Patent Publication Number: US-11649605-B2

Title: Engine mount for compact utility loader

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present non-provisional patent application claims priority benefit to prior-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/879,796, filed on Jul. 29, 2019, and entitled “COMPACT UTILITY LOADER”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/984,476, filed on Mar. 3, 2020, and entitled “COMPACT UTILITY LOADER.” The entirety of both above-identified prior-filed provisional patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference into the present non-provisional patent application. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to utility loaders. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to compact utility loaders that can carry and operate a wide range of attachments while maintaining a reduced operating footprint. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many utility loaders on the market today. Such utility loaders are generally used as hydraulic tool carriers configured to operate a variety of hydraulically-driven tools or attachments. Common attachments include augers, trenchers, grapples, etc. Other non-hydraulic attachments may also be carried by utility loaders, such as buckets, rakes, etc. 
     Unfortunately, currently-available utility loaders are commonly manufactured in large sizes (e.g., having large widths and lengths), which can make the loaders difficult to maneuver and operate. There are some versions of compact utility loaders that are formed with reduced widths and/or lengths; however, such compact utility loaders are generally manufactured with narrow tracks, which reduces maneuverability and can be problematic for load distribution onto the ground. For instance, the use of narrow tracks on utility loaders can cause ruts to be formed in soft ground. As such, there is a need for a compact utility loader having a small, reduced width but that includes large, oversized tracks, so as to provide for improved maneuverability and load distribution. It would also be beneficial to provide compact utility loaders that include improved loader arm configurations and enhanced operator functionalities to improve the operational capabilities of the loader. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a compact utility loader comprising a frame including a lower portion and an upper portion. A width of the lower portion is smaller than a width of the upper portion. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a first track and a second track, with each track being positioned on a side of the frame. Each of the tracks has a width of at least “7.5” inches, and the compact utility loader has an overall width of no more than “36” inches. 
     Additional embodiments of the present invention include a compact utility loader comprising a frame, an engine, a pair of loader arms, and an attachment secured to ends of the loader arms. The compact utility loader additionally includes a first track or wheel and a second track or wheel positioned on either side of the frame. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a control interface including a graphic display configured to present operational information to an operator. The graphic display is configured to present a login screen prompting the operator for a passcode. The engine is prevented from being started until a valid passcode is entered via the control interface. 
     Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include a compact utility loader comprising a frame, a first track and a second track positioned on either side of the frame, and a pair of loader arms. The loader arms are configured to couple with an attachment via a hitch plate and a hitch pin. The compact utility loader is configured such that as the loader arms are raised and lowered, the hitch pin follows a path approximately defined by a curve ƒ(x)=4.641e 0.34x  The value “x” represents a horizontal direction and the function ƒ(x) represents a vertical direction. 
     Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include a compact utility loader comprising a frame and a loader arm configured in a vertical-lift configuration. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a link pivotably secured to the loader arm and to the frame, and an actuator pivotably secured to the loader arm and to the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises a track assembly configured to maintain the loader arm in direct attachment to the frame. 
     Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include a compact utility loader comprising a frame, and a pair of loader arms supported by the frame. The frame includes a right side, a left side, and a bottom side extending between the right side and the left side. The compact utility loader additionally includes an engine mount secured to the bottom side of the frame and spaced apart from each of the left side and the right side of the frame. The compact utility loader further comprises an engine supported on the engine mount. 
     Additionally, embodiments of the present invention include a compact utility loader comprising a frame, and a loader arm configured to support an attachment. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a first link pivotably secured to the frame, a second link pivotably secured to the frame, and an actuator configured to raise and lower the loader arm. The actuator is not simultaneously secured to both the frame and the loader arm. 
     Additional embodiments of the present invention include a compact utility loader comprising a frame, an engine, a pair of loader arms, and an attachment secured to ends of the loader arms. The compact utility loader additionally includes a first track or wheel and a second track or wheel positioned on either side of the frame. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a control interface including a keyless start mechanism configured to start said engine without requiring a physical key. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a compact utility loader according to embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a rear perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1  and  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a top plan view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is another front perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 5   , with a hood being raised to show internal components of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-section of the compact utility loader taken along the line  7 - 7  from  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the cross-section from  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a top perspective view of a frame and certain internal components, such as an engine, a flywheel, and a pump, of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic illustration of a powertrain of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a side perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , particularly illustrating internal components of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-section of the compact utility loader taken along the line  12 - 12  from  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-section of the compact utility loader taken along the line  13 - 13  from  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  14   a    is another perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , particularly illustrating an attachment in the form of a bucket being separated from loader arms of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  14   b    is another perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , particularly illustrating the loader arms raising an attachment in the form of a bucket; 
         FIG.  15   a    is side elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  14   b   , particularly illustrating a path traveled by the loader arms when shifting between a lowered position and a raised position; 
         FIG.  15   b    is another side elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  14   b   , particularly illustrating a continuing path traveled by the loader arms when shifting between a lowered position and a raised position; 
         FIG.  16    is a graphical representation plotted to illustrate a path traveled by loader arms from the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6    when shifting between a lowered position and a raised position; 
         FIG.  17   a    is a partial perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , magnified to illustrate a track assembly directly connecting a loader arm to a frame of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  17   b    is another perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , magnified to illustrate a track assembly directly connecting a loader arm to a frame of the compact utility loader and having a portion of the compact utility loader removed to illustrate a rear link, a control link, and an actuator indirectly connecting the loader arm to the frame; 
         FIG.  18    is an exploded view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  17   a  and  17   b   , particularly illustrating the track assembly, the rear link, the control link, and the actuator; 
         FIG.  19   a    is another partial perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , magnified to illustrate a track assembly directly connecting a loader arm to a frame of the compact utility loader, with the loader arm transitioning between a lowered position and a raised position; 
         FIG.  19   b    is another partial perspective view similar to  FIG.  19   a   , with the loader arm in the raised position; 
         FIG.  20    is a side elevation view of a compact utility loader according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with loader arms of the compact utility loader in a lowered position; 
         FIG.  21    is a side elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  20   , with the loader arms in a raised position; 
         FIG.  22    is a side elevation view of a compact utility loader according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with loader arms of the compact utility loader in a lowered position; 
         FIG.  23    is a side elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  22   , with the loader arms in a raised position; 
         FIG.  24    is a side elevation view of a compact utility loader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with loader arms of the compact utility loader in a lowered position; 
         FIG.  25    is a side elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  24   , with the loader arms in a raised position; 
         FIG.  26    is another rear perspective view of the loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , particularly illustrating a control station located at a rear of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  27    is a rear elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  26   , with a portion of a radiator cut away to illustrate a fan positioned below a control panel of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  28    is another rear elevation view of the compact utility loader from  FIG.  27   , with the control panel raised to illustrate pilot control valve assemblies associated with joysticks of the compact utility loader; 
         FIG.  29    is graphical user interface in the form of a Login Screen that can be presented on a graphic display of the compact utility loader of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  30    is a graphical user interface in the form of an initial version of an Operations Screen that can be presented on a graphic display of the compact utility loader of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  31    is a graphical user interface in the form of an additional version of an Operations Screen that can be presented on a graphic display of the compact utility loader of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  32    is a graphical user interface in the form of yet an additional version of an Operations Screen that can be presented on a graphic display of the compact utility loader of embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG.  33    is a graphical user interface in the form of still an additional version of an Operations Screen that can be presented on a graphic display of the compact utility loader of embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  34    is another partial rear perspective view of the compact utility loader from  FIGS.  1 - 6   , particularly illustrating a control panel being raised to provide access to a radiator and fan for cleaning. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the present invention references various embodiments. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     General 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a utility loader  10  (the “loader  10 ”), as illustrated in exemplary  FIGS.  1 - 5   . Broadly, the loader  10  may comprise a frame  12  supported on the ground by a drive assembly  14 . As will be discussed in more detail below, in addition to supporting the loader  10  on the ground, the drive assembly  14  is configured to propel the loader  10  over the ground. The loader  10  may additionally comprise a pair of vertically-shiftable loader arms  16  supported by the frame  12 . The loader arms  16  are configured to support various types of attachments  18  for performing various types of work, as required by an operator of the loader  10 . The loader  10  may include a control station  20  positioned at a rear of the frame  12 . The control station  20  may include a control panel  22  (See  FIGS.  1 ,  4 , and  5   ) with a plurality of control elements (e.g., buttons, switches, levers, joysticks, etc.) to permit the operator to control operation of the loader  10 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     As used herein, directional terms are implemented from the perspective of an operator standing at the control station  20  (located at the rear of the loader  10 ) and facing the opposite end of the loader  10  (i.e., facing a front end of the loader  10 . Thus, the terms “front” and “forward” mean a longitudinal direction towards the front end of the loader  10 . It is noted that the attachment  18  is supported at the front end of the loader by connection to front ends of the loader arms  16 . The terms “back,” “rear”, or “rearward” mean a longitudinal direction towards the back end of the loader  10  which includes the control station  20 . The term “left” or “leftward” means a left lateral direction from the perspective of the operator standing at the control station  20  and facing forward, and the terms “right” or “rightward” means a right lateral direction from the perspective of the operator standing at the control station  20  and facing forward. 
     The loader  10  may comprise a “compact utility loader” or a “CUL.” As used herein the term “compact utility loader” refers to a loader that is a self-propelled machine having an operating mass of less than about 3400 pounds and having one or more loader arms configured to support various interchangeable, attachments that are operably connected with front ends of the loader arms. The attachments may be tools that have hydraulically-driven auxiliary functions, such as augers, grinders, tillers, rollers, trenchers, digger derrick, or the like. Alternatively, the attachments may comprise buckets, forks, or the like. Often, a compact utility loader will be operated by an operator standing on, or walking behind, a rear end of the loader. Compact utility loaders are different from standard loaders, such as skid-steer loaders, which are large and quite heavy. Generally, an operator of such a standard loader (e.g., a skid-steer loader) will operate the loader while seated in an operating compartment of the loader. Beneficially, because compact utility loaders have a smaller size and weight than standard loaders (e.g., a skid-steer loaders), compact utility loaders can be much more maneuverable and provide more efficient load/weight distribution than standard loaders. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a loader  10  with loader arms  16  having a “vertical-lift configuration.” As used herein, the term “vertical-lift configuration” means a configuration of loader arms  16  in which the entirety of the loader arms shifts its position upward, downward, forward, and/or rearward with respect to the frame  12  of the loader  10  as the loader arms transition between lowered and raised positions. Such vertical-lift configured loader arms can beneficially raise an attachment (e.g., a bucket or other tool) along a substantially vertical path. A vertical-lift configuration is different from a “pivot-lift configuration” (also commonly referred to as a “radial lift configuration) in which the loader arms are secured to the frame via a fixed pivot point. As such the portion of the loader arms that are fixed to the frame via the pivot points do not shift its position upward, downward, forward, and/or rearward with respect to the frame (as is required for a vertical-lift configuration). In a pivot-lift configuration, the forward ends of the loader arms travel further away (in a forward direction) from the frame of the loader (and/or a center of gravity of the loader) while the loader arms are being moved between lowered and raised positions. The attachment (e.g., the bucket) being supported by the loader arms may be supporting a heavy load, such that the shifting the attachment too far away from the loader&#39;s center of gravity can cause the loader to tip forward, which can be dangerous to the operator, as well as the loader and its load. Another advantage of a vertical lift configuration over a pivot-lift configuration is when the loader arms are completely raised, the pivot-lift configuration brings its loads back toward the middle of the loader, thus, making it more difficult to dump (in the embodiments in which the attachment is a bucket) into a container or dump truck. A vertical-lift configuration has the advantage of more reach away from the loader when the loader arms are fully lifted. 
     Returning to the loader  10  of embodiments of the present invention in more detail, and with reference to  FIG.  6   , the frame  12  may form a housing that defines an interior compartment within which various components of the loader  10  (e.g., engine, hydraulic system, etc.) are housed and supported, as will be discussed in more detail below. Turning to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , the frame  12  may comprise a left side  30  and a right side  32 , which are connected together via a bottom side  34 . As such, the frame  12  presents the interior compartment for supporting various components of the loader  10 . Returning to  FIGS.  3  and  6   , a hood  36  may be hingedly connected a top of the frame  14  so as to enclose and present a covering for the components supported with the interior compartment of the frame  12  of the loader  10 . The hood  36  may be formed from plastic, fiberglass, or other similar material. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the hood can be raised (See  FIG.  6   ) so as to provide access to the components supported with the interior compartment of the frame  12  of the loader  10  so as to facilitate efficient service and maintenance of the loader  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the drive assembly  14  of the loader may comprise a pair of endless tracks  40  that extend from either exterior side of the frame  12 . In more detail, the drive assembly  14  may comprise a pair of track frames  42 , with each track frame  42  being rigidly secured to one exterior side of the frame  12  of the loader  10 . As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  9    the left side track frame  42  may be rigidly secured (e.g., via welding) to the left side  30  of the frame  12 , so as to extend laterally away from the frame  12 . Similarly, the right side track frame  42  may be rigidly secured (e.g., via welding) to the right side  32  of the frame  12 , so as to extend laterally away from the frame  12 . One of the tracks  40  may loop around each of the track frames  42  so as to present a left track  42  and a right track  40 . As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the track frames  42  may include one or more wheels (e.g., idler wheels, bogey wheels, etc.) rotatably secured thereto, so as to permit the tracks  40  to rotate around the track frames  42 . The tracks  40  may be formed from rubber, metal, or combinations thereof. Although the loader  10  is illustrated as having tracks  40 , in some embodiments, the loader  10  may include one or more wheels on each side  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  to support and to propel the loader  10 . 
     To facilitate rotation of the tracks  42 , the drive assembly  14  may additionally comprise a pair of drive sprockets  44  positioned on either exterior side of the frame  12  of the loader  10 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . Specifically, in some embodiments, a left side drive sprocket  44  may extend from the left side  30  of the frame at a position above the left side track frame  42 . Similarly, a right side drive sprocket  44  may extend from the right side  32  of the frame  12  at a position above the left side track frame  42 . Each of the tracks  40  may be looped around both of the associated track frame  42  and drive sprocket  44 . As such, the tracks  40  may be configured in a triangular shape. As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  8   , an interior surface of the tracks  40  may be formed with nubs that engage with teeth of the drive sprockets  44 , such that rotation of the drive sprockets  44  will cause a corresponding rotation of the tracks  40 . As such, the loader  10  can be propelled by rotating the drive sprockets  44 , which causes rotation of the tracks  40 . 
     To assist in providing enhanced maneuverability and weight distribution of the loader  10 , the loader  10  may be configured to have both a small, overall width (relative to other common, previously-used loaders) but large or oversized tracks  40 . In more detail, and with reference to  FIG.  7   , the loader  10  may have an overall, lateral width W 1  (i.e., extending from the lateral-most point on each side of the loader  10 ) that is no more than 44 inches, no more than 42 inches, no more than 40 inches, no more than 38 inches, no more than 36 inches, no more than 34 inches, no more than 32 inches, no more than 30 inches, or no more than 28 inches. In addition, the loader  10  may include tracks  40  that each have a width W 2  of at 7.5 inches, least 8 inches, at least 9 inches, at least 10 inches, at least 11 inches, or at least 12 inches. In some embodiments, a ratio of the track width W 2  to the overall width W 1  of the loader  10  may be at least 1:4, at least 5:18, at least 1:3, at least 7:18, or at least 4:9. Such a configuration (i.e., a loader  10  having a narrow overall width W 1  and tracks  40  having a large width W 2 ) permits the loader  10  to be highly maneuverable, while maintaining preferred load/weight distribution onto the ground. As such, the loader  10  can successfully maneuver in tight spaces (e.g., through lawn gates) and over various types of terrain (e.g., soft or muddy ground) without causing ruts while carrying different types of attachments (e.g., a hydraulically-driven attachment or a bucket) to perform various types of operations. In certain embodiments, the use of such large, oversized tracks  40  will allow the loader  10  to exert a pressure of no more than 3.7 pounds per square inch (psi), no more than 3.8 psi, no more than 3.9 psi, no more than 4.0 psi, or no more than 4.1 psi onto the ground. Such pressure is exerted on the ground even in embodiments in which the loader  10  weighs between 3000 and 3400 pounds, between 3100 and 3300 pounds, or about 3200 pounds. 
     Returning to the frame  12 , the loader  10  is configured to have (i) a generally narrow overall width W 1  (e.g., about 36 inches wide), and (ii) a pair of generally large, oversized tracks  10  (e.g., each about 10 inches wide), in part, due to the frame  12  (or at least a portion thereof) being shaped in the form of the letter “T.” As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , a cross-section of the loader  10  illustrates how the frame  12  is formed in a “T” shape. In more detail, the frame  12  may broadly comprise an upper portion  46  and a lower portion  48 . Specifically, the left side  30  of the frame  12  may comprise an upper panel  30 ( a ) and a lower panel  30 ( b ), which are connected by a lateral panel  30 ( c ). Similarly, the right side  32  of the frame  12  may comprise an upper panel  32 ( a ) and a lower panel  32 ( b ), which are connected by a lateral panel  32 ( c ). The upper panels  30 ( a ),  32 ( a ) may form the upper portion  46  of the frame  12 , while the lower panels  30 ( b ),  32 ( b ) may form the lower portions  48  of the frame  12 . The bottom side  34  of the frame  12  may also form part of the lower portion  48  of the frame  12 . To provide the frame  12  with the T-shape, the lower portion  48  of the frame  12  may have a width W 3  that is less than a width W 4  of the upper portion  46 . In some specific embodiments, the width W 3  may be between 11 and 19 inches, between 13 and 17 inches, or about 15 inches, while the width W 4  may be about between 17 and 25 inches, between 19 and 23 inches, or about 21 inches. As such, in some embodiments, a ratio between the width W 3  and W 4  will be between 3:5 and 4:5, between 3:5 and 13:15, or about 7:10 (or about 2:3, or about 11:15, or about 4:5). 
     Given the differences in width between the lower portion  48  and the upper portion  46  of the frame  12 , the frame  12  may present track wells  49 , as perhaps shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , configured to receive at least a portion of the tracks  40  of the loader  10 . The track wells  49  may be defined by the space below the lateral panels  30 ( c ),  32 ( c ) and to the exterior side of the lower panels  30 ( b ),  32 ( b ). In more detail, and returning to  FIG.  7   , and as was described previously, the loader  10  may include a track frame  42  extending from each lateral side of the lower portion  46  the frame  12 . Specifically, the track frames  42  may be secured to (e.g., via welding) and extend laterally away from the lower panels  30 ( b ),  32 ( b ) of the loader  10  frame  12 . As was described above, each track frame  42  is configured to support a large, oversized track  40 . As such, the tracks  40  will be positioned within the wells  49 , at least partly underneath the upper portions  46  of the frame  12 . Such a configuration permits the use of large, oversized tracks  40  while allowing loader  10  to have a small overall width W 1 . 
     In certain embodiments, the frame  12  of the loader  10  may have a front-to-back length (excluding the attachment  18 ) of between 60 and 100 inches, between 70 and 90 inches, or about 85 inches. The frame  12  of the loader  10  may have a top-to-bottom height (as measured with the loader arms  16  in the down position) of between 40 and 70 inches, between 50 and 60 inches, or about 55 inches. In some embodiments, the loader  10  will be configured with a ground clearance (as measured from the ground to the bottom side  34  of the frame of between 6 and 10 inches, between 7 and 9 inches, or about 7.5 inches. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention are further configured to provide the loader  10  with a small overall width W 1  and large, oversized tracks  40  by providing for the sprockets  44  to be formed in a conical shape. In more detail, with reference to  FIG.  8    (such conical shape is also illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ), the sprockets  44  may have a circular base about which a plurality of teeth are circumferentially spaced. Generally, the base of each sprocket  44  will be positioned adjacent to the respective side  30 ,  32  of the frame  10 . A rotational axis of each sprocket  44  will generally extend through a center of the circular base of the sprocket  44 . From the base, the sprockets  44  each extend laterally outward while narrowing to a hub so as to provide the sprocket  44  with the conical shape. In some embodiments, the sprockets  44  will extend from the base to the hub via a plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes. The rotational axis of each sprocket  44  will generally extend through a center of the hub of the sprocket  44 . In view of the above description, the sprockets  44  will have a conical shape with a radius (i.e., a distance from the rotational axis to an outer edge of the base) or a diameter of the base being larger than a radius (i.e., a distance from the rotational axis to an outer edge of the hub) or a diameter of the hub. Thus, the diameter of the sprockets  44  becomes larger as the sprockets extend from outboard to inboard when positioned on the loader  10 . 
     As noted above, the conical shape of the sprockets  44  assists in allowing the loader  10  to have a generally small overall width W 1 , yet large, oversized tracks  40 . Specifically, the loader  10  may include a pair of hydraulic motors  50  positioned on either side of the frame  12  (a schematic depiction of a powertrain of the loader  10  is shown in  FIG.  10   , with the powertrain including the motors  50 , an engine  52 , a hydraulic pump  54 , and a flywheel  56 ). Portions of the powertrain are also illustrated within the loader  10  in  FIGS.  9  and  11   . In some embodiments, the motors  50  may be attached to an exterior side of the left and right sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . For instance, the motors  50  may be attached to the lower panels  30 ( b ),  32 ( b ) of the frame  12 . In some specific embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG.  12   , the motors  50  may each be at least partially enclosed in a motor housing  58  that forms part of the left and right sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  (the left side motor  50  is not shown in  FIG.  12   , only the left side motors housing  58  is shown). Each of the motors  50  may include a driveshaft that extends laterally from the frame  12 . An end of each driveshaft is configured to secure to the hub of an associated sprocket  44 . As such, the motors  50  are configured to rotate their driveshafts and, thus, the sprockets  44 . Because of the conical shape of the sprockets  44 , the bases of the sprockets will be positioned inward away from the hub and towards the frame  12  of the loader  10 . As noted previously, the teeth of the sprockets  44  are positioned on the base of the sprockets  44 . Due to the conical shape of the sprockets  44 , the teeth of the sprockets  44  can be positioned inward, closer to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . As was described previously, the teeth of the sprockets  44  engage with the nubs on the tracks  40  to cause the tracks  40  to actuate. Stated differently, the base of the sprockets  44  (which are the inboard-most portion of the sprockets  44 ) are the portions of the sprockets  44  that engage with their respective tracks  40 . The nubs are generally positioned at a center of the tracks  40 . As a result of the teeth being positioned closer to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 , the tracks  40  can likewise be positioned closer to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . By allowing the tracks  40  to be positioned closer to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 , the left and right side tracks  40  can be positioned closer together, such that the loader  10  can have a generally small overall width W 1 , yet use large, oversized tracks  40 . 
     The loader  10  may additionally include a stop element  59 , as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , which extends from one of the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  and is configured to selectively engage with a sprocket  44  so as to prevent rotation of the sprocket  44  and, thus, to prevent rotation of the track  40 . In some embodiments, the loader  10  will include a stop element  59  extending from each side  30 ,  32  of the frame, such that one of the stop elements  59  can engage with each of the left side sprocket  44  and the right side sprocket  44  so as to prevent actuation of both the left side and the right side track  40 . The stop elements  59  may be hydraulically actuated from retracted positions, in which the stop elements  59  do not engage with the sprockets  44  (and, thus, do not prevent rotation of the sprockets  44 ), to an extended position where the stop elements are engaged with the sprockets by being positioned between adjacent teeth of the sprockets  44  (and, thus, restrict rotation of the sprockets  44 ). With the stop elements  59  engaged with the sprockets  44 , the stop elements  59  may function as parking brakes or emergency brakes for the loader  10 , so as to prevent the loader  10  from inadvertent or unwanted movement by inhibiting rotation of the sprockets  44  and/or actuation of the tracks  40 . 
     An interior compartment presented by the frame  12  of the loader  10  is depicted in  FIG.  9   . The interior compartment is configured to receive, house, and support various components of the loader  10 , such as the engine  52  and the hydraulic pump  54 . In more detail, the engine  52  may be generally positioned towards a rear of the frame  12 , within a rear portion of the interior compartment. Such rearward shifting of the engine  52  provides space for secondary, internal components of the loader  10  to be positioned within a front portion of the interior compartment. Such internal components include portions of a hydraulic system of the loader  10 , such as a hydraulic pump  54 , a hydraulic fluid reservoir, hydraulic lines, and the like. The secondary, internal components may additionally include a fuel tank, fuel lines, a hydraulic filter, a fuel filter, a water separator, and the like. Such internal components can be easily accessed by lifting the hood  36 , which covers the internal components during operation, as is illustrated by  FIG.  6   . 
     The hydraulic pump  54  is also positioned within the interior compartment forward of the engine  52 . In some embodiments, the flywheel  56  will be positioned between the engine  52  and the hydraulic pump  54 . Regardless, the hydraulic pump  54  will generally be positioned between the hydraulic motors  50  (illustrated schematically in  FIG.  10   ), such that the hydraulic pump  54  can provide hydraulic power to the motors  50  so as to drive the motors  50  (which themselves drive the conical sprockets  44  and, thus, the tracks  40 ). As such, the engine  52  will be positioned rearward of the hydraulic motors  50 . In more detail, the engine  52  may be an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, that generates power to be used by the hydraulic pump  54 . As noted previously, the hydraulic pump  54  provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the motors  50  to actuate the sprockets  44  and tracks  40 . In some embodiments, the hydraulic pump  54  may include and/or may be associated with a hydrostatic transmission which provides hydraulic fluid to the motors  50  to drive the sprockets  44  and tracks  40 . The flywheel  56  may be used to maintain a consistent power output from the motor during varying RPMs. In certain embodiments, the flywheel  56  may include a housing that houses the internal components of the flywheel  56 . 
     To support the engine  52  and the flywheel  56 , embodiments of the present invention may include support brackets (illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  11 - 13   ) that beneficially do not contact the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . In more detail, as shown in  FIGS.  9 ,  11   , and  13 , the loader  10  may include an improved stabilized engine mount  60 . The engine mount  60  is configured to secure the engine  52  to the frame  12  at points below the engine  52 , instead of traditional methods that might secure the engine  52  at the side of the engine  52 . In more detail, as perhaps best shown in  FIGS.  11  and  13   , the engine mount  60  is secured to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12 , so as to secure the engine  52  to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12 . As such, the engine  52  is free of attachment to either of the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 , as shown in the top plan view of  FIG.  9   . The engine  52  being free of attachment to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  increases the area around the engine  52  that an operator or repairman may reach to perform various repair, service, and/or maintenance tasks. Further, for removal of the engine  52  from the interior compartment, the engine  52  may be released from the engine mount  60  and/or the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  via an access port  61  formed in the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  forward of the engine mount  60  (See, e.g.,  FIG.  11   ). The access port  61  may have a rectangular shape and may generally be covered by a panel that can be removed (e.g., via release of fasteners) so as to provide access to the access port  61 . Such release of the engine  52  from the engine mount  60  may be advantageously performed even before the full weight of the engine  52  is otherwise supported (e.g., by a lift, crane, or the like). 
     As was described above, and as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 ,  11 , and  13   , the engine  52  is supported towards the rear of the loader  10  by the engine mount  60 , which is supported on the bottom side  34  of the frame  12 . As perhaps best illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the engine mount  60  may comprises a base element  60 ( a ), a vertically extending left extension bracket  60 ( b ), a vertically extending right extension bracket  60 ( c ), and a frame attachment component  60 ( d ). As such, the base element  60 ( a ) extends laterally between the left and right extension brackets  60 ( b ) and ( c ), which extend upward from the base element  60 ( a ). Thus, in some embodiments, the engine mount  60  may be at least partially formed with a U-shape when viewed from the front or the back (see, e.g.,  FIG.  13   ). In some embodiments, the frame attachment component  60 ( d ) will be secured to the bottom side  34  of the loader  10  frame  12  via welding or fasteners. However, in other embodiments, the frame attachment component  60 ( d ) may be integrally formed with the bottom side  34  of the loader  10  frame  12 , in which case the frame attachment component  60 ( d ) may form part of the loader  10  frame  12  instead of the engine mount  60 . The base segment  60 ( a ) may be secured to the frame attachment component  60 ( d ), such as via a fastener that is accessible from the access port  61  for efficient removal of the engine  52  (such as for service, repair, or replacement). If necessary, the engine mount  60  may also be removed from the frame  12  of the loader  10 . 
     It should be appreciated that the engine mount  60  is physically separated from the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 , as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , so as to improve access to the engine  52  for maintenance and repairs thereof. Upper ends of the left extension bracket  60 ( b ) and the right extension bracket  60 ( c ) may be secured to the left and right sides of the engine  52 , respectively, such as via fasteners (See, e.g.,  FIG.  11   ), so as to keep the engine  52  stable and structurally supported to the frame  12 . Specifically, the engine  52  will generally be positioned between and secured to the left extension bracket  60 ( b ) and the right extension bracket  60 ( c ). 
     In addition, the loader  10  may include an improved stabilized flywheel mount  62 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 ,  11 , and  12   . The flywheel mount  62  is configured to secure the flywheel  56  to the frame  12  at points below the flywheel  56 . Specifically, the flywheel mount  62  is configured to secure the housing of flywheel  56  to the frame  12 . In more detail, the flywheel mount  62  is secured to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12 , so as to secure the flywheel  56  (or the housing of the flywheel  56  more specifically) to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12 . As such, the flywheel  56  and/or the housing of the flywheel  56  is free of attachment to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . The flywheel  56  and/or the housing of the flywheel  56  being free of attachment to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  increases the area around the flywheel  56  that an operator or repairman may reach to perform various service, repair, and maintenance tasks. Further, for removal of the flywheel  56  from the interior compartment, the flywheel  56  may be released from the flywheel mount  62  and/or the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  via the access port  61  previously described, or a second access port  63  formed in the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  forward of the flywheel mount  62  (See, e.g.,  FIG.  11   ). The access port  63  may have a rectangular shape and may generally be covered by a panel that can be removed (e.g., via release of fasteners) so as to provide access to the access port  63 . Such release of the flywheel  56  may be performed even before the full weight of the flywheel  56  is otherwise supported (e.g., by a lift, crane, or the like). 
     With respect to  FIG.  12   , the flywheel mount  62  is shown secured to both the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  and the flywheel  56  (or the housing of the flywheel  56  more specifically). The flywheel mount  62  is secured to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  by two lower fasteners, which are secured to a protrusion that extends upward from the bottom  34  side of the frame  12 . Such a protrusion is illustrated as a trapezoidal prism. The fasteners allow for the flywheel mount  62  to be released from the frame  12  if necessary. 
     The flywheel mount  62  may have a generally V-shape (when viewed from the front or back as shown in  FIG.  12   ) and comprises a left protrusion  62 ( a ) and a right protrusion  62 ( b ), which are each secured to one of the respective downward protrusions of the flywheel  56  (or the housing of the flywheel  56  more specifically). An upper fastener is disposed between the flywheel  56  (or the housing of the flywheel  56  more specifically) and each of the left and right protrusions  62 ( a ) and ( b ) of the flywheel mount  62 . Such upper fasteners may be removed for removal of the flywheel  56  from the flywheel mount  62 . 
     Remaining with  FIGS.  9  and  11   , the hydraulic pump  54  may be secured to the frame  12  via a pump bracket  64  that is directly connected to one of the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . The pump bracket  64  may be used to brace the pump  54  to reduce vibrations or to otherwise stabilize the pump  54 . 
     Shown in  FIG.  9    are the engine mount  60  and the flywheel mount  62  being disposed within the internal compartment of the frame  12  defined by the left side  30 , the right  32 , and the bottom side  34 . It should be appreciated that the engine mount  60  and the flywheel mount  62  are both physically separated from the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 , such that a gap exists between both the engine mount  60  and the flywheel mount  62  and the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . Instead, the engine mount  60  and the flywheel mount  62  are both secured to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12 . The engine mount  60  and the flywheel mount  62  both extend upwardly from the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  and are free of connection to the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12 . The engine mount  60  and the flywheel mount  62  both secure to their respective components (i.e., the engine  52  and the flywheel  56 ) away from a geometric center of such components (i.e., connection is made to the sides of the components) so as to provide lateral stability while still enabling easy access to the sides of the engine  52  and flywheel  56 , respectively. As such, and in summary, the engine  52  is positioned within a rearward portion of the interior compartment and is secured to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  via the engine mount  60 . A forward end of the engine  52  is secured to a rearward end of the flywheel  56  (and/or a rearward end of the housing that supports the components of flywheel  56 ), which is secured to the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  via the flywheel mount  62 . A forward end of the flywheel  56  (and/or a forward end of the housing that supports the components of flywheel  56 ) is secured to a rearward end of the pump  54 , which is secured to one of the sides  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  at a front end of the pump  54 . 
     As shown above, the fasteners of the flywheel housing mount  62  and the engine mount  60  may be accessed from below the loader  10  for removal of the engine  52  and/or flywheel  56 . Specifically, the two access ports  61 ,  63  are disposed in the bottom side  34  of the frame  12  to allow for access to the respective fasteners, as well as other components of the loader  10  (e.g., for access to and efficient removal of the pump  54 ). 
     Loader Arm Configuration 
     Embodiments of the present invention include improved, stabilized loader arms  16  for the loader  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  14     a  (with the loader arms  16  in a lowered position) and  FIG.  14   b    (with the loader arms  16  in a raised position). In more detail, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the loader arms  16  may be retained adjacent to and/or secured or attached directly to the frame  12 . By being retained adjacent to and/or secured or attached directly to the frame  12 , embodiments of the present invention inhibit lateral or yawing motion of the loader arms  16 , such as when the loader arms  16  are loaded with a heavy or an uneven load or when the loader  10  is driving over uneven terrain. Although the loader arms  16 , which are described in more detail below, are retained adjacent to and/or secured or attached directly to the frame  12 , the loader arms  16  are nevertheless configured in a vertical-lift configuration. As such, the loader arms  16  provide the loader  10  with advantages of a vertical-lift configuration, such raising loads substantially vertically while keeping the loader arms  16  securely aligned with the frame  12  of the loader  10 . Additional benefits of the loader arms  16  having the vertical-lift configuration include keeping loads longitudinally close to a center of gravity of the loader  10 . Further, loads are generally prevented from being raised directly over the top of the loader  10 , to minimize risks of loads striking the loader  10  or impacting the operator when being lifted. Such benefits are generally not provided by traditional, pivot-lift configured loader arms which actuate in a wide arcuate motion. Such arcuate motion often includes the attachment bringing the loads above the loader, which can pose a danger to the loader and/or to the operator. 
     In more detail, the loader arms  16  of the loader  10  are configured to operate with an extended reach and enhanced breakout strength.  FIGS.  15   a  and  15   b    illustrate a travel path  66  made by front ends of the loader arms  16  (and/or of the attachment  18  supported by the loader arms  16 ) as the loader arms  16  transition between the lowered and raised positions.  FIG.  15   a    shows an initial portion of the travel path  66  from the lowered position to an intermediate position, while  FIG.  15   b    illustrates a secondary portion of the travel path  66  from the intermediate position to the raised position. In more detail, the travel path  66  may be defined as a path travelled by an attachment hitch pin  68  of the loader  10  (when viewing the loader  10  from a side elevation, see e.g.,  FIGS.  15   a  and  15   b   ). In more detail, each of the loader arms  16  may include an attachment hitch pin  68  positioned at the front end of the respective loader arm  16 . The attachment hitch pins  68  may be used to connect an attachment  18  to the loader arms  16 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS.  14   a - 15   b   , the hitch pins  68  may secure a hitch plate  69  (e.g., a quick hitch assembly) to the loader arms  16 , with the hitch plate  69  comprising a connection assembly configurable to secure attachments to the loader arms  16 . The hitch plate  69  is generally configured to support one or more types of attachments  18  thereon. 
     Turning to  FIG.  16   , the travel path  66  of the loader arms  16  is illustrated on a two-dimensional axis (i.e., an “x” “y” axis). As shown, the travel path  66  may approximate the function:
 
ƒ( x )=4.641 e   0.34x .
 
The horizontal direction (e.g., the forward/rearward direction) traveled by the loader arms  16  and/or the hitch pins  68  represents the “x” coordinate, while the vertical direction (e.g., the upward/downward direction) traveled by the loader arms  16  and/or the hitch pins  68  represents the “y” coordinate. Stated differently, for each “x” coordinate there is corresponding “y” coordinate, such that the set of “y” coordinates can be represented by the function “ƒ(x).” When the loader arms  16  are completely lowered, the hitch pin  68  is positioned in a base position, where as illustrated in  FIG.  16   , the “x” coordinate equals 0 and ƒ(x) equals 4.641 (i.e., the hitch pin  68  is positioned at 4.641 inches above the ground). Furthermore, a maximum vertical height of the loader arms  16  (as defined by the vertical height of the hitch pin  68  above the ground) may be at least 80 inches, at least 82 inches, at least 84 inches, at least 85 inches, at least 86 inches, at least 87 inches, or at least 88 inches. In some embodiments, the actual path  66  travelled by the loader arms  16  and/or the hitch pin  68  will deviate no more than 1.5, no more than 1.4, no more than 1.3, no more than 1.2, no more than 1.1, or no more than 1.0 inches in the horizontal direction (i.e., the “x” coordinate value) from the curve ƒ(x)=4.641e 0.34x  for each “y” coordinate value. A maximum horizontal reach of the loader arms  16  (as defined by the forward, longitudinal reach of the hitch pin  68 ) may be at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, at least 8 inches, at least 9 inches, or at least 10 inches forward of the base position.
 
     In some further embodiments, as perhaps show, in  FIGS.  1  and  13   , one or both of the loader arms  16  of the loader  10  may include a rotatable hydraulic line guide  70  secured to an exterior side of the loader arms  16 . The line guide  70  may comprise a ring-shaped (e.g., circular or oval) element rotatably connected to a loader arm  16  via a fastener. In general, the fastener will be positioned horizontally and will provide a rotational axis about which the line guide  70  is free to rotate with respect to the loader arms  16 . The line guide  70  is configured to receive hydraulic lines, tubes, or hoses that may extend from the interior compartment of the loader  10  to the attachment  18 . In some embodiments, such hydraulic lines will extend (at least partially) through an interior of the loader arms  16 . In other embodiments, such lines may extend (at least partially) along an exterior of the loader arms  16 . Rotation of the line guide  70  permits that hydraulic lines to be securely held in place as the loader arms  16  and/or the attachment  18  moves (e.g., as the loader arms  16  shifting upward and downward). Such a line guide  70  also prevents premature wearing and other damage to the hydraulic lines over time. 
     As noted above, embodiments provide for the loader  10  to include loader arms  16  having a vertical-lift configuration but which are stabilized by direct connection to the frame  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  17   a  and  17   b   . As was also described above, the frame  12  may comprise an upper portion  46  and a lower portion  48 . The lower portion  48  of the frame  12  is configured to support the track frames  42  (which supports the tracks  40 ) and the drive sprockets  44 . The upper portion  46  of the frame  12  is configured to support the loader arms  16  via a direct connection between the frame  12  and the loader arms  16 , as is shown in  FIGS.  17   a  and  17   b   . It should be understood that in some embodiments, the upper portion  46  and the lower portion  48  are integrally formed elements of the frame  12 . Nevertheless, the upper portion  46  may comprise the two spaced apart generally vertical upper panels  30 ( a ),  32 ( a ). In some embodiments, the upper panels  30 ( a ),  32 ( a ) are generally mirrored and parallel with each other. Similarly, the lower portion  48  may comprise the two spaced apart generally vertical lower panels  30 ( b ),  32 ( b ). In some embodiments, the lower panels  30 ( b ),  32 ( b ) are generally mirrored and parallel with each other. 
     In more detail, and with reference to  FIGS.  17   a - 19   b   , each of the loader arms  16  may be attached to the frame  12  via a rear link  72 , a control link  74 , an actuator  76 , and a track assembly  78 . Although  FIGS.  17   a - 19   b    focus on the left side rear link  72 , the left side control link  74 , the left side actuator  76 , and the left side track assembly  78 , it should be understood that the loader  10  includes corresponding components on the right side of the loader which are configured in a mirrored or parallel relationship with the right side components (see, e.g.,  FIGS.  2 - 5   ). Such mirrored or parallel relationship is maintained as the loader arms  16  transition between lowered and raised positions. In more detail, a left side loader arm  16  may be attached to the left side  30  of the frame  12  via a left side rear link  72 , a left side control link  74 , a left side actuator  76 , and a left side track assembly  78 . Similarly, a right side loader arm  16  may be attached to the right side  32  of the frame  12  via a right side rear link  72 , a right side control link  74 , a right side actuator  76 , and a right side track assembly  78 . The rear links  72 , the control links  74 , and the actuators  76  provide an indirect connection/attachment between the loader arms  16  and the frame  12  of the loader  10 , while the track assemblies  78  provide a direct connection/attachment between the loader arms  16  and the frame  12  of the loader  10 . 
     In some embodiments, a length of the rear link  72  is approximately equal to a length of the control link  74 . In other embodiments, the length of the rear link  72  is between 70 to 130, between 80 to 120, or between 90 to 110 percent of the length of the control link  74 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, a length of the actuator  76  is larger than the lengths of the rear link  72  and the control length  10 . For instance, with the actuator  76  in an extended position, the length of the actuator  76  may be at least 50 percent, at least 75 percent, at least 100 percent, or at least 150 percent greater than the lengths of the rear length  72  and the control link  74 . 
     Each of the rear links  72  is rotatably secured (e.g., via a pivot pin connection) to one of the sides of the frame  12  and rotatably secured (e.g., via a pivot pin connection) to a rear or proximal end of an associated loader arm  16 . Each of the control links  74  is rotatably secured (e.g., via a pivot pin connection) to one of the sides of the frame  12  and rotatably secured (e.g., via a pivot pin connection) to an associated loader arm  16  at a position forward of the rear or proximal end of the loader arm  16 . Each of the actuators  76  is rotatably secured (e.g., via a pivot pin connection) to one of the sides of the frame  12  and rotatably secured (e.g., via a pivot pin connection) to an associated loader arm  16  at a position forward of the rear or proximal end of the loader arm  16 , and in some embodiments, forward of the points of connection of the rear and control links  72 ,  74 . As perhaps best shown in  FIGS.  17   a    and  18 , each side of the loader  10  may include a cover panel  77  that covers lower portions of the rear link  72  and the actuator  76 , so as to cover the connections between the rear link  72  and the actuator  76  to the frame  12 . In some embodiments, connection between the rear link  72  and the actuator  76  to the frame  12  may include a connection with the cover panel  77 . In some embodiments, the cover panels  77  may form part of the frame  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  17     a , and  17   b , the loader arms  16  are disposed in a lowered position. In this lowered position, the rear links  72  are disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, the control links  74  are disposed at a substantially horizontal orientation, and the actuators  76  are disposed at an angle therebetween. It should also be noted that each of the actuators  76  extends across the associated control link  74 . In  FIG.  19   b   , the loader arms  16  are disposed in a raised position. In this raised position, the rear links  72  continue to be disposed in a substantially vertical orientation (although the upper ends of the rear links  72  are shifted at least slightly forward along the track assemblies  78 ), the control links  74  are disposed at a substantially vertical orientation, and the actuators  76  are disposed at an angle therebetween.  FIG.  19   a    illustrate the loader arms  16  positioned intermediate the lowered and raised positions. In such a position, the rear links  72 , the control links  74 , and the actuators  76  are generally positioned in intermediate orientations between those described above in  FIGS.  17   b    (loader arms  16  in the lowered positions) and  19   b  (loader arms  16  in the raised positions). It should also be noted that the actuators  76  continue to extend across their associated control link  74 . 
     As was discussed previously, the manner in which the loader arms  16  are attached to the frame  12  provides for the loader arms  16  to actuate in a vertical-lift configuration. In more detail, the rear links  72  and the control links  74  support the loader arms  16  with respect to the frame  12  and provide for the loader arms  16  to raise and lower in a vertical-lift configuration when actuated by the actuator  76 . In some embodiments, the actuators  76  may comprise linear actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders (e.g., single or double-acting cylinders), pneumatic cylinders, and/or or electronic linear actuators. However, as discussed in more detail below, the loader arms  16  may be actuated by various other types of actuators. The rear and control links  72 ,  74  may comprise generally rigid elements that support the loader arms  16  with respect to the frame  12  as the loader arms  16  are raised and lowered. 
     Although the loader arms  16  are configured to operate in a vertical-lift configuration, the track assemblies  78  permit the loader arms  16  to be maintained directly attached to the frame  12  during operation. As such, the loader arms  16  may be directly attached to the frame  14  at the track assemblies  78 , while being indirectly attached to the frame  12  via the rear links  72 , the control links  74 , and the actuators  76 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  18    In some embodiments, each of the track assemblies  78  may be in the form of a running track that broadly comprises a track body  80  that includes an elongated, arcuate frame or border presenting an opening or recess within the frame/border of the track body  80 . As such, the opening or recess may likewise have an elongated, arcuate shape. The loader arms  16  may each be engaged with and/or attached to one of the track bodies  80  such that a portion of the loader arm  16  may travel along (e.g., slide forward/rearward and/or upward/downward) the opening presented by the track assembly  78 . Specifically, the openings of the track assemblies  78  may act as guide paths along which at least a portion of the loader arms  16  are configured to translate. The track assemblies  78  are configured to prevent or reduce torsion of the loader arms  16  by preventing movement of the loader arms  16  beyond the track assemblies  78 . For example, the track assemblies  78  may counter or otherwise resist lateral or torsional movement of the loader arms  16  so as to keep the loader arms  16  in proper alignment with the frame  12  of the loader  10  during movement (e.g., raising/lowering) of the loader arms  16 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  18   , the track body  80  of each of the track assemblies  78  may be integrally formed within (or monolithic with) the upper portion  46  (e.g., the upper panels  30 ( a ),  32 ( a )) of the frame  12 . For example, the track body  80  is formed by stamping or embossing the metal of the frame  12  to form the track body  80 . In alternative embodiments, the track body  80  may be secured (e.g., via weld) to the upper portion  46  (e.g., the upper panels  30 ( a ),  32 ( a )) of the frame  12 . Regardless, as noted above, the track body  80  presents an opening so as to form a running track. When the track body  80  is integrally formed with the frame  12 , the opening may extend through a thickness of the frame  12 . Remaining with  FIG.  18   , the track assemblies  78  may each comprise a pin  82  that is associated with (e.g., extends through) a respective loader arm  16  and/or rear link  72 . In some embodiments, the pins  82  may be integrally formed with the loader arms  16 . In more detail, each of the pins  82  may extend through a rear or proximal end of one of the loader arms  16  and into engagement with the track body  80  such that the pin  82  extends at least partially within the opening presented by the track body  80 . In some embodiments, the pins  82  may also extend through the rear links  72 . Regardless, each of the pins  82  is configured to move along the opening presented by the track body  80 . Specifically, the pins  82  follow the guide paths presented by the track assemblies  78 . As the loader arms  16  move from a lowered position (shown in  FIGS.  17   a  and  17   b   ) to a raised position (shown in  FIG.  19   b   ), the pins  82  shift between a rearward position of the track body  80 , along the opening of the track body  80 , and to a forward position of the track body  80 . Correspondingly, the pins  82  may shift from the forward position to the rearward position while the loader arms  16  move from the raised position to the lowered position. As a result, the loader arms  16  are slidably connected to the frame  12   
     To help facilitate movement of the pins  82  through the opening of the track body  80 , and as perhaps best shown in  FIGS.  17   b   ,  18 , and  19   b , each of the pins  82  may include (or otherwise be associated with) a captive runner  84  configured to be received on an end of the pin  82 , with such end being the end that is engaged with the track body  80 . The captive runners  84  may comprise ring-shaped bushings or bearings that are secured to the pins  82  in a manner that permits the captive runners  84  to rotate with respect to the pins  84 . Furthermore, however, the captive runners  84  will each include two annular protrusions and an annular recess groove extending around a circumference of the captive runner  84 , such that the captive runners  84  (and thus the pins  82 ) are held within the opening of the track body  80  via engagement between the annular recess and a track wall presented as an interior edge of the track body  80  that surrounds the opening. Such engagement may permit the captive runners  84  to rotate or roll along the track body  80  so as to reduce friction as the pins  82  move forward and rearward through the opening of the track body  80  (i.e., as the loader arms  16  are raised and/or lowered). 
     As shown in  FIG.  17   , One or more of the forward and rearward ends of the opening presented by each of the track bodies  80  may be formed with an access ports  86  that permits the captive runner  84  and/or the pins  82  to be inserted into and removed from engagement with the track assembly  78 . The access ports  86  may have a larger open area than remaining portions of the opening of the track body  80 , so as to allow the captive runner  84  and/or the pin  82  to pass therethrough. Such larger open area may be formed by reducing a width of the track wall  86  near the forward and rearward ends of the track body  80 . The ability to remove the pins  82  and/or captive runners  84  from the track body  80  permits the loader arms  16  to be disengaged from the track assemblies  78  for purposes of service and maintenance, as may become necessary. It should be noted however, that during normal operations of the loader  10  (e.g., during raising and lowering of the loader arms  16 ), the pins  82  and/or captive runners  84  will not become aligned with the access ports  80 , such that the loader arms  16  will not become inadvertently disengaged with the track assemblies  78   
     Finally, the track assemblies  78  may each be associated with a hand guard  88  that is rotatably attached to the frame  12  of the loader  10  directly above the track bodies  80 . The hand guards  88  may cover the remaining components of the track assemblies  80  so as to protect the operator from inadvertently placing his/her body parts (e.g., hands), clothing, etc. into engagement with the track assemblies  78  which could cause damage or injury to the operator. Nevertheless, because the hand guards  88  are rotatably attached to the frame  12  (e.g., via pivot pins), the hand guards  88  can be rotated upward away from the remaining components of the track assemblies  78  when necessary to access such components of the track assemblies  78 . 
     In view of the above, each of the track assemblies  78  presents an arcuate path that is configured to keep the captive runner  84  and the pins  82  (and by extension, the loader arms  16 ) stable vertically (e.g., upward and downward), laterally (e.g., into and away from the frame), in a roll direction (e.g., the pins  82  are restricted from moving upward and downward beyond the opening presented by the track body  80 ), and in a yaw direction (e.g., the pins  82  are restricted from moving forward and rearward beyond the opening presented by the track body  80 ). Stated differently, the track assemblies  78  prevent the loader arms  16  from moving vertically, laterally, in a roll direction, and in a yaw direction with respect to the track assemblies  78 . The arcuate path of the track assembly  78  allows movement only along and aligned with the guide path presented by the opening of the track body  80 . Thus, the track assemblies  78  allow the loader arms  16  to actuate in a vertical-lift configuration while being directly attached to the frame  12  of the loader  10 . 
     In some further embodiments, the pins  82  of the track assemblies  78  may not be necessary to directly attach the loader arms  16  to the frame  12  and to still allow the loader arms  16  to operate in a vertical lift configuration. For example, the loader arms  16  may each be directly attached to the frame via a track assembly  78  that comprises a track body  80  and a captive runner  84  in the form of a track roller bearing configured to translate (e.g., slide) through the opening presented by the track body  80  as the loader arm  16  is raised and lowered. In such embodiments, each of the captive runners  84  may be directly attached to a respective loader arm  16  and track body  80 . Thus, as the loader arms  16  are raised and lowered, the captive runner  84  translates along the track body  80 , while maintaining a direct connection between the loader arms  16  and the frame  12 . Additionally, in such embodiments, either the rear links  72  or the control links  74  may be removed. Thus, the actuators  76  and either the rear links  72  or the control links  74  indirectly attach the loader arms  16  to the frame  12 , while the track assemblies  78  (without the pins  82  but including captive runners  84  in the form of a track roller bearings) directly attach the loader arms to the frame  12 . As such, the loader arms  16  will be raised and lowered in a vertical lift configuration by the force of the actuators  76 , while the track assemblies  78  (including captive runners  84  in the form of a track roller bearings) maintain a direct connection between the loader arms  16  and the frame  12 . 
     Alternative Vertical Lift Embodiments 
     Embodiments of the present invention additionally include compact utility loaders with alternate types of loader arms having a vertical-lift configuration. The below embodiments generally include a frame and one or more loader arms similar to those discussed above with respect to the loader  10 . For instance, the loader arms support an attachment, such as a bucket or hydraulically operated tool. An operator may raise and lower the loader arms (including the bucket or other tool) so as to perform any of various tasks. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   , embodiments of the present invention include another style compact utility loader  100  with a pair of loader arms  102  having a vertical-lift configuration. In this embodiment, each loader arm  102  of the loader  100  is associated with a rear link  104  and a control link  106  similar to the rear link  72  and the control link  74  discussed above with respect to loader  10 . Differently, however, each loader arm  102  of the loader  100  is secured to the rear link  104  via a rotary actuator  108 , such that the rotary actuator  108  is disposed between the rear link  104  and the loader arm  102 . The rotary actuator  108  is configured to rotate the loader arm  102  and/or the rear link  104  so as to change a relative angle between the loader arm  102  and the rear link  104 . Changing the relative angle between the loader arm  102  and the rear link  104  permits the loader arm  104  to shift between a lowered position and a raised position in a vertical-lift manner. Although the figures only illustrate one side of the loader  100  (i.e., the left side), it should be understood that the opposite side of the loader  100  (i.e., the right side) similarly includes a loader arm  102 , a rear link  104 , a control link  106 , and an actuator  108  that mirror those shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   . 
     In some embodiments, the rotary actuator  108  may be secured to the loader arm  102  and the rear link  104 . In other embodiments, however, the rotary actuator  108  may be secured to the control link  106  and the loader arm  102 . Nevertheless, in either embodiment, the rotary actuator  108  may be permanently secured to the loader arm  102  or the respective link  104 , 106 , imparting rotation on the other component, so as to cause the loader arm  102  to raise and lower. 
     The rotary actuator  108  produces a rotary motion. The rotary motion allows the operator to selectively raise and lower the loader arm  102  relative to the frame of the loader  100 . In some embodiments, the rotary actuator  108  may be powered via hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power. In some of these embodiments, the rotary actuator  108  may be a linear piston-and-cylinder assembly that is stepped so as to produce rotation. In other of these embodiments, the rotary actuator  108  may be a rotating asymmetrical vane which swings through a cylinder of two different radii. The pressure differential between the two sides of the vane produces an unbalanced force which imparts a torque on an output shaft. In still other embodiments, the rotary actuator  108  is an electrically powered motor. 
     In some embodiments, the rotary actuator  108  may raise and lower the loader arm  102  (and associated attachment) while the rotary actuator  108  positioned further from the ground than on loaders with traditional vertical lift configurations. In these traditional configurations, an actuator may be susceptible to dirt and other contaminants due to the actuator&#39;s relatively low position. The rotary actuator  108  being disposed relatively high on the frame of the loader  100 , and having fewer exposed moving parts, may thus reduce the likelihood of contaminants affecting the actuator  108 . 
     In a second alternate embodiment of a compact utility loader  120 , shown in  FIGS.  22  and  23   , with a pair of loader arms  122  having a vertical-lift configuration. In this embodiment, each loader arm  122  of the loader  120  is associated with a rear link  124  and a control link  126  similar to the rear link  72  and the control link  74  discussed above with respect to loader  10 . Differently, however, the loader  120  includes a linear actuator  128  associated with each loader arm  122 , with each linear actuator  128  pivotably secured to one of the control links  126  and to the frame of the loader  120  for raising and lowering the loader arms  122 . In more detail, the linear actuators  128  may each comprise a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric actuator that is rotatably secured to a side of the frame  12  (e.g., a left side  30  or a right side  32 ) and pivotably secured to the control link  126  of the loader  120 . As such, a rotational force is produced via linear telescoping action of the linear actuator  128  onto the control link  126 . In this embodiment, each of the control links  126  may be pivotably secured to the frame  12  (at a fulcrum positioned between the linear actuator  128  and the loader arm  122 ) and pivotably secured to the loader arm  122 . Although the figures only illustrate one side of the loader  120  (i.e., the left side), it should be understood that the opposite side of the loader  120  (i.e., the right side) similarly includes a loader arm  122 , a rear link  124 , a control link  126 , and an actuator  128  that mirror those shown in  FIGS.  22  and  23   . 
     In more detail, embodiments provide for each of the control links  126  in this embodiment to function as a lever. As illustrated, the lever may present a general L-shape with a center portion of the control link  126  being a fulcrum that is rotatably connected to a side of the frame of the loader  120 . A first side of the control link  126  extends from the fulcrum to the linear actuator  128 , while a second side of the control link  126  extends from the fulcrum to the loader arm  122 . The first side and the second side of the control link  126  extend at an angle with respect to each other so as to present the L-shape. In some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the control link  126  may extend at an angle of about ninety degrees, although various other angles may be implemented. The lengths of the first and second section of the control link  126  may be selected, as necessary, to provide a preferable mechanical advantage for the lever (e.g., such lengths may be selected so as to reduce the force input from the actuator  128  necessary to cause displacement and/or rotation of the control link  126  and, thus, the loader arms  122 ). 
     In some embodiments, the first side of the control link  126  will be positioned in a vertical orientation (e.g., downward orientation) when the loader arms  122  are in the lowered position. Correspondingly, the second side of the control link  126  will be positioned in generally a horizontal orientation (and connected to the loader arm  122 ). As such, when the linear actuator  128  is extended and retracted, the first side of the control link  126  is shifted forward or rearward relative to the fulcrum. Correspondingly, the second side of the control link  126  (which is connected to the loader arms  122 ) will be raised and lowered. In this way, actuation of the control links  126  by the linear actuators  128  will shift the loader arms  122  relative to the frame of the loader  120 . Specifically, the linear actuators  128  are configured to raise the loader arms  122  from a lowered position to a raised position by manipulating the control links  126  in a first direction, as well as being configured to lower the loader arms  122  from the raised position to the lowered position by manipulating the control links  126  in a second direction. 
     In a third alternate embodiment of a compact utility loader  130 , as shown in  FIGS.  24  and  25   , with a pair of loader arms  132  having a vertical-lift configuration. In this embodiment, each loader arm  132  of the loader  130  is associated with a rear link  134  and a control link  136  similar to the rear link  72  and the control link  74  discussed above with respect to loader  10 . Differently, however, the loader  130  includes a linear actuator  138  associated with each loader arm  132 , with each linear actuator  138  pivotably secured to one of the rear links  134  and to the frame of the loader  130  for raising and lowering the loader arms  132 . In more detail, the linear actuators  138  may each comprise a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electrical actuator that is rotatably secured to a side of the frame  12  (e.g., a left side  30  or a right side  32 ) and pivotably secured to the rear link  134  of the loader  130 . As such, a rotational force is produced via linear telescoping action of the linear actuator  138  onto the rear link  134 . In this embodiment, each of the rear links  134  may be pivotably secured to the frame  12  (at a position between the connection points of linear actuator  138  and the loader arm  132 ) and pivotably secured to the loader arm  122 . Although the figures only illustrate one side of the loader  130  (i.e., the left side), it should be understood that the opposite side of the loader  130  (i.e., the right side) similarly includes a loader arm  132 , a rear link  134 , a control link  136 , and an actuator  138  that mirror those shown in  FIGS.  24  and  25   . 
     In more detail, embodiments provide for the rear link  134  to function as a lever. As illustrated, the lever may present a general I-shape with a center portion of the rear link  134  being a fulcrum that is rotatably connected to a side of the frame of the loader  130 . A first side of the rear link  134  extends (e.g., downward) from the fulcrum to the linear actuator  138 , while a second side of the rear link  134  extends (e.g., upward) from the fulcrum o the loader arm  132 . The first side and the second side of the rear link  134  may extend generally colinearly so as to present the I-shape. The lengths of the first and second section of the rear link  134  may be selected, as necessary, to provide a preferable mechanical advantage for the lever (e.g., such lengths may be selected so as to reduce the force input from the actuator  138  necessary to cause displacement and/or rotation of the control link  134  and, thus, the loader arms  132 ). 
     In some embodiments, the rear links  134  will be positioned in a generally vertical orientation when the loader arms  132  are in the lowered position. As such, when the linear actuator  138  is extended and retracted, the first side of the rear link  134  (e.g., a lower side) is shifted forward or rearward relative to the fulcrum. Correspondingly, the second side of the rear link  134  (e.g., an upper side which is connected to the loader arm  132 ) will be shifted rearward or forward relative to the fulcrum. As a result, the loader arms  132  can be raised and lowered. More particularly, actuation of the rear links  134  by the linear actuators  138  will shift the loader arms  132  relative to the frame of the loader  130 . The linear actuators  138  are configured to raise the loader arms  132  from a lowered position to a raised position by manipulating the rear links  134  in a first direction, as well as being configured to lower the loader arms  132  from the raised position to the lowered position by manipulating the rear links  134  in a second direction. 
     In other embodiments, not illustrated, the loaders  100 ,  120 ,  130 , may include actuators operably attached to both the rear link and the control link. Regardless, as illustrated above with respect to the loaders  100 ,  120 , and  130 , embodiments of the present invention provide various configurations for creating a vertical-lift configured loader arm. In the above-described embodiments, however, the actuators used to raise and lower the loader arms (e.g., rotary actuator  108  or linear actuators  128 ,  138 ) are not simultaneously secured to both the frame and the loader arms. For instance, for loader  100 , the rotary actuator  108  is attached directly to the loader arm  102  but is not attached to the frame. In some other embodiments, however, the rotary actuator  108  might be directly attached to the frame of the loader  100 . For loaders  120 ,  130 , on the other hand, the linear actuators  128 ,  138  are directly attached to the frame, but not directly attached to the loader arm  122 ,  132 . 
     Control System 
     As described previously, and as perhaps best illustrated in  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the loader  10  may include control station  20  positioned at the rear of the loader  10 . The control station  20  may include a platform  140  on which the operator can stand when operating the loader. Generally, the platform  140  will be secured to a lower portion of the frame  12  of the loader  10 , such that the operator can comfortably reach the control panel  22  with the operator&#39;s hands. In some embodiments, the loader  10  may include a presence sensor  141  associated with the platform  140  and configured to determine if the platform  140  is currently supporting an operator (i.e., whether an operator is currently present on the platform  140 ). Such a presence sensor  141  may comprise an electronic position sensor, such an inductive proximity switch configured to be triggered by the weight of the operator present on the platform  140 . Thus, the loader  10  is configured to determine whether or not an operator is positioned on the platform  140 . As will be discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, certain operational features of the loader  10  may be restricted if an operator is not present on the platform  140 . 
     The control panel  22  illustrated in  FIGS.  26  and  27    may be part of an enhanced user interface and control system (“UICS”)  142  that includes the control panel  22  and a plurality of control elements, such as buttons, switches, levers, joysticks, graphical display, etc., which collectively permit the operator to control operation of the loader  10 . In more detail, the UICS  142  of the loader  10  may comprise a graphic display  144 , one or more control elements  145  (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.), an engine speed lever  146 , as well as one or more joystick controls  148 . As noted above, the U ICS  142  is positioned at a rear of the loader  10 , such that an operator can stand at the rear of the loader  10  to operate the loader  10 . Although the operator will normally stand on the platform  140  when operating the loader  10 , in some embodiments, the loader  10  may be configured such that the operator can stand on the ground behind the loader  10  and reach the UICS  142  to control operation of the loader  10 . 
     Beginning with the joystick controls  148 , and with reference to  FIG.  27   , the UICS  142  may include a drive joystick  148 ( a ), which is configured to control actuation of the tracks  40  (e.g., via the hydraulic motors  50  and the sprockets  44 ) for controlling overall movement (e.g., travel or drive movement) of the loader  10 . In more detail, the drive joystick  148 ( a ) may extend upward from the control panel  22 , such that an operator may grasp and shift the drive joystick  148 ( a ) so as to cause a corresponding movement of the loader  10 . In more detail, as illustrated in  FIG.  28   , a pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) may be secured to a bottom of the drive joystick  148 ( a ). In general, the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) may be positioned below the control panel  22 . The pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ) are generally configured to distribute hydraulic fluid to other components of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system based on inputs received on the joysticks  148 ( a ) and ( b ). As such, hydraulic lines may extend from the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) to the hydraulic pump  54  (which provides hydraulic power to the hydraulic motors  50 , such as perhaps via the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) such that actuation of the drive joystick  148 ( a ) will manipulate the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) in a manner that causes a required function of the hydraulic motors  50  to cause actuation of the sprockets  44  and tracks  40 , as well as overall movement of the loader  10 . 
     For example, shifting the drive joystick  148 ( a ) forward will cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) to provide hydraulic fluid to each of the left side and right side hydraulic motors  50  in a manner that will cause the left side and right side sprockets  44  to rotate in a manner that correspondingly causes the left side and right side tracks  40  to rotate in a forward direction. As a result, the loader  10  will move forward. The amount by which the operator shifts the drive joystick  148 ( a ) forward may determine the speed by which the loader  10  travels in the forward direction. Similarly, shifting the drive joystick  148 ( a ) rearward will cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) to provide hydraulic fluid to each of the left side and right side hydraulic motors  50  in a manner that will cause the left side and right side sprockets  44  to rotate in a manner that correspondingly causes the left side and right side tracks  40  to rotate in a rearward direction. As a result, the loader  10  will move rearward. The amount by which the operator shifts the drive joystick  148 ( a ) rearward may determine the speed by which the loader  10  travels in the rearward direction. Rotating the drive joystick  148 ( a ) clockwise (when viewing from above the control panel  22 ) will cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) to provide (i) a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) so as to provide hydraulic fluid to the left side hydraulic motor  50  to rotate the left side sprocket  44  in a manner to cause the left side track  40  to rotate in a forward direction, and (ii) a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) so as to provide hydraulic fluid to the right side hydraulic motor  50  to rotate the right side sprocket  44  in a manner to cause the right side track  40  to rotate in a rearward direction. As such, the loader  10  will turn in a rightward direction. The amount by which the operator rotates the drive joystick  148 ( a ) clockwise may determine the speed or degree by which the loader  10  turns rightward. Similarly, rotating the drive joystick  148 ( a ) counter-clockwise (when viewing from above the control panel  22 ) will cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) to provide (i) a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) so as to provide hydraulic fluid to the left side hydraulic motor  50  to rotate the left side sprocket  44  in a manner to cause the left side track  40  to rotate in a rearward direction, and (ii) a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the hydrostatic transmission of the pump  54 ) so as to provide hydraulic fluid to the right side hydraulic motor  50  to rotate the right side sprocket  44  in a manner to cause the right side track  40  to rotate in a forward direction. As such, the loader  10  turns in a leftward direction. The amount by which the operator rotates the drive joystick  148 ( a ) counter-clockwise may determine the speed or degree by which the loader  10  turns leftward. 
     The UICS  142  may additionally include a loader arm &amp; attachment (“LA&amp;A”) joystick  148 ( b ) for controlling actuation of the loader arms  16  (e.g., raising and lowering) and various hydraulically-operated functions of the attachment  18  that may be supported on the front of the loader arms  16 . For example, the hydraulically-operated functions may include a tilt function for buckets (e.g., as caused by a tilt actuator, such as the hydraulic tilt cylinder  151  illustrated in  FIG.  14   ) or auxiliary hydraulic functions for other hydraulically-operated attachments  18  such as, e.g., bit rotation of a drill, bit actuation of a jack-hammer, rotation of a blade for a saw, rotation of multiple blades for a rotary cutter, brush rotation of a sweeper, etc. In more detail, as shown in  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) may extend upward from the control panel  22 , such that an operator may grasp and shift the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) so as to cause a corresponding movement of the loader arms  16  and/or the associated attachment  18 . As illustrated in  FIG.  28   , a pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) may be secured to a bottom of the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ). In general, the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) may be positioned below the control panel  22 . Hydraulic lines may extend from the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to the hydraulic pump  54  which provides hydraulic power to the actuators  76  (e.g., hydraulic cylinders) associated with each of the loader arms  16 , such that actuation of the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) will manipulate the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) in a manner that causes a corresponding raising/lowering of the loader arms  16 . For example, shifting the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) forward will cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  so as to provide hydraulic fluid to/from each of the left side and right side actuators  76  in a manner that will cause the left side and right side loader arms  16  to lower. Similarly, shifting the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) rearward will cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  so as to provide hydraulic fluid to/from each of the left side and right side actuators  76  in a manner that will cause the left side and right side loader arms  16  to raise. 
     In addition, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) may include one or more control elements (e.g., buttons or switches) to facilitate control of the various hydraulic functionalities of the attachments  18  supported on the forward end of the loader arms  16 . For example, as show in  FIG.  26   , the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) may include a float button  152 ( a ) configured to permit the loader arms  16  (or the hitch pins  68  or the attachment  18  attached to the front of the loader arms  16 ) to float along undulating ground terrain. Selection of the float button  152 ( a ) by the operator, will send a signal to open a float control valve that provides a path for fluid in the loader arms to vent to the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic tank in a manner that will cause the left side and right side loader arms  16  (or the hitch pins  68  or the attachment  18  attached to the front of the loader arms  16 ) to remain at a specified height above the ground regardless of whether the ground is uneven, undulating, etc. As a result, the attachment  18  (or the hitch pins  68  or the attachment  18  attached to the front of the loader arms  16 ) being supported by the loader arms  16  will “float” above and/or within the ground during operation and/or movement of the loader  10 . Stated differently, the loader arms  16 , the associated attachment  18 , and/or the hitch pins  68  will follow the contour of the ground over which the loader  10  is travelling. If the loader arms  16  are in the raised position and the float button  152 ( a ) is selected, the loader arms  16  will lower until the loader arms  16  (and the attachment associated therewith) are positioned at the specified height and/or are floating along the contour of the ground, where they will remain during operation of the loader  10  until the operator further shifts the LA&amp;A  148 ( b ) joystick to change the height of the loader arms  16 . Specifically, once the loader arms  16  are provided in the float configuration, the loader arms  16  will remain in such float configuration until the float button  152 ( a ) is selected for a second, consecutive time or until the loader arms  16  are raised by the operator shifting the LA&amp;A  148 ( b ) joystick (e.g., shifting the LA&amp;A  148 ( b ) joystick in a rearward direction). 
     The LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) can further include one or more auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) for activating the auxiliary hydraulic functions of the attachment (if applicable) associated with the loader  10 . In some embodiments, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) will include two auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ), as illustrated in  FIGS.  11  and  13   . In some embodiments, the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) will be configured to activate the hydraulic functions of the attachment  18  in either an “On-Demand” mode or a “Continuous” mode. When in the On-Demand mode, selection (e.g., depressing) of one of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) will cause the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  to operate. Releasing the same auxiliary button  152 ( b ) will cause the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  to halt operation. In embodiments in which the attachment  18  is a bucket, the selection (e.g., depressing) of one of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) may cause the bucket to tilt downward (via actuation of the tilt actuator  151 ), while selection (e.g., depressing) of the other auxiliary button  152 ( b ) operate may cause the bucket to tilt upward (via actuation of the tilt actuator  151 ). In contrast, in other embodiments, the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) may be configured in a “Continuous” mode, whereby the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  begin operating upon selection of (e.g., depressing) one of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) and continue functioning until the operator selects (e.g., depresses) the same auxiliary button  152 ( b ) a second, consecutive time. 
     In more detail, when in the On-Demand mode, selection of a first auxiliary button  152 ( b ) may cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  so as to provide hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  flowing in a first flow direction such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are operated in a first direction (e.g., forward, clockwise, etc.). When the operator releases the first auxiliary button  152 ( b ), the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) will provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  to stop providing hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are halted. Correspondingly, when in the On-Demand mode, selection of a second auxiliary button  152 ( b ) may cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  so as to provide hydraulic fluid to flow to the attachment  18  in a second flow direction such that the hydraulic functions of the attachment are operated in a second, opposite direction (e.g., reverse, counter-clockwise, etc.). When the operator releases the second auxiliary button  152 ( b ), the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) will provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  to stop providing hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are halted. 
     As was described above, when in the Continuous mode, selection of the first auxiliary button  152 ( b ) may cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  so as to provide hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  flowing in a first flow direction such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are operated in the first direction (e.g., forward, clockwise, etc.). The hydraulic fluid will continue flowing to the attachment  18  in the first direction, such that the attachment  18  continues operating in the first direction until the operator selects the first auxiliary button  152 ( b ) for a subsequent, second time. As a result, the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) will provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  to stop providing hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are halted. Correspondingly, when in the Continuous mode, selection of the second auxiliary button  152 ( b ) may cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  so as to provide hydraulic fluid to flow to the attachment  18  in the second flow direction such that the hydraulic functions of the attachment are operated in the second, opposite direction (e.g., reverse, counter-clockwise, etc.). The hydraulic fluid will continue flowing to the attachment  18  in the second direction, such that the attachment  18  continues operating in the second direction until the operator selects the second auxiliary button  152 ( b ) for a subsequent, second time. As a result, the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) will provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  to stop providing hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are halted. 
     In some embodiments, the UICS  142  may permit the operator to change the functionality of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) between the On-Demand mode and the Continuous mode via the graphic display  144  and/or the associated control elements  145 , as will described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the loader  10  may include proportional valves associated with each of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ). Such proportional valves may be included within the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) or they may be included in the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) or a separate hydraulic control component. The proportional valves are configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  in an amount proportional to the magnitude of the depression of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ). It is understood that increasing the amount of hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  will increase the operating capabilities (e.g., power or speed) of the auxiliary functions being performed by the attachment  18 . 
     For example, it may not be preferable to provide a maximum amount of hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  upon any magnitude of depression of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ). As such, the use of proportional valves may allow the amount of hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  to vary (e.g., linearly) based on the magnitude of the depression. The ratio of the magnitude of depression of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) and the amount of hydraulic fluid provided to the attachment  18  may be defined by a scaling factor. In some embodiments, the UICS  142  may permit the operator to change the scaling factor, as necessary. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each of the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) may have a deadband depression level, whereby depressing the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) beyond the deadband depression level cause the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) to provide a control signal (via the hydraulic lines) to the hydraulic pump  54  to stop providing hydraulic fluid to the attachment  18  such that the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  are halted For example, in some embodiments, the deadband depression level can be set at 70% of the maximum depression level. As such, depressing one or both the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) more than 70% will halt the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachment  18 . However, depressing the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) between 0 and 70% will cause the attachments  18  to operate at between 0 and 100% of the maximum operating capabilities of the attachment  18  depending on the scaling factor set by the operator. In some additional embodiments, when in the Continuous mode, the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) will need to be depressed at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50% before the hydraulic auxiliary function of the attachment  18  is initiated. 
     Turning to the graphic display  144  of the UICS  142  in more detail, the graphic display  144  may comprise an electronic display, such as a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, plasma, or touch screen that is operable to display visual graphics, images, text, etc. In some embodiments, the graphic display  144  may be configured to display colored information. In certain embodiments, the loader  10  may include a control system that controls the UICS  142  (including the graphic display  144 ) and various other functions and features of the loader  10 . The control system may include one or more memory elements, such as non-transitory computer readable media and/or firmware, with a computer program stored thereon. The control system may also include one or more processing elements, such as processors, CPUs, FPGAs, etc., which are configured to execute the computer program to perform various functions and features of the loader  10 . It should be understood that certain of the loader&#39;s  10  functions and features discussed above and below are performed by execution of the computer program by the processing elements. 
     For example, the control system may be configured to (by the processing elements executing the computer program stored on the memory elements) (i) obtain information from various components of the loader  10  (e.g., via sensors, actuators, timers, clocks, etc.) so as to present such information to the operator via the graphic display  144 , and (ii) receive instructions from the operator (e.g., via the graphic display  144 , the control elements  145 , the engine speed lever  146 , and/or the joysticks  148 ) to control various operations of the loader  10 . For example, the control system may permit the graphic display  144  to present various graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that provides information to the operator and/or that facilitate interaction and control of the loader  10  by the operator. In embodiments in which the graphic display  144  is a touchscreen, the GUIs enable the operator to interact with the loader  10  by touching or pointing at display areas of the GUI. In some other embodiments, the operator will interact with the GUIs and/or the loader by manipulating the control elements  145  that are associated with the graphic display  144 . 
       FIGS.  29 - 32    present various GUIs, which embodiments allow to be displayed via the graphic display  144 , and which provide information to the operator and/or that allow the operator to control various functions of the loader  10 . Such GUIs enhance the operator&#39;s control of the loader  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  29   , the graphic display  144  of the UICS  142  may present a Login Screen, which prompts the operator for a passcode before the loader  10  can be started or operated. The Login Screen may be activated upon a master switch  154  (See  FIGS.  26  and  27   ) of the UICS  142  being activated. Such activation of the master switch  154  may provide for electrical power to be supplied from an electrical power source (e.g., a 12 Volt battery) of the loader  10  to the graphic display  144  (and to various other components of the loader  10 , such as the control system). It should be noted that the master switch  154  may be deactivated so as to electrically disconnect the various components of the loader  10  from the electrical power source. In some embodiments, deactivation of the master switch  154  may also turn off the engine  52  (if the engine is on). In some embodiments, the loader  10  may include a power time-out, whereby if the master switch  154  is activated but the engine is not started within a pre-established timeframe (e.g., 30 minutes) from the master switch  154  activation, the master switch  154  is automatically deactivated. Both engine  52  shutdown and the switch turned on resets the power time-out timer. 
     Returning to the Login Screen, the operator is prompted to enter a passcode, which must be validated before operating the loader  10 . The passcode may be a numeric, alphabetic, and/or alphanumeric code, such as 4 or 6-digit code. Such a passcode may be entered via the associated control elements  145  (See  FIGS.  26  and  27   ) or directly via the graphic display  144  in embodiments in which the graphic display  144  is a touchscreen. Embodiments provide for the loader  10  to be associated with one or more passcodes associated with various types of user accounts (e.g., operator accounts, owner account, and master account). For example, each loader  10  may include a plurality of operator accounts, which can each be created for an individual operator that may require use of the loader  10  for normal operations. Each operator may be assigned his/her own unique passcode to access his/her operator account. In addition, the owner of the loader  10  (which may be a business entity) may have an owner account which can manage each of the operator accounts. The owner account may have its own passcode with which to access various functions and features of the loader  10 . For example, an owner may use the owner account to establish, recover, change, or delete each of the operator accounts and associated passcodes (i.e., operator accounts may not be permitted to create, re-set, or recover their own passcodes). In addition, some other specific functions and features of the loader  10  may only be accessed and changed via the owner account. Such specific functions and features may include the resetting of service/maintenance reminders and warning alerts, which are discussed in more detail below. Furthermore, the loader  10  may be associated with a master account, which may be used to recover the owner account passcode, if necessary. The master account may be established by the manufacturer of the loader  10 . In some embodiments, the master account passcode may not be changed. In some embodiments, when changing passcodes (e.g., when the owner account is used to change the passcode for an operator account), embodiments may provide for the new passcode to be randomly generated. 
     In some embodiments, the Login Screen may also present other relevant information of the loader  10 , such as current number of engine hours operated by the loader  10 , current fuel level, etc. Before successful entry of a passcode, various functions and features of the loader  10  may be disabled. However, successful entry of the passcode (e.g., at the Login Screen) may unlock one or more additional functions and features of the UICS  142 , or of the loader  10  more generally. For example, as shown in  FIG.  30   , successful entry of the passcode may allow the graphic display  144  to present a GUI in the form of an Operations Screen that presents various operational information of the loader  10  to the operator. The Operations Screen may also present indications of available functions of the loader  10  that the operator may carry out. Such available functions indicated on the Operations Screen may be selected via associated control elements  145  or through the graphic display  144  itself (e.g., via touchscreen). For example, the operator may be able to start the engine  52  of the loader  10  by actuating a control element  145  associated with a START icon  156  of the Operations Screen. In some embodiments, upon successful entry of the operator&#39;s passcode at the Login Screen, the loader  10  will activate the fuel pump for a pre-established timeframe (e.g., 1 minute), such that the operator will be required start the engine  52  within the pre-established timeframe or the Login Screen will be re-displayed and the operator will be required to successfully re-enter the passcode. 
     The Operations Screen may have multiple versions depending on the state of the loader  10 . For instance, the Operations Screen shown in  FIG.  30    may be presented after a successful entry of the operator&#39;s password but prior to the engine  52  of the loader  10  being started. As such, the START icon  156  is presented on the Operations Screen indicative of the operator&#39;s ability to start the engine  52 . The Operations Screen may additionally display a MENU icon  158 , which when selected via the associated control elements  145  or through the graphic display  144  itself (e.g., touchscreen) will cause the graphic display  144  to display a Menu Screen, which is discussed in more detail below. The Operations Screen may additionally display a Work Light icon  160 , which when selected via the associated control elements  145  or through the graphic display  144  itself (e.g., touchscreen) will cause the loader&#39;s  10  work lights to toggle on and off. When the work lights are on, the Work Light icon  160  may be highlighted with a color (e.g., blue), whereas when the work lights are off, the Work Light icon  160  may not have a highlighted color (e.g., the Work Light icon  160  may be uncolored or colored gray). 
     Furthermore, the Operations Screen may additionally display a Glow Plugs icon  162 , which when selected via the associated control elements  145  or through the graphic display  144  itself (e.g., touchscreen) will cause the loader&#39;s  10  glow plugs to toggle on and off. Such glow plugs may be used to pre-heat the engine  52  in preparation for starting the engine  52 . Activating the glow plugs (e.g., via the control elements  145  or touchscreen) may activate the glow plugs for a pre-selected time period (e.g., 5 seconds). Re-activating the glow plugs (e.g., by re-selecting the control elements  145  or touchscreen) may add another pre-selected time period (e.g., 5 seconds) to the glow plug activation. In some embodiments, the glow plugs may only be activated and/or re-activated (e.g., by selecting the control elements  145  or touchscreen) six consecutive times so as to limit the total active duration to a maximum “on-time time-limit.” For example, in embodiments in which the pre-selected time period is five seconds, the maximum on-time time-limit of the glow plugs will be thirty seconds (i.e., 5×6=30). However, in some embodiments, after the glow plug activation time has reached the maximum on-time time-limit, the operator may be able to reactivate the glow plugs if necessary. When the glow plugs are on, the Glow Plug icon  162  may be highlighted with a color (e.g., green), whereas when the glow plugs are off, the Glow Plug icon  162  may not have a highlighted color (e.g., the Glow Plug icon  162  may uncolored or may be colored gray). 
     In addition to the above, and remaining with the Operations Screen of  FIG.  30   , embodiments provide for the Operations Screen to display other types of information related to the loader  10 . For example, the Operations Screen may display a Temperature Gauge configured to present information indicative of a temperature of the engine  52  (such as may be obtained from a temperature sensor associated with the engine  52 ). In some embodiments, the Temperature Gauge may present information indicative of a temperature of the coolant used by the engine  52 . The Temperature Gauge may present relative values of the engine  52  temperature or may present digital values (e.g., in Fahrenheit or Celsius). The Operations Screen may also present a Temperature Warning icon, which may be a warning alert that is activated to a highlighted color (e.g., red) when the engine  52  temperature exceeds a specified threshold (e.g., “210” degrees Fahrenheit). In contrast, when the engine temperature is below the specified threshold, the Temperature Warning icon may not be visible or it may not have a highlighted color (e.g., the Temperature Warning icon may be uncolored or may be colored gray). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the Temperature Warning icon may flash when the engine  52  temperature exceeds a maximum specified threshold (e.g., “220” degrees Fahrenheit), so as to indicate to the operator that the loader  10  may be overheating. In some embodiments, when the engine  52  temperature has exceeded a maximum specified threshold, the engine  52  may automatically be shut off by the loader&#39;s control system. 
     The Operations Screen may also display a Fuel Gauge configured to present information indicative of the fuel level of the loader  10 . For instance, the engine  52  of the loader  10  may operate on diesel fuel, such that the loader  10  includes a fuel tank for supplying fuel (via a fuel pump) to the engine  52 . In some embodiments, the Fuel Gauge may present relative values (e.g., a percentage of a full fuel tank) or may present digital values (e.g., a number of gallons). The Operations Screen may also present a Fuel Warning icon is activated to a highlighted color (e.g., red) when the fuel level falls below a specified threshold (e.g., below ten percent full), whereas when the fuel level is above the specified threshold, the Fuel Warning icon may not be visible or it may not have a highlighted color (e.g., the Fuel Warning icon may uncolored or may be colored gray). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the Fuel Warning icon may flash when the fuel level falls below a minimum specified threshold (e.g., below five percent full), so as to indicate to the operator that the loader  10  may soon run out of fuel and needs to be re-filled. The fuel level may be read from a fuel level sensor (e.g., a float sensor) located within, or otherwise associated with, the fuel tank of the loader  10 . In some embodiments, the data obtained from the fuel level sensor may be averaged so as to avoid any erroneous readings that may result when the loader  10  is operating on an incline or over undulating terrain. In addition, each time the master switch  156  is turned on, the average value of the fuel level sensor data may be reset to a starting average equal to an instantaneous value of the fuel level so as to prevent any lag in immediately reading the fuel level. 
     The Operations Screen may also display RPM data indicative of the current rotations per minute (RPMs) of the engine  52 . In some embodiments, the RPM data may be presented as a digital value (e.g., a number rotations per minute). The RPM data will generally only show values when the engine  52  has been turned on and is running. The RPMs of the engine  52  may be increased and decreased by the operator&#39;s actuation of the engine speed lever  146 . For example, pushing the lever  146  forward may increase the RPMs of the engine  52 , while pulling the lever  146  rearward may decrease the RPMs of the engine  52 . 
     Furthermore, the Operations Screen may display Engine Hour data indicative of the total number of hours the engine  52  has operated. In some embodiments, the Engine Hour data may be obtained from a timer activated when the engine  52  is turned on. The Engine Hour data may be presented as a digital value (e.g., a number hours). The Operations Screen may also display Power Source data indicative of the current voltage of the loader&#39;s  10  electrical power source (e.g., a 12 Volt battery). The Power Source data may be obtained from a voltmeter associated with the loader&#39;s  10  power source. In some embodiments, the Power Source data may be presented as a digital value (e.g., a number Volts). In certain embodiments, the Power Source data may be highlighted a particular color (e.g., red) or may flash if the power level of the loader&#39;s power source falls below a pre-selected value (e.g., the pre-selected value may be 11.5 Volts when the engine  52  is on and 13.0 Volts when the engine is off). In additional embodiments, the Operations Screen may further present Clock data indicative of the time of day. 
     In certain embodiments, the Operations Screen may provide various other indicators and alerts for the operator. For example, the Operations Screen may present an Operator Presence icon  163  indicative of whether or not the operator is positioned on the platform  140 . Such a determination may be made by the presence sensors  141 , which was previously described. The Operator Presence icon  163  may be highlighted with a red color by default when an operator is not positioned on and supported by the platform  140 . However, the Operator Presence icon  163  may be changed to a green color when the presence sensor  141  associated with the platform  140  indicates that the operator is positioned on and supported by the platform  140  (i.e., the weight of the operator forces the platform  140  downward, triggering the presence sensor  141 ). In some embodiments, a buffer period (e.g., one second) may be used when analyzing data obtained from the presence sensor  141  so as to ensure that the presence sensor  141  does not inadvertently indicate that an operator is not on the platform  140  in cases of bouncing or shaking of the loader  10  (such as may cause the operator&#39;s weight to momentarily shift upward away from the platform  140 ). As will be described in more detail below, certain components of the hydraulic system of the loader  10  may not be operated when an operator is not present on the platform  140 . Thus, the buffer period prevents problems with certain hydraulic functions of the loader  10  being disabled if the loader  10  drives over undulating terrain causing the presence sensor  141  to improperly indicate (even for short, impulse moment) that the operator is not present on the platform  140 . However, as will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the loader  10  will include an override feature that permits certain hydraulic functions to be used even when an operator is not present on the platform  140  (e.g., when the operator is standing or walking behind or beside the loader  10 ). 
     The Operations Screen may also present a Service Required icon, which functions as a service reminder if the loader  10  is due (or is overdue) for services or maintenance to be performed. Examples of such services or maintenance include replacement of air filter, replacement of engine  52  oil and filter, tension adjustment of fan belt, check and/or replace fuel filter, replacement of hydraulic oil and filter, replacement of hydraulic tank breather, engine coolant replacement, etc. Embodiments provide for each of the service reminders to have individualized time periods or operational periods. 
     For instance, the engine  52  oil and filter may require replacement every two hundred engine  52  hours. Thus, after two hundred engine  52  hours, the Service Required icon may be activated indicating that the engine  52  oil and filter need to be replaced. However, other service reminders may be based on standard time periods, such as fan belts needing to be replaced after one year. As was described previously, the owner of the loader  10  (via use of the owner&#39;s password) may reset (i.e., deactivate) the Service Required icon upon the service/maintenance being performed (e.g., after the engine  52  oil and filter being changed and/or the fan belt being replaced). The individualized time periods or operational periods within which the services are required to be performed (i.e., before activation of the Service Required icon) may also be set using the owner account. As such, the operator account may not, in some embodiments, be used to re-set the Service Reminder icon or to establish the individualized time periods or operational periods for the service reminders. 
     In addition to the service reminders, the Operations Screen may provide other indications, such as warning alerts, in instances where the loader  10  is experiencing a problem malfunction. For example, the Operations Screen present a warning alert in the form of an Air Cleaner Warning icon (e.g., highlighted in the color red) when the loader&#39;s  10  air filter/cleaner is sensed to be restricted (e.g., via an air cleaner restriction sensor associated with the loader&#39;s air filter/cleaner). Similarly, the Operations Screen may provide a warning alert in the form of a Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning icon upon the loader  10  experiencing a drop in engine  52  oil pressure. In addition to the Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning icon, the Operations Screen may present the statement “WARNING: LOW OIL PRESSURE. When safe, shutdown immediately to avoid engine damage,” if the engine  52  oil pressure is sensed (e.g., via an oil pressure sensor associated with the engine  52 ) to have dropped below a normal operating pressure while the engine  52  is running. If the low engine  52  oil pressure is sensed for a pre-established time period (e.g., six seconds), embodiments provides for the loader&#39;s  10  control system to automatically shutdown the engine  52 . In addition, the Operations Screen may present a new message stating “Engine auto-shutdown due to low oil pressure.” This new message may remain on the Operations Screen until the operator selects a control element  145  (or the touchscreen) acknowledging the low engine  52  oil pressure. 
     In certain embodiments, once the engine  52  of the loader  10  has been started, the Operations Screen may present different information or may permit the operator to perform different functions. For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  31   , the Operations Screen may include a STOP icon  164  in place of the START icon  156 . In a similar manner, however, the operator can select the STOP icon  164  (e.g., via the control elements  145  and/or touchscreen), so as to cause the engine  52  to turn off. Specifically, the selection of the STOP icon  164  may cause the fuel pump to stop providing fuel to the engine  52 , so that the engine  52  stops. Once the engine  52  is turned off, or alternatively, once the master switch  154  is turned off, once the engine  52  stalls, and/or once the engine&#39;s 50 RPMs fall below a pre-defined threshold, the Operations Screen may revert to the version of the Operations Screen illustrated in  FIG.  30   . 
     Remaining with  FIG.  31   , the Operations Screen additionally presents the operator with the option of initializing the hydraulic system of the loader  10  once the engine  52  has been started. For example, the Operations Screen may present a Hydraulic System icon  166 , which when selected (e.g., via a control element  145  and/or touchscreen), activates certain functions of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic systems. For purposes of the present description, the hydraulic system of the loader  10  is generally grouped into performing the following functions: Drive Functions, Loader Functions, and Attachment Functions. However, it should be understood that such a listing is exemplary, and the hydraulic system of the loader  10  may perform other functions. The Drive Functions correspond to the movement of the loader  10  (e.g., forward, rearward, and turning), such as caused by the hydraulic pump  54  providing power (e.g., via the hydrostatic transmission) to the hydraulic motors  50 . The Loader Functions correspond to the movement of the loader arms  16  (e.g., raising and lowering), such as caused by the hydraulic pump  54  providing power to the actuators  76 . The Attachment Functions correspond to the various functionalities of an attachment  18  supported by the loader arms  16  (e.g., bucket tilt, hydraulic auxiliary functions, float functions, etc.), such as caused by the hydraulic pump  54  providing power to the attachment  18  (or to the loader arms  16  in case of the float functions). When the Hydraulic System icon  166  is deactivated, the icon may not be highlighted with a color (e.g., may not be visible or may be colored gray) and/or may include a locked mechanical lock icon (See  FIG.  31   ), so as to indicate to the operator that the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic systems are not activated. In contrast, once the Hydraulic System icon  166  has been selected and the hydraulic systems are activated, the Hydraulic System icon  166  may highlighted with a color (e.g., green) and/or may include an unlocked mechanical lock indicator, as to indicate the operator that the loader  10  that the hydraulic systems are at least partially activated. 
     For example, upon selection of the Hydraulic System icon  166  (with the engine  52  running), the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system may be permitted to provide operating power to the components of the loader  10  to facilitate Drive Functions and Loader Functions. In such instance, stop element  59  of the loader  10  may be retracted, such that the operator can maneuver the loader  10 . The Operations Screen may present the message “Park brake will disengage. Drive and loader controls will be enabled. Operate with extreme caution.” In some embodiments, however, the engine  52  may be required to be operating below a pre-established RPM level (e.g., less than 1500 RPMs) before the hydraulic system can be activated. If the engine&#39;s 52 RPMS are greater than the pre-established RPM level, the Operations Screen may present the message: “Reduce engine speed to less than 1500 RPM.” The engine speed may be reduced via actuation of the engine speed lever  146 . 
     In some embodiments, the hydraulic system of the loader  10  may only be unlocked if the operator is present on the platform  140  (e.g., as determined by the presence sensor  141  previously described, and as indicated on the Operations Screen by Operator Presence icon  163 ). However, in other embodiments, the UICS  142  may include an override (e.g., a control element  145 , touchscreen, or a separate element of the UICCS  142 ), which when selected, permits the hydraulic system of the loader  10  to be activated and used by the operator when the operator is not positioned on the platform  140  (e.g., when the operator is standing or walking behind or beside the loader  10 ). In certain embodiments, the override will only permit the Drive Functionality and the Loader Functionality of the hydraulic system to be operational. In certain embodiments, the override will be turned off if the engine  52  shuts down, if the hydraulic system is toggled off by the operator, and/or if the operator becomes present on the platform  140  (so that the override is not necessary). 
     If the operator does become present on the platform  140  of the loader  10  (and with the engine  52  started and the hydraulic system activated), additional hydraulic functionality may be activated.  FIG.  32    illustrates an Operations Screen whereby the Hydraulic System icon  166  is illustrated as being unlocked. In such instances, the Attachment Functions of the loader  10 , such as the attachment&#39;s auxiliary hydraulic functions and the float functionality, may be made operational. In more detail, once the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system has been activated (with the operator present on the platform  140 ), the float and the hydraulic auxiliary functions of the attachments may be operable such that the operator can control such functions via the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ), as was previously described. In some embodiments, with the engine  52  started, with the operator present on the platform  140 , and with the hydraulic system activated, the Operations Screen may present an Auxiliary Hold icon  168 , as illustrated in  FIG.  32   . By default, the Auxiliary Hold icon  168  will be deactivated, which is indicative of the hydraulic auxiliary functions being set to On-Demand mode (See  FIG.  32   ). The Auxiliary Hold icon  168  may be not be highlighted (e.g., not visible or colored gray) when not activated. Selecting the Auxiliary Hold icon  168  (e.g., via one of the control elements  145  or touchscreen) will permit the Continuous mode of the auxiliary hydraulic functions to be activated. When activated, the Auxiliary Hold icon  168  may be highlighted (e.g., with a green color) and may include a plurality of circularly arranged arrows, as illustrated in  FIG.  33   . 
     As is shown in each of the Operations Screens  30 - 33 , the UICS  142  may present the Menu icon  158 , which when selected, presents a Menu Screen that permits the operator to perform various administrative functions for the loader  10  and/or display various loader  10  related information. For example, the Menu Screen may permit the operator to view, change/update, and/or re-set the loader&#39;s  10  settings, service reminders, safety alerts, and loader specifications, passwords, software, etc. The settings of the loader  10  may allow the operator to display and/or change one or more of the following: language displayed on the UICS  142  (e.g., English, Spanish, etc.), machine serial number, software version, etc. As was previously described, in some embodiments, an owner account may be required to change or update passcodes for an operator account. As was noted previously, the loader  10  may have multiple operators associated with the loader  10 , with each having their own unique operator account and/or passcode. The owner account may individually view and change passwords for each operator. In some embodiments, the owner account (or the master account) may also disable passcode requirements, such that the loader  10  can be started and operated without a passcode being entered via the UICS  142 . In addition, as was noted previously, a master account may be required to view or change the passcode for an owner. In certain embodiments, from the settings, the owner may (via the owner account) view and/or change the scaling factor used by the auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ) of the FA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ). In some embodiments, the settings may allow the operator or the owner to view the software version currently used on the loader  10 . The software may be updated wirelessly (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular) or via wired connection (e.g., USB, memory card, etc.). In certain embodiments, an owner account may be required to update the software of the loader  10 . 
     Selecting the service reminders from the Menu Screen may permit the operator to reset the loader&#39;s  10  service reminders (e.g., air filter, fuel filter, oil filter replacement, etc.), such as after the appropriate services have been performed. In some embodiments, as was described previously, an owner account may be required to reset or to define the service reminders. Selecting the safety alerts from the Menu Screen may present any Warnings Alerts (e.g., low oil pressure) that the loader  10  is currently experiencing (or has experienced in the past). In some embodiments, the owner account may be required to reset any existing Warning Alerts. Finally, selecting the loader  10  specifications from the Menu Screen may display various loader  10  specifications to the operator, such as fluid capacities, oil types, filter models, etc. 
     Finally, turning to  FIGS.  26  and  27   , the UICS  142  includes the control panel  22  on which the joysticks  148 , graphic display  144 , and control elements  145  are located. In some embodiments, the control panel  22  may be pivotally connected with the frame  12  of the loader  10 , such that the control panel  22  can pivot or rotate upward. With the control panel  22  pivoted upward, as illustrated in  FIG.  34   , access is provided to certain internal components located underneath the control panel  22 . For example, upward rotation of the control panel  22  can allow access to the pilot control valve assemblies  158 ( a ) and ( b ) extending from the joysticks  148 ( a ) and ( b ) on the opposite side of the control panel  22  (as is perhaps best shown in  FIG.  28   ). Returning to  FIG.  34   , a radiator  170  and associated fan  172 , which may be positioned below the control panel  22 , may be accessed via the open control panel  22 . The radiator  170  and fan  172  are also shown in  FIG.  27   . Accessing the radiator  170  and fan  172  from the open control panel  22  may facilitate quick and efficient addition of coolant to the radiator  170  (e.g., via radiator cap  174  positioned on top of the radiator  170 ). The radiator  170  and fan  172  may comprise a frame or shroud that houses interior components of the radiator  170  and fan  172 . As shown in  FIG.  34   , the frame or shroud may comprise an access port  176  that is accessible from the open control panel  22  and that allows a user to introduce a pressurized air nozzle into the frame or shroud for cleaning the radiator  170  and/or fan  172 , such as for blowing out debris from fins of the radiator  170 . Specifically, this access port  176  is accessible upon the control panel  22  being rotated upward and permits the user to insert a pressurized air hose and/or nozzle into the access port  174  to blow out the radiator  170 . 
     Recap of Certain Loader Embodiments 
     As described in the above description, embodiments of the present invention include a loader  10  that provides various benefits over prior art loaders. For example, the loader  10  may include a generally T-shaped frame  12 , which permits at least a portion the tracks  40  to extend underneath at least a portion of the loader&#39;s  10  frame  12 . Such a configuration allows the loader  10  to be formed with a relatively narrow overall width W 1 , but to also include oversized tracks  40 . Benefits of this configuration include increased maneuverability and a more even distribution of the loader&#39;s  10  load and weight onto the ground surface. 
     In addition, the loader  10  CUL may include tapered conical sprockets  44  extending from the lateral sides (e.g., left side and right side  30 ,  32 ) of the frame  12  of the loader  10 , which facilitates the ability of the loader  10  to include oversized tracks  40  with the reduced-width frame  12  (i.e., having the overall width W 1 ). The sprockets  44  extend laterally outward from each of the left side and right side  30 ,  32  of the frame  12  and are generally in operable connection with the hydraulic motors  50  (with the motors  50  being positioned in the interior compartment of the frame  12 , each being adjacent to one of the left side and right side  30 ,  32 ). The motors  50  are powered indirectly by an engine  52  (e.g., via a hydrostatic transmission associated with the hydraulic pump  54 ), with the engine  52  being shifted rearward behind the motors  50 . Such rearward shifting of the engine  52  facilitates the ability of the loader  10  to have a reduced width because the motors  50  are not required to be positioned directly to the lateral sides of the engine  52 . In some embodiments, the motors  50  may still require sufficient spacing to permit the flywheel  56  to be positioned between the motors  50 . Nevertheless, the configuration of the conical sprockets  44  permits the motors  50  of the loader  10  to actuate the oversized tracks  40  while the loader  10  itself can maintain a reduced overall width W 1 . The rearward shifting of the engine  52  also provides space for secondary, internal components of the loader  10  to be positioned within the interior compartment presented inside the frame  12  of the loader  10 . The rearward shifting of the engine  52  further provides a rearward shifting of the loader&#39;s  10  center of gravity (due to the high weight of the engine  52 ), which improves load distribution and maneuverability of the loader  10 . For example, the center of gravity of the loader  10  of embodiments of the present invention may be shifted rearward from the midpoint of the length of the loader  10 . Specifically, a distance from the front of the loader  10  to the center of gravity forms a ratio of between 55:45 to 75:25, between 60:40 to 70:30, or about 65:35 with respect to a distance from the rear of the loader  10  to the center of gravity. Stated differently, the center of gravity of the loader  10  may be positioned about 15% of the overall length of the loader  10  rearward from the midpoint of the loader&#39;s  10  length. 
     As noted above, the rearward positioning of the engine  52  also permits other internal components of the loader  10  to be positioned within the interior compartment of the loader  10  frame  12  (forward of the engine  52 ). Such components include the various elements of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system (e.g., hydraulic pump  54 , hydraulic reservoir, hydraulic lines, etc.), fuel tank, fuel lines, hydraulic filter, fuel filter, water separator. Providing such components in the interior compartment of the frame  12 , forward of the engine  52 , improves access to such components for service and maintenance), as well as inhibits the chance of liquids and fluids spilling onto the engine  52 . In some embodiments, the loader  10  will include the hood  36  (which may be formed from plastic, fiberglass, or other similar material), which covers the internal components of the loader  10  positioned within the internal space of the frame  12 . However, the hood  36  may be hingedly attached the frame  12 , such that the hood  36  can be raised to provide easy access to such components (e.g., for service and maintenance, re-filling fluids, etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the engine  52  of the loader  10  may incorporate a turbo, which provides for higher torque at a lower RPM. As such, the loader  10  can incorporate the use of low-displacement motors  50 , which allow the loader  10  have an increased speed at lower RPMs. In some embodiments, a maximum ground speed of the loader can be at least 4.8 MPH, at least 4.9 MPH, at least 5.0 MPH, at least 5.1 MPH, or at least 5.2 MPH. Such enhanced ground speed is provided even with a low horsepower rating of the loader&#39;s  10  engine  52 . For example, in some embodiments, the engine  52  may have a horsepower rating of less than 50 horsepower, less than 40 horsepower, less than 30 horsepower, and/or less than 25 horsepower. The use of the turbo also permits the loader to operate with a generally low noise level. In addition, the shape of the loader  10  frame  12  (i.e., the T-shaped frame  12 ) also functions to attenuate noise generated by the loader  10 . The use of a muffler and the hood  36  (which may be made from plastic) may also function to reduce noise level of the loader  10 . 
     In additional embodiments, the loader  10  may include an enhanced user interface and control system (i.e., UICS  142 ), which includes several features that improve the ability of a user to operate and to receive information related to the loader  10 . The UICS  142  may be part of the control station  20 , so as to be positioned at a rear of the loader  10 . As such, and operator can stand at and/or on the rear of the loader  10  to operate the loader  10 . In more detail, the UICS  142  may include a graphic display  144  and one or more control elements  145  associated with the graphic display  144  (e.g., user inputs, such as buttons or switches positioned below or otherwise adjacent to the graphic display  144 ), which allow the operator to interact with the GUIs presented by the graphic display  144 . In some embodiments, the graphic display  144  may comprise a touchscreen, such that the control elements  145  are not necessary to interact with the GUIs presented by the graphic display  144 . 
     As was described above, the UICS  142  may also include one or more joystick  148  type controls for controlling various functions and features of the loader  10 . The graphic display  144  and the joysticks  148  may be supported on the control panel  22  so as to be accessible from above the control panel  22 . In some embodiments, the control panel  22  may be configured to pivot upward, so as to provide access to internal components located at a rear of the loader  10  and underneath the control panel  22 . For example, the loader  10  may include the radiator  170  and fan  172  positioned behind the engine  52  and below the control panel  22 . The ability of the control panel  22  to be pivoted upward allows access to the radiator  170  and fan  172  so as to, for example, add coolant to the radiator  170 . In additional embodiments, the radiator  170  may be configured with a radiator frame or shroud with an access port  176  that allows a user to introduce a pressurized air nozzle for cleaning (e.g., blowing out) fins of the radiator  170 . Such an access port  176  may be positioned below the control panel  22 , such that pivoting the control panel  22  permits the operator to insert the pressurized air nozzle into the access port  176  to blow out the radiator  170 . In some embodiments, the operator may also access the fan  172  and/or the fan belt (e.g., so as to adjust the tension of an alternator and/or fan belt or to replace the belt) upon the control panel  22  having been pivoted upward. In some additional embodiments, internal components of the loader&#39;s hydraulic system can be accessed upon the opening of the control panel  22 . For instance, the pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ) (and hydraulic lines) associated with the joysticks  148 ( a ) and ( b ) may extend downward below the control panel  22 , while the joysticks  148 ( a ) and ( b ) may extend upward from the control panel  22 . As such, the pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ) (and hydraulic lines) may be accessed efficiently once the control panel  22  has been pivoted upward. 
     Embodiments provide for the loader  10  to incorporate the use of the joysticks  148  due, in part, to the use of the pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ) (and hydraulic lines). In general, the pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ) can be used to separate a low-pressure side (the “low side”) of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system from a high-pressure side (the “high side”). Each of the joysticks  148 ( a ) and ( b ) may be operably connected with one of the pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ). The pilot control valve assemblies  150 ( a ) and ( b ) are, in turn, configured to generate and output hydraulic pressure to the high-pressure side (“high side”) components of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system. Such high side components may include, for instance, the hydraulic pump  54 , the hydraulic motors  50  that actuate the tracks  40 , the actuators  76  (e.g., hydraulic cylinders) that actuate the loader arms  16 , the tilt cylinder  151  that actuates the attachment  18  (e.g., a bucket cylinder for tiling a bucket attachment), and/or the hydraulic auxiliary components of the attachment  18 . 
     For example, the loader  10  may include a drive joystick  148 ( a ) that can be used to control the motion of the loader  10 . As such, the drive joystick  148 ( a ) can be used to direct the loader  10  in a forward direction, a rearward direction, to turn left, or to turn right. The drive joystick  148 ( a ) may extend upward from the control panel  22 , such that a user may actuate the drive joystick  148 ( a ) to move the loader  10 . The pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) may be connected underneath the drive joystick  148 ( a ) and extend below the control panel  22 . Hydraulic lines may extend from the pilot control valve assembly  150 ( a ) to the hydraulic pump  54  that is connected to the hydraulic motors  50  of the left-side and right-side tracks  40 . As such, actuation of the drive joystick  148 ( a ) will cause a corresponding actuation of the loader  10  tracks  40  to cause movement of the loader  10 . The low side of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system may operate with hydraulic fluid that is pressurized to around 330 psi. This low pressurized hydraulic fluid is input to the pump  54  as a control signal. The hydraulic pump  54  (and/or the associated hydrostatic transmission) correspondingly outputs a high pressurized hydraulic fluid (e.g., about 4000 psi) to the high side of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system, and particularly to the motors  50  to cause actuation of the sprockets  44  tracks  40 , and movement of the loader  10 . 
     Similarly, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) may be used to control movement of the loader arms  16  (e.g., so as to raise and lower the attachment  18  connected to the ends of the loader arms  16 ) and/or to actuate the attachment  18 . Specifically, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) may include a pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) (and associated hydraulic lines) that operate using hydraulic fluid pressurized to about 330 psi. The pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) can be connected to (1) the actuators  76  of the loader arms  16 , and/or (2) the hydraulic auxiliary components of the attachment  18 . The pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) may output hydraulic fluid to the high side loader arm  16  actuators  76  and/or tilt cylinder  151  at a pressure of around 3000 psi. The pilot control valve assembly  150 ( b ) may output hydraulic fluid to the high side auxiliary components of the attachment  18  at a pressure of around 2800 psi. 
     In some embodiments, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) will control the loader arms  16  (e.g., raising and lowering) by actuating the drive joystick  148 ( a ). In some of such embodiments, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) will include one or more auxiliary buttons  152 ( b ), which when depressed, will activate auxiliary functions of the attachment  18  (if applicable). In addition, the LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) may include a float button  152 ( a ), which when depressed, permits the loader arms  16  to float along the surface of the ground and follow the terrain, regardless of changes in terrain. 
     As described above, an operator may operate the loader  10  from the rear of the loader  10 . For example, the loader  10  may include the platform  140  positioned near a bottom, rear of the frame  12 . The operator may stand on the platform  140  to operate the loader (e.g., by actuating the components of the UICS  142 ). In some embodiments, the platform  140  may include a presence sensor  141  (e.g., an inductive proximity or pressure sensor), which is configured to deactivate certain components of the hydraulic system of the loader  10  when the operator is not standing on the platform  140 . For example, the low side pilot control valve assembly  150  may be disabled when an operator is not standing on the platform  140 . In some additional embodiments, the loader  10  may include an override function (e.g., accessible as a component of the UICS  142 ) that allows certain of the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic systems to be operated (e.g., Drive Functionality and Loader Functionality) even when the operator is not standing on the platform  140 . In some embodiments, the presence sensor  141  may be configured to deactivate components of the loader&#39;s  10  drive system  14  when the operator is not present on the platform  140 . For example, when the operator leaves the platform  140 , the presence sensor  141  may send a signal to the loader&#39;s  10  control system to engage the stop elements  59  with the sprockets  44  so as to prevent movement of the loader  10 . 
     The graphic display  144  of the UICS  142  also includes several features that enhance operation of the loader  10 . For example, the graphic display  144  may present a GUI in the form of a Login Screen, which requests that the operator enter a passcode (e.g., a numeric code, a textual code, alphanumeric code, etc.) for unlocking certain functions and features of the loader  10  (including of the UICS  142 ). For example, prior to entry of a valid passcode, certain of the loader&#39;s  10  features may be disabled, such as certain “low side” components of the loader&#39;s hydraulic system (e.g., the drive joystick  148 ( a ) and/or LA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b )). Other features may also be disabled, such as the loader&#39;s  10  work lights and glow plugs. Upon the operator entering a correct or valid passcode, additional features of the UICS  142  may be unlocked, such as for instance, the ability for the operator to start the engine  52  of the loader  10  (e.g., using a control element  145  or touchscreen). Thus, the operator may start the loader  10  without a physical key. Similarly, the operator may turn off the engine  52  of the loader without a physical key (e.g., using a control element  145  or touchscreen). In some instances, upon successfully entering the passcode, the passcode may not need to be re-entered upon successive startups as long as such successive startups are performed within a pre-determined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). 
     In view of the above, certain embodiments of the loader  10  may provide for the loader  10  to include a keyless start mechanism configured to permit the loader  10  (and/or the engine  52 ) to be started without a physical key. Such keyless start mechanism may also be used to permit the loader  10  (and/or the engine  52 ) to be stopped without a physical key. In some embodiments, the keyless start mechanism will comprise the graphic display  144 , which is configured to present operational information to the operator. As discussed above, the graphic display  144  is configured to present a Login Screen prompting the operator for a passcode, whereby the engine  52  is prevented from being started until a valid passcode is entered via the UICS  142 . In some embodiments, the operator can enter the passcode via the plurality of control elements  145 , such that the engine  52  of the loader  10  can be started (and/or stopped) without a physical key. In other embodiments, the graphic display  144  may be a touchscreen, and the operator can enter the passcode via the touchscreen, such that the engine  52  of the loader  10  can be started (and/or stopped) without a physical key. In some further embodiments, the UICS  142  may include an additional control element, such as a push button associated with the control panel  22 . In such embodiments, the keyless start mechanism may comprise the push button, such that an operator can start (and/or stop) the engine  52  of the loader  10  without a physical key by depressing the push button (e.g., without requiring the input of a passcode). 
     Upon unlocking the UICS  142  with a valid passcode, the loader  10  may also permit power to be selectively distributed to the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic systems, work lights, glow plugs, etc. Specifically, the operator may use the graphic display  144  (e.g., in conjunction with the associated control elements  145  and/or the GUIs presented by the graphic display  144 ) to selectively control the various functions and features of the loader  10 , such as: turning on/off the hydraulic system (e.g., including overriding the standard deactivation of the hydraulic system when a user is not positioned on the platform  140 ), configuring the auxiliary hydraulic functions of the attachment  18  in either the On-demand mode or the Continuous mode, setting the scaling factor used by the buttons  152 ( a ),( b ) of the FA&amp;A joystick  148 ( b ) (e.g., as may be necessary for proper use of the auxiliary hydraulic functions of the attachment  18 ), to selectively engage or disengage the stop element  59  (so as to functions as a parking break of the loader  10 ), turn the the lights of the loader  10  on/off (in some embodiments the lights may be associated with a courtesy timer, such that the lights will remain on and will automatically shut off after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the loader  10  has been turned off), and passcode entry. 
     The graphic display  144  may also be configured to present colored graphics, such as to present various types of operational information to the operator. Such operational information may include (as was described above): engine hours, fuel level, engine RPM, engine temperature, battery voltage, day/time. The graphic display  144  may also present operational information in the form of service/maintenance reminders (e.g., air filter, fuel filter, oil filter replacement). Such reminders may be based on time (e.g., a daily/weekly/monthly/yearly timer), engine hours, or based on various sensor data received from other loader  10  sensors. For example, the loader  10  air filter may be associated with a sensor (e.g., an airflow/pressure sensor) for indicating when the air filter is clogged and needs to be cleaned/replaced. The graphic display  144  may also present information indicative of the status of the loader&#39;s hydraulic system, such as (i) when the loader&#39;s  10  hydraulic system is activated, (ii) when the loader  10  is in Continuous mode, and/or (iii) when the loader  10  is in an On-Demand mode. 
     Furthermore, the loader  10  includes loader arms  16  that provide for vertical-lift operation with an extended reach. For example, when the loader  10  is equipped with an attachment  18  in the form of a bucket, the loader arms  16  may raise the bucket to an extendable height of at least 84.7 inches and a forward reach of at least 28.3 inches (measured from tangent of loader track  40  and with the bucket tilted/dumped 45 degrees downward). To accomplish such enhanced height and reach capabilities, the loader arms  16  includes a unique travel path, as defined by the path traveled by the loader arm  16  hitch pin  68  when viewing the loader  10  from a side elevation view. The travel path may approximate the function ƒ(x)=4.641e 0.34x  Such a travel path of the loader arms  16  also provides for enhanced breakout strength of the loader arms  16  and associated attachments  18 . 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to the one or more embodiments illustrated in the figures, it is understood that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.