Patent Publication Number: US-2023134847-A1

Title: Counterweight assembly for work machines

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a counterweight assembly for a work machine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Work machines, such as wheel loaders, and the like, are commonly applied for earth moving operations at various worksites. As part of earth moving operations, such machines often use a work implement, e.g., a bucket, to receive a load. Once the load is received, the machine is moved or maneuvered to a desired location so as to transfer and release the load at the desired location. To accomplish such operations, it is often required that the load imposed on the machine be appropriately counterbalanced. Further, it is also desired that the machine be protected from interference with external elements of the worksite, during machine movements. Moreover, lighting fixtures are to be provided to either or both illuminate a travel path of the machine and/or indicate an operational stage associated with the machine. In addition, such machines may also need to be raised or lowered into certain locations for applications, e.g., for being stowed away when not in use, when being hoisted to be placed in a worksite with limited access, when being shipped to a new location, and/or when being used to move earth from those locations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,876 relates to a construction vehicle that has a rear bumper assembly mounted on a frame. The bumper assembly comprises a horizontally disposed bottom plate and a plurality of upstanding plates which define a closed compartment having a counterweight therein. The counterweight is attached to the bottom plate by a spacer which extends through the center of gravity of the counterweight and by a pair of bolts attached to opposite ends of the spacer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a counterweight assembly for a work machine. The counterweight assembly includes a structure, one or more support studs, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The structure is configured to be coupled to a frame of the work machine. The structure defines one or more through holes, a first side end, and a second side end opposing the first side end. The support studs are configured to be fixedly coupled to the frame and be correspondingly received into the through holes to align and support the structure against the frame. The first side wall extends from the first side end and defines a first eyelet. The second side wall extends from the second side end and defines a second eyelet. The second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall to receive a guard rail of the work machine therebetween. One or more of the first eyelet and the second eyelet are configured to receive a lifting assembly for a lifting of the work machine, and the support studs are configured to transfer a lifting force during the lifting of the work machine from the counterweight assembly to the frame. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a work machine. The work machine includes a frame, and a counterweight assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a structure, one or more support studs, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The structure is coupled to the frame and defines one or more through holes, a first side end, and a second side end opposing the first side end. The support studs are fixedly coupled to the frame and correspondingly received into the through holes to align and support the structure against the frame. The first side wall extends from the first side end and defines a first eyelet. The second side wall extends from the second side end and defines a second eyelet. Further, the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall to receive a guard rail of the work machine therebetween. One or more of the first eyelet and the second eyelet are configured to receive a lifting assembly for a lifting of the work machine. Also, the support studs are configured to transfer a lifting force during the lifting of the work machine from the counterweight assembly to the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a rear perspective view of an exemplary work machine that includes a counterweight assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of the counterweight assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a rear view of the counterweight assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of the counterweight assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the counterweight assembly illustrating sections and profiles of a first plate and a second plate of a structure of the counterweight assembly, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a support stud applied to align and support the counterweight assembly against a frame of the work machine, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate a process to mount the counterweight assembly to the frame of the machine, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g.,  1 ,  1 ′,  1 ″,  101  and  201  could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a work machine  100  is shown. The work machine  100  may be a ground-borne mobile machine configured to travel across an expanse of a worksite  104  and perform earth altering or earth moving operations at the worksite  104 . The work machine  100  may include a wheel loader  108 , such as a medium wheel loader  112 , as shown. However, aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of other work machines, such as agricultural machines or constructions machines, for example, a dozer, a skid-steer loader, an excavator, a grader, and/or to any other machine known to or contemplatable by a person skilled in the art. The work machine  100  may be an autonomously or semi-autonomously operated machine. 
     The work machine  100  may include a chassis or a frame  116  to support various machines parts, panels, and sub-systems, thereon. The frame  116  may include a split-frame configuration, defining a forward frame portion  120  and a rearward frame portion  124 . The rearward frame portion  124  may include a section to which a bumper (not shown) of the work machine  100  may be coupled to. Both the forward frame portion  120  and the rearward frame portion  124  may be pivotably coupled to each other at a pivot point (not shown). Said forward frame portion  120  may define a forward end  128  of the work machine  100  and said rearward frame portion  124  may define a rearward end  132  of the work machine  100 . Terms such as ‘forward’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘rearward’, and the like, as used in the present disclosure, may be understood according to an exemplary direction, T, in which the work machine  100  may move during operations, with said exemplary direction, T, being defined from the rearward end  132  towards the forward end  128 . 
     The work machine  100  may include an implement  136 , such as a bucket. The implement  136  may be coupled to the frame  116  (e.g., to the forward frame portion  120  of the frame  116 ), possibly via intermediate structures such as linkage elements (not shown), and may be disposed at the forward end  128  of the work machine  100 . The implement  136  (or the bucket) may be used to alter the earth at the worksite  104 . For example, the implement  136  (or the bucket) may scoop in and receive materials (e.g., a portion of earth that may include debris, soil, rocks, stones, disintegrated particles, etc.) during an earth moving operation, and the work machine  100  may then be powered to travel to a location of the worksite  104  so as to release and dump said materials at said location. In that manner, the work machine  100  may be applicable for moving earth at the worksite  104 . 
     The work machine  100  may also include an operator cabin  140  and a power compartment  144 . Both the operator cabin  140  and the power compartment  144  may be supported on the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 , with the operator cabin  140  taking a position between the forward frame portion  120  and the power compartment  144 . The operator cabin  140  may include various input devices and controls. An access to such input devices and controls may enable an operator to control various aspects of the work machine  100 , e.g., manipulate or actuate the implement  136 , move the work machine  100 , and the like. 
     The power compartment  144  may house a power source, e.g., an internal combustion engine (not shown), that may power a myriad of functions of the work machine  100 . For example, the power source may power one or more traction devices  148  (e.g., wheels and/or endless crawler tracks) of the work machine  100 , enabling the work machine  100  to move and travel across an expanse of the worksite  104 , i.e., from one location to another location of the worksite  104 . The power source may also power an actuation of the implement  136  and various other functions of the work machine  100 . According to some embodiments, it is possible for the work machine  100  to include other types of power sources, e.g., an electrical power source, that may be applied alone or in combination with an internal combustion engine. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  to  4   , the work machine  100  may include a counterweight assembly  152 . The counterweight assembly  152  may be applied to counterbalance a load imposed on the work machine  100 , e.g., a load of the materials that is received by the implement  136 . Given that the implement  136  is disposed at the forward end  128  of the work machine  100 , the counterweight assembly  152  may be provided at the rearward end  132  of the work machine  100 . In so doing, any load imposed at the forward end  128  (e.g., by a receipt of the materials into the implement  136  at the forward end  128 ) may be balanced out and counteracted by the counterweight assembly  152  disposed at the rearward end  132  of the work machine  100 . In that manner, the counterweight assembly  152  may stabilize the work machine  100  during earth moving operations. As an example, the counterweight assembly  152  may be coupled to the frame  116  at the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116  and may be disposed rearwardly of the work machine  100 . Apart from counterbalancing loads received by the implement  136 , the counterweight assembly  152  may serve additional purposes, details related to each of which will be understood through the discussions in the forthcoming description. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  5   , the counterweight assembly  152  is discussed in further detail. The counterweight assembly  152  includes a structure  156  and one or more support studs  160  (e.g., a first support stud  160 ′ and a second support stud  160 ″). The counterweight assembly  152  also includes side walls  164 , e.g., a first side wall  164 ′ and a second side wall  164 ″. Further, the counterweight assembly  152  also includes a first housing  168 ′ and a second housing  168 ″. 
     The structure  156  may be coupled to the frame  116  (e.g., to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). The structure  156  may include a first plate  172  and a second plate  176 . Both the first plate  172  and the second plate  176  may define planarly extending profiles. Although not limited, the first plate  172  and the second plate  176  may be similar in their lengths (e.g., see length, L,  FIG.  3   ). In some cases, the first plate  172  and the second plate  176  may be similarly sized and/or shaped. Although not limited, the second plate  176  may be disposed orthogonally with respect to the first plate  172 . In some embodiments, both the first plate  172  and the second plate  176  may be formed from sheet metal. The structure  156  or an assembly of the first plate  172  and the second plate  176  may define a first side end  180  of the structure  156  and a second side end  184  of the structure  156 . The second side end  184  may be opposed to the first side end  180 , as shown. 
     Further, the first plate  172  may define surfaces (or flat surfaces)—for example, the first plate  172  may define a first surface  188  and a second surface  192  (see  FIG.  5   ). The second surface  192  may be in opposing relationship to the first surface  188 . The structure  156  may also define one or more through holes  196  (or first through holes  200 ). Said first through holes  200  may be formed in the first plate  172 . As an example, two first through holes  200 —i.e., a primary first through hole  200 ′ and a secondary first through hole  200 ″ may be provided in the first plate  172 . Additional or lesser number of first through holes  200  may be contemplated. The first through holes  200  may extend from the first surface  188  to the second surface  192 , defining corresponding openings at each of the first surface  188  and the second surface  192 . Each of the first through holes  200  may further define an inner surface  204  and a chamfered surface or a chamfered edge  208  extending and diverging from (or from near) the inner surface  204  to the first surface  188  (see profile of the secondary first through hole  200 ″ in  FIG.  5    for reference). In an assembly of the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116 , the first surface  188  may be directed towards the frame  116  (or towards the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). 
     The structure  156  may further define second through holes  212  (see  FIGS.  3  and  4   ). The second through holes  212  may be formed in the first plate  172  as well. In  FIGS.  3  and  4   , it may be noted that exemplarily five second through holes  212  are clustered around or arranged adjacent to the primary first through hole  200 ′, but only one of said five second through holes  212  is marked for clarity. Similarly, and exemplarily, five second through holes  212  are clustered around or arranged adjacent to the secondary first through hole  200 ″, but only one of said five second through holes  212  is marked for clarity. Additional or lesser number of the second through holes  212  are possible. The second through holes  212  that are clustered around or arranged adjacent to the primary first through hole  200 ′ may be referred to as the primary set of second through holes  212 ′. Further, the second through holes  212  that are clustered around or arranged adjacent to the secondary first through hole  200 ″ may be referred to as the secondary set of second through holes  212 ″. 
     A layout of the second through holes  212 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , is however exemplary, and those skilled in the art may contemplate variations in said layout and arrangement, e.g., based on spatial constraints, type of work machine, etc. Like the first through holes  200 , the second through holes  212  may also extend from the first surface  188  to the second surface  192 , defining corresponding openings at each of the first surface  188  and the second surface  192  (see  FIG.  5   ). However, the second through holes  212  may be devoid of a chamfered surface or a chamfered edge as may be provided for each of the first through holes  200 . The second through holes  212  may correspondingly receive one or more fasteners  216  (for clarity, only some of which have been marked, see  FIG.  2   ) therethrough to couple and secure the structure  156  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). Fasteners  216  can include a threaded portion and a head portion, and the second through holes  212  may be correspondingly threaded. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  6   , the support studs  160  (i.e., the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″) may be fixedly coupled (e.g., by welding and/or threading) to the frame  116  (e.g., to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) so as to be irremovable from the frame  116  (e.g., irremovable from the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). The support studs  160  (i.e., the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″) may also be correspondingly received into the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″ to align and support the structure  156  against the frame  116 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the support studs  160  are discussed by reference to the second support stud  160 ″. Said discussion may be applied to the first support stud  160 ′, as well. The second support stud  160 ″ may include an elongated, linearly extending structure made from high-strength steel or any inherently high-strength material or an alloy. The second support stud  160 ″ may define a head portion  220 , a shank portion  224 , and a grasping portion  228 . The grasping portion  228  may be arranged between the head portion  220  and the shank portion  224 . The shank portion  224  may include threads  232 . Further, the grasping portion  228  may be engaged by a tool (e.g., a wrench or a spanner) (not shown) so as to have the tool engage the second support stud  160 ″ and tighten and threadably couple the shank portion  224 , and thus the second support stud  160 ″, into a corresponding threaded hole  236  (see  FIGS.  7  and  8   ) defined by the frame  116  (or the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). In a coupled state of the second support stud  160 ″ with the frame  116  (or the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ), the head portion  220  of the second support stud  160 ″ (and, in some cases, the grasping portion  228 ) may project or extend outwards of the frame  116  (or the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) and onto which the secondary first through hole  200 ″ may be mounted, so as to have the second support stud  160 ″ received into the secondary first through hole  200 ″ of the structure  156 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  2  to  5   , the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″ is discussed. The first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″ may include planarly and linearly extending profiles. As with the first plate  172  and the second plate  176 , the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″ may be shaped in the form of plates, as well. The first side wall  164 ′ may extend from the first side end  180  of the structure  156  and may define a first eyelet  240 . The second side wall  164 ″ may extend from the second side end  184  of the structure  156  and may define a second eyelet  244 . Although not limited, the first eyelet  240  and the second eyelet  244  may be defined away from or remote to the structure  156  and/or may be defined at an elevation (e.g., same elevation) with respect to the second plate  176 , a shown. Also, the first eyelet  240  and the second eyelet  244  may be configured to receive a lifting assembly  248  (e.g., see arrangement of a hook  252  and a chain  256 ,  FIG.  2   ) for a lifting of the work machine  100  off a ground surface. During such lifting of the work machine  100 , the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″ are configured to transfer a load or lifting force from the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). 
     The fixed coupling of the support studs  160  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) aids in said transfer of the load or lifting force through the support studs  160 . In some embodiments, the head portion  220  may serve as the portion of the second support stud  160 ″ that transfers the load or the lifting force (e.g., radially) from the counterweight assembly  152  to the second support stud  160 ″, so that either or each of the weld or the thread, by which the second support stud  160 ″ may be coupled to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ), may transfer the lifting force or the load from the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). 
     Further, the second side wall  164 ″ may be spaced apart from the first side wall  164 ′ such that a space, S, may be defined between the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″. A guard assembly or a guard rail  260  (see  FIG.  1   ) of the work machine  100 , that may prevent interference of external elements with the rearward end  132 , may be received in between (e.g., into the space, S, defined in between) the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″. In some embodiments, the guard rail  260  may be fastened to the first side wall  164 ′ by using fasteners  266  (see  FIG.  1   ). As an example, four fasteners  266  are shown. Additional or lesser fasteners  266  may be contemplated. Further, similar fasteners (not shown) may be used to couple the guard rail  260  with the second side wall  164 ″, as well. Moreover, one or more of the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″ may extend upright or orthogonally relative to the structure  156  or relative to one or more of the first plate  172  and the second plate  176 . 
     The first housing  168 ′ and the second housing  168 ″ may receive light units  264  of the work machine  100 . As an example, the first housing  168 ′ and the second housing  168 ″ may be respectively coupled to a first portion  268  and a second portion  272  of the counterweight assembly  152  (see  FIGS.  2 ,  7 , and  8   ). The first portion  268  and the second portion  272  may correspond to portions respectively defined on the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″, as shown. However, in some embodiments, it is possible for the first portion  268  and the second portion  272  to be defined elsewhere, e.g., on the second plate  176 . Additionally, or optionally, other components or sensing systems, such as a (Light Detection and Ranging) LIDAR/(Radio Detection and Ranging) RADAR systems (not shown), applicable and/or usable during machine movements, etc., may be coupled to the first portion  268  and the second portion  272  of the counterweight assembly  152 . 
     The first housing  168 ′ and the second housing  168 ″ may each include a box-shaped receptacle, although variations to its shape may be contemplated. Said box-shaped receptacles (i.e., the first housing  168 ′ and the second housing  168 ″) may respectively receive the light units  264 , i.e., a first light unit  276  and a second light unit  280  of the work machine  100 . The first light unit  276  and the second light unit  280  may illuminate a travel path of the work machine  100 , indicate an operational stage associated with the work machine  100 , and/or may also be indicative of where the work machine  100  is heading during its travel over and across the worksite  104 . 
     In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly  152  may include one or more additional plates (e.g., additional plate  284 ,  FIG.  3   ) that may be couplable to the structure  156  or to the second plate  176  to increase an overall weight of the counterweight assembly  152 . In this regard, it is possible that the second plate  176  may include one or more holes (see example hole  288 ,  FIG.  2   ) and the additional plates may include similar one or more holes (not shown). During an installation and assembly of the counterweight assembly  152  with the frame  116  (or with the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ), holes of the second plate  176  may be aligned with the holes of the additional plates and fasteners (not shown) may be driven and/or passed through such holes so as to couple said additional plates with the second plate  176 . 
     In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly  152  may be formed by welding all of its parts together. For example, the first plate  172 , the second plate  176 , the first side wall  164 ′, the second side wall  164 ″, the first housing  168 ′, the second housing  168 ″ may be brought together (e.g., one by one) such that all said parts may be located with respect to the other and then suitably welded to arrive at the counterweight assembly  152 , as exemplarily discussed above and illustrated in  FIGS.  1  to  6   . Forming of the through holes, e.g., the first through holes  200 , the second through holes  212 , the first eyelet  240 , and the second eyelet  244 , may be attained by machining processes, such as boring. In some embodiments, the counterweight assembly  152  may also include further supplementary plates, e.g., a first side plate  292  and a second side plate  296 , that may add to the strength, rigidity, and/or to the overall weight of the counterweight assembly  152 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , an exemplary manner of assembling the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) is discussed. During an assembly of the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ), an operator may first insert the second support stud  160 ″ into the threaded hole  236  provided within the frame  116  (or within the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). To attain said insertion, the operator may align the second support stud  160 ″ with the threaded hole  236  and may then push the second support stud  160 ″ into the threaded hole  236  such that the shank portion  224  of the second support stud  160 ″ enters first into the threaded hole  236 . 
     Thereafter, the operator may use a tool (e.g., a wrench or a spanner) (not shown) to grab and engage the grasping portion  228  of the second support stud  160 ″ and in turn engage the second support stud  160 ″ and apply torque so as to rotate and tighten the second support stud  160 ″ into the threaded hole  236 . Given that the shank portion  224  may include threads  232  (and the threaded hole  236  may include complementing threads), the second support stud  160 ″ may be threadably engaged into the threaded hole  236 . In that manner, the second support stud  160 ″ may be threadably coupled with the frame  116  (or the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). 
     The operator may then initiate a welding operation to weld the second support stud  160 ″ with the frame  116  (or with the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). In some embodiments, the welding operation may include an application of a weld, W, into the threaded hole  236  such that the threaded hole  236  and the shank portion  224  of the second support stud  160 ″ may be welded and retained together. In so doing, the second support stud  160 ″ may be permanently and irremovably coupled to the frame  116  (or the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). The operator may then bring forth the first support stud  160 ′ and couple the first support stud  160 ′ to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ), in a similar manner as the second support stud  160 ″ is coupled to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). Once both the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″ are coupled to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) in the manner discussed above, both the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″ may project or extend outwards from the frame  116  (or from the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). Alternatively, the welding operation may be omitted. 
     As next step, the operator may bring forth the counterweight assembly  152  (e.g., assisted by a crane that may be one and the same as the lifting assembly  248 ) and may align the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″ correspondingly with the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″. Once the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″ are aligned with the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″, the operator and may push the counterweight assembly  152  (e.g., see direction, A,  FIG.  7   ) towards the frame  116  (or towards the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) such that the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″ receive the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″, respectively. At this point, the chamfered edges (e.g., chamfered edge  208 ) correspondingly defined by the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″ may help align and guide the insertion of the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″ respectively into the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″. Thus, the support studs  160  may control a positioning of the counterweight assembly  152  relative to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) during the assembly process. 
     In some embodiments, a complimenting chamfered edge (not shown) may be also provided on the head portion  220 . Such a complimenting chamfered edge may ease guidance, insertion, and assembly of the support studs  160 , respectively into the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″. 
     Once the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″ respectively receive the first support stud  160 ′ and the second support stud  160 ″, the operator may bring forth the fasteners  216  (e.g., with respective washers) and then insert and drive said fasteners  216  correspondingly into the primary set of second through holes  212 ′ and the secondary set of second through holes  212 ″ and then into corresponding threaded holes (e.g., see threaded hole  218 ,  FIGS.  7  and  8   ) provided within the frame  116  (or within the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) so as to tighten, couple, and retain the counterweight assembly  152 , with the frame  116  (or with the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). If the fasteners  216  and the second through holes  212 ′,  212 ″ are correspondingly threaded, the fasteners  216  can be rotated to engage the second through holes  212 ′,  212 ″ and secure the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). 
     During a lifting operation or during a lifting of the work machine  100 , the lifting assembly  248  (e.g., arrangement of the hook  252  and chain  256 ,  FIG.  2   ) may be received in to the first eyelet  240  and the second eyelet  244 . When or as the work machine  100  may be lifted, the support studs  160  transfer the lifting force (e.g., a majority of the lifting force) during said lifting of the work machine  100  from the counterweight assembly  152  to the frame  116  (or to the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). In that manner, the work machine  100  may be raised or lowered into one or more locations for certain applications, e.g., for being stowed away when not in use, when being shipped to a new location, when being hoisted to be placed in a worksite with limited access such as a cargo ship hold, and/or when being used to move earth from those locations, with ease and convenience. 
     It may be noted that once the fasteners  216  and the support studs  160  are assembled with the structure  156 , the head portions  220  of the support studs  160  may correspondingly register or lie in abutment with the inner surfaces  204  of the primary first through hole  200 ′ and the secondary first through hole  200 ″. Further, the shank portions  224  (or the threads  232 ) of the support studs  160  may register or lie in abutment with a surface of the frame  116  (or the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) that define the threaded holes (e.g., threaded hole  236 ) into which the support studs  160  may be inserted. In that manner, the head portion  220  and the shank portion  224  (or the threads  232 ) may facilitate a transfer of the load or the lifting force, radially, during the lifting operation. Simultaneously, or otherwise, the fasteners  216  may manage any axial loads, preventing a decoupling or a disengagement of the counterweight assembly  152  from the frame  116  (or from the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ). 
     Further, the counterweight assembly  152  also provides accommodation to the guard rail  260  that provides guarding at the rearward end  132  of the work machine  100  to protect the power compartment  144  (including components such as a radiator that may be positioned within the power compartment  144 ) from damage that may occur from any interference with external elements or objects of the worksite  104 . The first housing  168 ′ and the second housing  168 ″ being arranged on the first side wall  164 ′ and the second side wall  164 ″ to position the light units  264  (i.e., the first light unit  276  and the second light unit  280 ) secures the light units  264  and can meet one or more federally mandated standards or requirements, such as the ISO 12509 requirements, while also allowing said light units  264  to serve one or more of its intended purpose, as has been discussed above—i.e., to illuminate a travel path of the work machine  100 , indicate an operational stage associated with the work machine  100 , and/or indicate where the work machine  100  may be heading during its travel over and across the worksite  104 . 
     Lift capacity requirements of the work machine  100  (i.e., a requirement associated with the overall weight of the counterweight assembly  152  to counter a load in the implement  136 ) are also easily achieved and may also be customizable in certain scenarios, e.g., given the provision to add or remove additional plates (e.g., additional plate  284 ) to the second plate  176  to (e.g., proportionally) increase or decrease the overall weight of the counterweight assembly  152 . Furthermore, the counterweight assembly  152  may also be designed and positioned with respect to the work machine  100  so as to meet requirements associated with a turning circle and a departure angle of the work machine  100 . 
     Effectively, the counterweight assembly  152 , as discussed above, is an all-inclusive, integrated, and multi-purpose serving structure that requires less footprint or real estate against panels and/or parts (e.g., the rearward frame portion  124  of the frame  116 ) of the work machine  100 . This makes the work machine  100  less complex and less bulky, and one which is relatively easy to use, service, and maintain. 
     Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B″) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and/or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method and/or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.