereby manipulating the orientation of cable74to achieve the desired change in the operating condition of compaction roller40. The control lever64is directly or indirectly biased to its neutral position such as, for example, by a spring acting on a pump control lever (not shown) to which the cable74is connected so that forward/rearward operation of compaction roller40is suspended whenever the operator releases control lever64. The push-pull cable74preferably is coupled to the hydraulic pump or other propulsion system of the compaction roller40such that the compaction roller40is propelled at a speed that is generally proportional to the extent of movement of the control lever64relative to its the neutral position.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, exciter control70includes a stem90having a ball92attached to an end thereof. A flange94is secured to control arm42and is constructed to support exciter stem90relative thereto. A pivot assembly96pivotably connects exciter stem90relative to flange94. A push/pull cable98is connected to exciter stem90offset from the axis associated with pivot assembly96such that cable98communicates exciter operation instructions from operator area60to the exciter associated with compaction roller40. Throttle control71includes a throttle control stem100having a ball102connected at an end thereof. A pivot assembly104pivotably connects throttle control stem100to flange94. A push/pull cable106is connected to throttle control stem100at a location offset from the axis of rotation associated with pivot assembly104such that movement of throttle control stem100relative to control arm42manipulates the throttle condition and thereby the engine speed associated with operation of compaction roller40.

Referring toFIG. 3, exciter control stem90and throttle control stem100are constructed to pass through one or more openings108,110defined by control arm42. A faceplate112cooperates with control arm42, exciter control stem90, and throttle control stem100so as to generally overlie openings108,110defined by control arm42. Faceplate112includes a first elongated opening114that slidably cooperates with exciter control stem90and a second elongated opening116that slidably cooperates with throttle control stem100. Opening116of faceplate112can include one or more catches118,120associated with maintaining a desired orientation of throttle control stem100relative to faceplate112. It should be appreciated that when throttle control stem100is associated with a respective catch118,120, such cooperation maintains throttle control stem100in the desired orientation with respect to a desired configuration of the engine throttle assembly and thereby maintains a desired engine speed associated with operation of compaction roller40. It is further appreciated that opening114associated with exciter control70could include similar such catches. Balls92,102associated with the respective exciter control stem90and throttle control stem100removably cooperate with the respective control stem such that faceplate112can be secured to control arm42in close slidable cooperation with exciter control stem90and throttle control stem100.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 5, control arm42includes an opening124that slidably cooperates with a crank handle stem125associated with crank handle47. Crank handle47includes a handle128that snap fittingly cooperates with a catch130such that crank handle47can be securely supported by control arm42when not in use. As shown inFIG. 5, a shock arrangement132that includes one or more bushings134,136that are disposed between frame44and control arm42. Understandably, bushings134,136can be secured to one of frame44of compaction roller40or control arm42and configured to engage the other of frame44or control arm42when control arm42is oriented in the in-use position. Bushings134,136help to mitigate communication of vibration associated with operation of compaction roller40and/or the exciter associated therewith along control arm42toward the user associated with operator area60.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 6-9, control lever64includes a first grab or grip site140and a second grab or second grip site142that are offset in opposite lateral directions, indicated by arrow143, relative to a longitudinal axis or center-line, indicated by arrow145, of control arm42. Control handle66and control handle68have generally arcuate shapes that allow grip sites140,142to be maintained in close proximity to the respective grip handle66,68throughout the range of pivotable translation of control lever64about pivot axis86. Preferably, grip handles66,68are curved relative to both the vertical and horizontal planes that correlate to rotation of control lever64. The larger curvature of handles66,68, i.e., the curvature oriented in a generally vertical plane, is between about five inches and nine inches in radius or more preferably about seven inches in radius. The more horizontal curvature of handles66,68are between one and four inches in radius and preferably in about a two inch radius. Preferably, the rearward and forward curvatures are selected to provide comfortable ergonomic interaction, such as 30-40 degrees of wrist rotation, associated with orientation of the hand(s) of the operator for various operating positions relative to the control arm42. It is appreciated that other ranges of radii can be provided as a function of the lateral thickness of control arm42, the range of motion of control lever64, and/or to provide desired ergonomic interaction with handles66,68for various lateral and rearward positions of the operator relative to the distal end82of control arm42.

Each such configuration allows an operator to grasp a respective portion of the respective control handles66,68and/or a respective grip site140,142throughout the movable range of control lever64and relative to the opposite lateral sides of control arm42. As explained further below, such a construction allows the operator to position himself at locations further outboard of the longitudinal axis145of control arm42than would otherwise be possible while maintaining secure interaction with control lever64and at least one of control handles66,68. Control lever64and control handles66,68thus allow an operator to securely grasp at least one of control handles66,68of compaction roller40, even during manipulation of control lever64and/or interaction with exciter control70and/or throttle control71to maintain a desired operation and direction of travel of roller40even when located at various positions relative to control arm42.

Control handles66,68are also rigidly constructed to tolerate the lateral loading of control arm42during turning operations and are maintained in close proximity to grip sites140,142to allow a user to bias control arm42in lateral directions without imparting the lateral loading forces to control lever64.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 6-12, control lever64includes a body144having a first end146that defines an opening148associated with supporting control lever64about pivot axis86relative to control arm42. First end146includes a boss150that is shaped to cooperate with a pin152oriented to engage a tang154that is positionally associated with body144. Tang154is operationally connected to cable74to effectuate generally longitudinal displacement, indicated by arrow113, of the cable to effect speed and directional control associated with the forward and rearward travel of compaction roller40. A collar156and a spring160slidably cooperate with a shaft162that receives a fastener164having a nut165and that rotationally or pivotably secures control lever64to the control arm42.

Body144of control lever64could be formed as one piece or as an assembly of two or more interconnected components. The illustrated body is formed of one piece and may be formed, for example, through metal casting or injection molding, although other methods of manufacture are envisioned. Body144includes a first stem166associated with first grip site140and a second stem168associated with second grip site142. An optional third grip site or knob170extends in a generally upward direction between first grip site140and second grip site142of control lever64. Stem166associated with grip site140is shaped to define a hand or finger window174, and stem168has a generally mirror image to define a similarly shaped hand or finger window176associated with grip site142. Grip site140and finger window174are shaped to allow the hand of an operator to cooperate therewith in either of an underhand or an overhand grip orientation. Second grip site142and finger window176are similarly constructed. The generally close proximity of grip site140,142relative to a respective one of control handles66,68allows the operator to use either hand to grab or grasp a respective grip site140,142and the corresponding control handle66,68with a substantially closed-handed orientation in either an overhand or underhand orientation.

It is appreciated that the orientation of the user's hand relative to the respective grip site will vary during operation of roller40as the operator moves from left-hand to right-hand lateral side positions relative to control arm42and/or to a more rearward orientation relative to button72during operation of compaction roller40. The generally mirror construction of grip sites140,142, the close proximity of grip sites140,142to a respective control handle66,68, and the availability of multiple control handle and control lever interaction locations allow the operator to quickly switch from one-handed to two-handed operation without unduly interfering with the other hand of the operator and/or interrupting operation of roller40.

Referring back toFIGS. 2 and 6, the construction and position of control handles66,68and grip sites140,142allow an operator positioned generally behind button72to engage one or more of the first grip site140and control handle66, the second grip site142and control handle68, and/or control lever knob126to maintain a desired orientation of control lever64relative to control arm42in order to effectuate the desired forward and/or rearward operation of compaction roller40from a generally ergonomically comfortable position. An operator positioned rearward of button72could most comfortably interact in a generally overhand interaction, like gripping the handlebars of a bicycle, with either of first grip site140and control handle66, second grip site142and control handle68and/or control knob126in which the thumbs of the user generally face toward centerline95of control arm42when engaged with the respective grip site140,142.

For more aggressive turning operations that cannot be easily effectuated while standing directly behind the control arm42, the operator can stand beside control arm42while maintaining engagement with one or more of grip site140,142and/or knob126. Achieving such an orientation improves the operator's ability to view a respective lateral edge38(FIG. 24) of compaction roller40. It also allows the operator to orient himself in a manner that improves his leverage when turning the compaction roller40. That is, operating the compaction roller from beside the control arm42rather than from directly behind it allows the operator to better use his mass rather than simply the strength of his arms and torso to effectuate the steering operation.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 13-20, button72includes a stem or shaft184that is constructed to selectively interfere with rearward operation of compaction roller40. Referring toFIGS. 13-15, a spring186biases shaft184and an actuator188associated with button72in a generally rearward direction relative to control lever64. When it is not actuated, button72does not interfere with manipulation of control lever64in either its forward or rearward directions. Referring toFIGS. 3 and 16-18, manipulation or actuation of actuator188in a generally forward direction relative to control lever64, such as by contact with the operator, shifts shaft184in a forward longitudinal direction such that shaft184interferes with the operational interaction between control lever64and the cable74. Interference of shaft184with control lever64creates a gap192(FIG. 18) between control lever64and tang154. Gap192decouples rearward movement of control lever64from manipulation of tang154but maintains an operative engagement between pin152and tang154such that forward motion of control lever64about pivot axis86achieves forward operation of compaction roller40. Said another way, actuation of button72suspends further rearward propulsion of compaction roller40but maintains the ability of control lever64to achieve forward propulsion of compaction roller40. A further description of the construction and operation of button72and the interference of the same with respect to manipulation of control lever64can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,383, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

FIGS. 21-23show various control lever assemblies for manually steerable compaction rollers according to alternate embodiments the present invention. Referring generally thereto, each control lever assembly198includes a control arm200that is constructed to be pivotably or fixedly connected to a manually steered compaction roller. Each assembly includes a control lever202that is movably connected to a respective control arm200and which defines first and second grip sites204,206. Each grip site204,206also preferably defines a respective grip or finger window208,210. Each control lever202movably cooperates with the control arm200such that at least a portion of each respective grip site204,206is maintained in close proximity to a respective control handle212,214that is rigidly connected to a respective control arm200such that lateral turning forces imparted to the respective control arm200by an operator are passed to the control arm200through the control handle212,214rather than the respective control lever202.

From the embodiment shown inFIG. 21, it should be appreciated that control lever202can be constructed to generally slidably cooperate with the distal end portion of control arm200whereas the configuration shown inFIGS. 22 and 23show alternate embodiments of control lever202that are pivotably connected to the respective control arm200in a manner similar to control lever64as described above. Referring back toFIG. 21, it should further be appreciated that one or more of the control assemblies shown in Figs. can include additional control handles216that are not otherwise positionally associated with a respective portion of the corresponding control lever202.

It is further appreciated that one or more of the control lever assemblies shown inFIGS. 21-23can also include one or more control levers202that are supported by the respective control arm200at a location proximate the respective control lever assembly. Control levers202can be configured to manipulate and/or maintain operation of a throttle and/or an exciter assembly associated with a respective compaction roller to which the respective control lever assembly is engaged. Such a consideration allows an operator engaged with the respective control lever assembly to control one or both of the engine speed and/or exciter operation from a location wherein the operator can maintain a desired engagement with the respective control lever assembly associated with forward and rearward travel of the compaction roller.

Regardless of the method of mobility, whether slidable, rotational, or pivotable, each control lever and control handle arrangement disclosed herein includes a plurality of grip sites that allow an operator to concurrently interact with and maintain the orientation of the respective control lever relative to the underlying control arm. The handles are rigidly connected to the corresponding control arm to accommodate the lateral forces communicated to the respective control arm, whether by pushing or pulling operations, to effectuate the desired manual steering operation. Each control lever and handle arrangement permits these controls in a manner that generally isolates the corresponding control lever from supporting such lateral forces. The close proximity of each control lever relative to the corresponding control arm allows the operator to maintain a desired position relative to the control arm as the operator shifts from various orientations relative to the alternate lateral sides of the control arm and positions generally more rearward thereof to achieve the desired operation and desired direction of travel of the compaction roller.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the aspects and features of the present invention may be made in addition to those described above without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. The scope of some of these changes is discussed above. The scope of other changes to the described embodiments that fall within the present invention but that are not specifically discussed above will become apparent from the drawings and the appended claims.