Abstract:
A versatile mobile utility cart or vehicle using either tracks, wheels or both for suspension and steering with propulsion coming from but not limited to an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The vehicle is meant to be a utility workhorse with the ability to load and unload itself as well as drag or carry materials. The vehicle can be configured in many ways to do many tasks with the main feature being labor savings. One of the unique features of the vehicle is a loading system called a fork and foot system. For transport the forks and feet system can be raised or detached individually or as a system, this is beneficial when unloading. The foot may remain attached and used for stability. Detaching the fork and foot system as a system allows the vehicle to be used for other tasks including but not limited to: a dump vehicle; a skidder; a reel carrier; a fork lift/carrier; and a prime mover or base for brush chippers, stump cutters, tree spades and more.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/546,008, filed Feb. 19, 2004. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a mobile utility vehicle for loading, transporting and unloading materials. In addition, the utility vehicle also includes a unique loading apparatus. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Utility vehicles such as handcarts, hand trucks, wheelbarrows and other devices have been used for many years as labor saving devices. These devices assist an individual or laborer in performing manual labor such as moving and transporting objects and workpieces. Further, they provide assistance when working in and around areas that cannot be easily reached by larger motor operated vehicles, particularly in areas too small or confined to allow the operation of such vehicles. 
   For instance, many landscape operations or landscapers cannot use large motor operated vehicles when working around homes or other structures, especially in developed areas where such vehicles will not fit or cannot be maneuvered due to the confines created by home density, fences and landscapes. Further, use of such large, motor operated vehicles may be prohibited due to the damage such vehicles would cause to the landscape. Accordingly, in these instances, much of the work requires manual labor to accomplish a variety of tasks including: landscape operations, planting trees, removing trees, laying sod, or other work that requires a significant amount of materials or objects to be moved physically or with the assistance of small non-powered or manually operated implements such as those set forth above. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a powered utility vehicle of a size small enough to operate in confined spaces and in urban areas that minimizes damage to the property or landscape while providing sufficient lifting, loading, transporting and unloading properties. Specifically, it is advantageous that such a vehicle be operated by a single operator thereby reducing the amount of physical or manual labor needed to perform the job or task. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a versatile mobile utility vehicle having a power source operative to power a propulsion system and, in an additional embodiment, the utility vehicle includes a loading apparatus or system. 
   The loading apparatus or system may include a unique foot and fork assembly that, once attached to the utility vehicle, provides an apparatus that can lift and load items in excess of the weight of the vehicle onto the vehicle. 
   The present invention further provides a utility vehicle of a size and design suitable to operate in confined or small spaces with a propulsion system that reduces damage to the ground surface or area in which the vehicle is operating. The vehicle has the ability to be operated by a single operator. Further, the present invention may include a lift and load apparatus attached to the utility vehicle wherein the utility vehicle has the ability to load and unload materials or items as well as being able to drag or carry these materials or items. 
   Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a utility vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention having a track-type drive system and a loading apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the loading apparatus of  FIG. 1  with portions removed for clarity. 
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the loading apparatus of  FIG. 1  with portions removed for clarity. 
       FIG. 4  is an additional embodiment of the present invention illustrating the utility vehicle of the present invention with a liftable and pivotable dump platform or bed, further illustrating a multi-wheel propulsion system wherein one or all of the wheels provide a drive force. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an additional embodiment of a utility vehicle according to the present invention including a dump bucket. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the utility vehicle according to the present invention including a claw-type loader secured to the platform or bed of the utility vehicle. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a utility vehicle according to the present invention including an apparatus for lifting and carrying cable or other types of coiled product. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a utility vehicle according to the present invention including a fork/pallet type lifting apparatus suitable for lifting, carrying and unloading materials, typically those types of materials stored on a conventional pallet. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the utility vehicle according to the present invention including a foot assembly and fork assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a utility vehicle  20  is shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The utility vehicle  20  includes a vehicle frame, seen generally at  22 . A power source  24 , typically an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, is secured to the vehicle frame  22  near the rear end  26  of the vehicle frame  22 . A propulsion system, seen generally at  28 , is attached to the vehicle frame  22  and operates, upon receiving power through a drivetrain (not shown), to propel the utility vehicle  20 . 
   A platform or bed  30  is attached to the upper surface of the vehicle frame  22 . The bed or platform  30  forms a load-carrying surface of the utility vehicle  20 . A first barrier member or wall  32  extends upwardly from the platform or bed  30  and forms a load-containing surface located adjacent the power source  24 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the platform or bed  30  may include a small upwardly extending raised portion or stop  34  located at the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  that helps to contain or hold a load on the utility vehicle  20  during operation. 
   A second barrier member or wall  38  is positioned near the rear end  26  of the utility vehicle  20  and provides both a protective barrier for the power source  24  and a mounting surface or frame member that supports a control mechanism, seen generally at  40 , needed to operate the utility vehicle  20 . Depending upon the various types of propulsion systems  28  used the control mechanism  40  for operating the drive or propulsion systems  28  may vary. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one type of propulsion system  28  for use with the utility vehicle  20  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The propulsion system  28  includes a track-type drive arrangement having at least one drive wheel or sprocket  42 , a tension or take up wheel or sprocket  44  and a plurality of either support wheels or sprockets  46 . An endless belt or track  48  is positioned over the drive wheel or sprocket  42  and the tension or take up wheel or sprocket  44  in a known manner. Such track-type drive arrangements typically include a second track assembly positioned on the opposite side of the utility vehicle  20 . Each track  48  is capable of being driven independent of the other in a known manner in order to steer the utility vehicle  20 . In one embodiment of such a track-type drive arrangement, independent or separate hydraulic motors (not shown) are attached to and drive each track  48 . The hydraulic motor receives hydraulic pressure from a pump attached to the power source  24 . Each hydraulic motor is used to drive or rotate the drive wheel or sprocket  42  of the track assembly. A set of control handles or levers  50  are part of the control mechanism  40 . Each handle or lever  50  connects to and provides input to the hydraulic motor to control the speed and direction of the motors and correspondingly each track  48 . 
   It is contemplated that the utility vehicle  20  be operated in the various modes, including: a walk behind mode in which the operator walks behind the utility vehicle  20  and manipulates the control handles  50  of the control mechanism  40  to drive and steer the utility vehicle  20 ; and a remote mode where the utility vehicle  20  is operated remotely using a separate remote unit  52  directly connected to the utility vehicle  20  using a cable  54  extending from the remote unit  52  to the control mechanism  40  of the utility vehicle  20  (see  FIG. 5 ), or by using via RF or IF signals sent from a remote unit  56  to the control mechanism  40  of the utility vehicle  20 , (see  FIG. 4 ). Other remote operation methods may also be used. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the track-type drive system may be replaced with or by wheels  58 . The wheels  58  being of a size and design that minimizes any damage to the ground or other surface upon which the utility vehicle  20  is operated. Further while shown in  FIG. 4  with three wheels  58  on each side of the utility vehicle  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , a lesser number of wheels  58  can also be used. In addition, a greater number of wheels  58  may also be used to distribute the load or weight of the utility vehicle  20  over a wide footprint and thus reduce potential damage to the ground surface. Again, known drivetrains and drive systems can be used to steer and propel the utility vehicle  20 . 
   The size or overall construction of the utility vehicle  20  is such that it can be driven and maneuvered in areas unsuitable for larger vehicles. For instance, in and on the front and back yards of homes, around bushes, trees and other landscaping. It is of a size and width suitable to pass through a standard size fence gate, which is typically  36  inches wide. It should be understood that depending upon the terrain upon which it is operated, it may be desirable to use soft, balloon type lawn tires, like those commonly used on many mowing machines or lawn tractors to reduce any damage to lawns or landscaping. Accordingly, such a utility vehicle  20  may be driven onto a lawn, used to pick up and haul away brush, debris, tree limbs from tree trimming operations, or other landscaping uses, all of which are typically labor intensive operations. 
     FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a loading apparatus or system, seen generally at  60 , for use with the utility vehicle  20 . The loading apparatus  60  includes a foot assembly  62  and in some instance may include a fork assembly  64 . The foot assembly  62  includes first and second foot members  66 ,  68 . Each foot members  66 ,  68  having a base portion or ground engaging member  70  and a leg portion  72 . Each of the first and second foot members  66 ,  68  are pivotally secured, through pivot pins or stub shafts  74  on opposite sides of the front end  36  of the vehicle frame  22 . It should be understood that the loading apparatus or assembly  60  is removably attached to the utility vehicle  20 . Thus, depending on the particular use of the utility vehicle  20 , the loading apparatus or assembly  60  can be removed from the utility vehicle. In addition, various components of the loading apparatus  60  may also be removed, for instance, the fork assembly  64  may be removed while the foot assembly  62  is left on the utility vehicle  20  to provide support during loading, unloading or moving of the platform or bed  30 . 
   Power cylinders, such as hydraulic cylinders  76 , are pivotally attached on one end thereof, via a pivot pin  78 , to the leg portions  72  and on the opposite end thereof, via a pivot pin  80 , to the vehicle frame  22 . As used herein, power cylinders means any type of power source, including ball-screws, air cylinders or other actuation mechanisms used to generate movement between two or more components. The hydraulic cylinders  76  are used to lower and position the first and second foot members  66 ,  68  such that the respective base portions  70  engage and provide a base or support on the ground surface. The first and second foot members  66 ,  68  are shown herein as independently driven. This allows for the foot assembly  62  to compensate for uneven ground surfaces. It is, however, within the scope of the invention to provide a crossbar or other type of connecting member between the first and second foot members  66 ,  68  and use a single power source such as a hydraulic cylinder to move the respective base portions  70  of the foot assembly  62  in unison. Irrespective of the drive assembly used, the foot assembly  62  is connected to the utility vehicle  24  for movement between a transport position, i.e., a raised position and a working position, i.e., a lowered position wherein the base portions  70  of the foot members  66 ,  68  contact the ground surface. 
   The fork assembly  64  includes first and second fork members  82 ,  84 . The first and second fork members  82 ,  84  each include a load engaging or lifting portion  86  and a leg portion  88 . The respective leg portions  88  include a rearwardly extending arm portion  90 . The end of the arm portion  90  receives a pivot pin  92  and is correspondingly pivotally secured to the upper end of the leg portion  72  of the first and second foot members  66 ,  68 . Accordingly, the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  pivot with respect to the first and second foot members  66 ,  68 . In the preferred embodiment, the arm portions  90  of each of the first and second fork members  82 ,  84 , have a degree of curvature or an arcuate shape. The arm portions  90  may also be substantially straight. Cross members  94  extend between the respective first and second fork members  66 ,  68 . The cross members  94  tie the respective first and second fork members  82 ,  84  together such that they move in unison. It is also contemplated that the cross members  94  may be removed whereby first and second fork members  82 ,  84  may move independently of one another. 
   To pivot the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  about the pivot pin  92  suitable power sources, such as hydraulic cylinders  96 , are pivotally attached on one end, via a pivot pin  98  to first and second foot members  66 ,  68  and at the opposite end, via a pivot pin  100 , to the first and second fork members  82 ,  84 . As shown, the pivot pin  100  used to connect the hydraulic cylinders  96  to the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  is located at the intersection between the leg portion  88  and the arm portion  90 . The arm portion  90  functions as a moment arm in relation to the distance between the pivot pin  100  and the pivot pin  92  used to secure the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  to the respective first and second foot members  66 ,  68 . 
   As indicated, the fork assembly  64  is independent of the foot assembly  62 . It should be understood, however, that securing one end of the hydraulic cylinders  96  used to move the fork assembly  64  to the foot assembly  62  transfers a load placed on the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  to the base portions  70  of the first and second foot members  66 ,  68 , rather than the vehicle frame  22 . While shown in the preferred embodiment with a set length, the base portion  70  of the foot members  66 ,  68  can be extended in length to provide additional support. Also, the base portion  70  may include a wide surface or pad that engages the ground surface. In addition, rather than providing each foot member  66 ,  68  with a base portion  70 , the base portion could be a single slab having a ground engaging surface extending between the foot members  66 ,  68 . In addition, while shown as a one-piece member, the foot members  66  may be formed in two or more pieces wherein the base member  70  folds up against the leg member  72  when not in use, and locks in the position shown during use. In this way, the utility vehicle  20  can lift a load greater than the overall weight of the utility vehicle  20 , as the load is being lifted against or transferred to the base portions  70  which are placed on the ground during a lift and load operation. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the base portions  70  of the first and second foot members  66 ,  68  remain on the ground surface while the hydraulic cylinders  96  operate to swing or rotate the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  about the pivot pins or stub shafts  92  in the arc shown by arcuate line  102 . The lifting portion  86  of the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  may include a raised or convex surface  104  that functions to keep workpieces loaded on the lifting portion  86 . In addition, the leading edge or surface  106  of the leg portion  88  may also have a degree of curvature to facilitate transfer of a workpiece from the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  to the utility vehicle  20 . Accordingly, the first and second fork members  84 ,  86  function to correspondingly lift and deposit a workpiece on the platform or bed  30  of the utility vehicle  20 . 
   During transport, the loading apparatus  60  is raised, i.e., the foot assembly  62  and correspondingly the fork assembly  64  is lifted by the hydraulic cylinders  76  such that the respective base portions  70  of the first and second foot members  66 ,  68  are lifted up off of the ground surface whereby the utility vehicle  20  may be driven to a particular location. When the utility vehicle  20  reaches its intended location, the loading apparatus  60  is lowered until the base portions  70  of the first and second foot members  66 ,  68  contact the ground surface. The first and second fork members  82 ,  84  are then loaded with workpieces, after which they are raised to deposit the workpieces on the bed  30  of the utility vehicle  20 . As used herein, workpiece is broadly considered to encompass any article that can be lifted, carried or transported by the utility vehicle  20 . 
   It should be understood that the loading apparatus  60  of may be operated by suitable controls situated on the control mechanism  40  located on the utility vehicle  20  or remotely by a hand-held unit  52 ,  56  using suitable transmission technology for relaying an operation signal from the hand-held unit  52 ,  56  to the control mechanism  40  located on the utility vehicle  20 . In addition, the utility vehicle  20  may be driven much like a forklift truck, specifically, it may be driven or operated in any manner that places the loading apparatus  60  underneath a workpiece which is then lifted by the first and second fork members  82 ,  84  onto the platform or bed  30  of the utility vehicle  20 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a utility vehicle  20  is shown according to the present invention, including a liftable platform or bed  110  and a loading apparatus  60 . As shown, a plurality of parallel link bars  112  are pivotally attached on one end thereof, via pivot pins  114 , to the vehicle frame  22 . The parallel link bars  112  are pivotally attached on the opposite end thereof, and via pivot pins  116 , to the platform or bed  110  is attached to the vehicle frame  22  of parallel link bars  112 . A plurality of power sources, such as hydraulic cylinders  118 , are attached to and operative to drive the platform or bed  110  upward while it is supported on the link bars  118 . Other types of power sources, including ball-screws, air cylinders or other actuation mechanisms may be used to raise the platform or bed  110  upwardly from the vehicle frame  22 . 
   The parallel link bars  112 , in addition to raising the platform or bed  110 , also cause the platform or bed  110  to move in a rearward direction with respect to the vehicle frame  22 , whereby the front end  128  of the platform or bed  110  extends outward past the front end  36  of the vehicle frame  22  in the direction shown by the arrow  126 . This provides an added advantage when removing workpieces from the utility vehicle  20  in that there is a greater amount of room at the forward end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  to dump or deposit workpieces carried by the utility vehicle  20 . In addition, such an arrangement allows the utility vehicle  20  to be positioned adjacent a cart, wagon or dumpster or some other container, whereby workpieces located on the bed or platform  110  may be raised to a height above and then transferred to the container. 
   In addition, such an arrangement enables the utility vehicle  20  to be placed adjacent a truck or other type of vehicle having a dump box or platform at a position or level higher than the initial or load carrying position of the platform or bed  110  of the utility vehicle  20  whereby the workpieces may be loaded onto the truck for removal and/or disposal. As shown, the loading apparatus  60  engages the ground surface to provide additional support at the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  during the dumping operation. 
   In addition, the platform or bed  110  may include a dump portion  120  which is pivotally attached, via a pivot pin  122  at one end thereof to the platform or bed  110 . A second power source, typically a hydraulic cylinder  124 , is operative to lift or raise the dump portion  120  of the platform or bed  110  to dump or empty workpieces from the platform or bed  110 . 
   In a further embodiment, the dump portion  120  of the platform or bed  110  is pivotally attached to the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  without the need for the plurality of parallel link bars  112 . In such an instance, the hydraulic cylinder  124  operates to pivot the platform or bed  110 . While shown in  FIG. 4  including an entire loading apparatus  60 , the utility vehicle may simply include only the foot assembly  62  of the loading apparatus  60 , which as set forth above, provides support at the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  during the lifting and dumping operation of the utility vehicle  20 . 
   As discussed earlier,  FIG. 4  shows the utility vehicle  20  with wheels  58  rather than the track type drive system as shown in  FIG. 1 . This type of drive arrangement may use lawn or turf type tires that typically cause less damage to the ground surface. Additionally, the number or sets of wheels  58  may vary depending upon the type of surface upon which the utility vehicle  20  is to be operated.  FIG. 5  illustrates the utility vehicle  20  with two wheels  58  on each side of the utility vehicle  20  for a total of four wheels, two on each side. The wheels  58  may be independently mounted to the vehicle frame  22  or may be mounted in pairs on respective axles. The propulsion system  28  associated with the wheels  58  may drive all or one of the wheels  58  depending upon the particular needs of the utility vehicle  20 . In some cases, it may be advantageous to make the utility vehicle  20  an all-wheel drive vehicle. Power transmission systems capable of such a drivetrain are known in the art. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a further embodiment of the utility vehicle  20  including a pivotable platform or bed  130  having a dump box  132  secured thereto. The dump box  132  includes a pivotable gate  134 , which opens when the dump box  132  is raised to allow workpieces or other material to exit the dump box  132 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the dump box  132  can be raised about its pivot axis by a suitable power source such as a hydraulic cylinder  136 . The utility vehicle  20  may include the entire loading apparatus  60  or may simply include only the foot assembly  62  of the loading apparatus  60 , which as set forth above, provides support at the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  during the lifting and dumping operation of the utility vehicle  20 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the hydraulic cylinder  76  that drives the foot member  66  is attached at one end, via a pivot point  138 , to the first end  36  of the utility vehicle  20 . The hydraulic cylinder  76  is attached at the other end to the base portion  70  of the foot member  66 . This is an alternative arrangement for mounting the foot member  66 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 6 , a utility vehicle  20  according to a further embodiment is illustrated having a track-type drive or propulsion system similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . The utility vehicle  20 , having a grapple or claw-type loading apparatus  140  for grasping, lifting, moving and loading a workpiece from one position to another. The grapple assembly  140  includes a rotatable base portion  142  secured to the platform or bed  30  of the utility vehicle  20 . An arm member  144  is pivotally connected to the base portion  142  by a pivot pin  146 . A hydraulic cylinder  148  is connected between the base portion  142  and the arm member  144  and is operative to pivot the arm member  144  about the pivot pin  146 . The arm member  144  may include a telescopic portion whereby it extends in length. Claw-type fingers of  150  are pivotally attached to a support member  152 . Hydraulic cylinders  156  are attached on one end to the support member  152  and on their respective opposite ends to the claw-type fingers  150 . Actuation of the cylinders  156  causes the claw-type fingers  150  to open and close to grasp a workpiece. The support member  152  is pivotally attached to the end  154  of the arm  144  via a pivot pin  158 . 
   As with the previous embodiments, The utility vehicle  20  may include the entire loading apparatus  60  or may simply include only the foot assembly  62  of the loading apparatus  60 , which as set forth above, provides support at the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  during operation of the grapple or claw-type loading apparatus  140 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a utility vehicle  20  having a track-type drive system similar to that shown in  FIG. 1  including a reel loader assembly  160  of the type used to lift and transport reels  162 , typically containing a recoilable product such as cable, hose, or wire. The reel loader assembly  160  includes at least one arm member  164  pivotally attached to the vehicle frame  22 , and may include a pair of arm members. The arm  164  pivots or moves about the pivot point  166  due to operation of a hydraulic cylinder  168 . A reel support member  170  is slidably mounted within a groove or slot  172  located in the arm member  164 . A power source, such as a hydraulic cylinder  174 , is connected to the reel support member  170  and is operative to move the reel support member  170  longitudinally in the direction shown by the arrow  176  to accommodate different size reels  162 . It should be understood that smaller reels  162  may then be lifted and supported on the utility vehicle  20  while keeping their center axis as close as possible to the pivot point  166  of the arm member  164  to reduce the necessary lifting force and moment. 
   With the present embodiment, the utility vehicle  20  typically includes only the foot assembly  62  of the loading apparatus  60 , which provides support at the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  20  during loading of the reel  162 . Thus, the cylinder  76  is used to raise and lower the foot assembly  62 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the same mounting arrangement of the hydraulic cylinder  76  that repositions the foot member  66 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a utility vehicle  20  having a track-type drive or propulsion system similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , having a fork lift/carrier  180  secured to the frame  22  of the utility vehicle  20 . The utility vehicle  20  further includes a foot assembly  62  that engages the ground surface to support the load during operation of the fork lift/carrier assembly  180 . As with the foot assemblies  62  shown in  FIG. 5-6 , the foot assembly  62  differs slightly from the previous embodiments in that the hydraulic cylinder  76  is mounted to the front end  36  of the frame  22  in front of the pivot pin  74  about which the foot member  66  pivots. 
   An arm member  182  of the fork lift/carrier assembly  180  is pivotally attached to the frame  22  by a pivot pin  186 . A hydraulic cylinder  184  operates to move or pivot the arm member  182  toward the front end  36  of the utility vehicle  22 . A plurality of link members  188  and hydraulic cylinders  190  operate to position the fork member  192  and enable it to be lowered to the ground surface and to lift and carry a workpiece, typically a pallet having a load attached thereto. Thus, the fork lift/carrier  180  lifts a pallet from the ground surface onto the utility vehicle  20  where it can be transported to a new location. Further, such assembly can be used to lift and carry pallets from a truck or trailer to a remote or difficult to access location. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a utility vehicle  20  according to the present invention. The utility vehicle  20  utilizes a track-type drive unit or propulsion system  28  similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . It may also utilize a plurality of tires or wheels as shown in  FIG. 4-5 , depending upon the drive arrangement desired. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the utility vehicle  20  includes a further embodiment of a foot assembly  200  including a foot member or pad  202  pivotally attached, via a pivot pin  204 , to a link member  206 . The link member  206  is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin  208 , to the frame  22  of the utility vehicle  20 . A hydraulic cylinder  210  is connected both to the foot member  202  at pivot pin  204  and the frame member  22  via a pivot pin  212 . The hydraulic cylinder  210  or other power source is operative to lower the foot member  202  until it contacts the ground surface whereby it provides support for the vehicle frame  22 . In the disclosed embodiment, the foot member  202 , corresponding hydraulic cylinder  210  and link member  206  are mounted to the vehicle frame  22  between the tracks  34  of the track-type drive or propulsion system  28 . Accordingly, the foot assembly  200  provides support for the utility vehicle  20  during use of the vehicle, particularly when the utility vehicle  20  includes many of the implements set forth previously. Thus, at least a portion of the utility vehicle  20  is supported by the foot member  202  rather than the components of the drive system or propulsion unit  28 . It should be understood that the length of the link member  206  can be extended such that the foot member  202  is disposed adjacent or past the front end  36  of the vehicle  20 . 
     FIG. 9  also discloses a further embodiment of a utility vehicle  20  according to the present invention including a loading apparatus or system, seen generally at  214 . The loading apparatus or system  214  includes a fork assembly  216 . The loading apparatus  214  can be used in connection with the foot assembly  200 . The fork assembly  216  includes at least one fork member  218  pivotally attached, via a pivot pin  220 , to the vehicle frame  22  and a hydraulic cylinder  222 . The hydraulic cylinder  222  is pivotally attached on one end thereof, via a pivot pin  224 , to the leg portion  226  of the fork member  218 . The other end thereof connected to the vehicle frame  22  whereby actuation of the hydraulic cylinder  222  raises and lowers the fork assembly  216 . 
   Accordingly, at least some of the weight or loading force; i.e., the force generated when a load placed on the fork member  218  is lifted from the ground surface onto the utility vehicle  20 , is borne by transferred to the foot member  202 . As set forth previously, this arrangement enables a workpiece to be lifted by the fork assembly  216  onto the utility vehicle  20 , whereby at least a portion of the weight thereof is borne by the foot member  202  and correspondingly the ground surface. 
   It should be understood that part of the invention is the use of a loading apparatus  60  having a foot assembly  62  and a fork assembly  64  wherein at least a portion of the weight or load distribution is borne by the foot assembly  62  rather than the utility vehicle  20  when the fork assembly  64  is used to lift and deposit a load on the utility vehicle  20 . Further, at least a portion of the weight or load is also borne by the foot assembly and correspondingly the ground surface when using other implements, including a dump box or raisable bed as disclosed in the previous embodiments. Such an arrangement enables the utility vehicle  20  to be of a light weight and easily maneuverable construction and versatile in that it is suitable to support a variety of implements. 
   The present invention discloses the use of hydraulics, including hydraulic motors as a power source. Other power sources such as ball screws, screw jacks and similar power sources may be used to move and reposition the various components, including the loading apparatus  60  of the utility vehicle  20 . 
   The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention