Patent Publication Number: US-2021180289-A1

Title: Motor graders incorporating mount kits for work implement assemblies and methods of servicing motor graders

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates, generally, to construction machines, and, more specifically, to graders. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Graders such as motor graders may include a chassis, a draft frame pivotally coupled to the chassis, and a circle frame pivotally coupled to the draft frame. One or more systems and/or devices may be employed to pivotally retain the circle frame to the draft frame. In some cases, servicing and/or maintenance of the system(s) and/or device(s) may present a variety of complications. Accordingly, configurations that avoid the shortcomings of those systems(s) and/or device(s) remain an area of interest. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a grader may include a chassis and a work implement assembly. The work implement assembly may include a draft frame pivotally coupled to the chassis, a circle frame coupled to the draft frame for rotation relative thereto to adjust an angular orientation of a moldboard supported by the circle frame, and a mount kit to pivotally retain the circle frame to the draft frame. The draft frame may include a platform having a first side that faces the moldboard, a second side arranged opposite the first side that faces away from the moldboard, and an opening extending through the first and second sides. The circle frame may be arranged in confronting relation to the first side of the platform. The mount kit may include a plurality of retainer assemblies at least partially positioned in the opening that are accessible from the second side of the platform. 
     In some embodiments, the draft frame may include a ring extending outwardly away from the second side of the platform and around the opening, and each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may be coupled to an inner surface of the ring for movement relative thereto along the inner surface during rotation of the circle frame relative to the draft frame. Each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a retainer case and a wear pad arranged between the retainer case and the inner surface of the ring to minimize direct contact between the inner surface and the retainer case during movement of the retainer case relative to the ring along the inner surface. Each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a bracket arranged in contact with the circle frame, a plurality of fasteners that each extend through the bracket and are arranged in contact with the retainer case, and a plurality of adjustment nuts that each receive a corresponding one of the plurality of fasteners, and the plurality of adjustment nuts may be movable along the plurality of fasteners to adjust the position of the retainer case relative to the inner surface of the ring and to facilitate access to the wear pad from the second side of the platform. 
     In some embodiments, the draft frame may include a ring extending outwardly away from the second side of the platform and around the opening, each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a retainer case that is coupled to an inner surface of the ring for movement relative thereto along the inner surface during rotation of the circle frame relative to the draft frame, and each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a plurality of fasteners that extend through the retainer case and into the circle frame and are accessible from the second side of the platform. The plurality of fasteners of each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include three fasteners. The plurality of retainer assemblies may include four retainer assemblies. 
     In some embodiments, the draft frame may include a ring extending outwardly away from the second side of the platform and around the opening, each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a retainer case that is arranged in contact with the circle frame and coupled to an inner surface of the ring for movement relative thereto along the inner surface during rotation of the circle frame relative to the draft frame, and each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a first wear pad arranged between the retainer case and the second side of the platform to minimize direct contact between the retainer case and the draft frame during movement of the retainer case relative to the ring along the inner surface. Each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a second wear pad arranged between the first side of the platform and the circle frame to minimize direct contact between the draft frame and the circle frame during rotation of the circle frame relative to the draft frame. The first wear pads of the plurality of retainer assemblies may be accessible from the second side of the platform and the second wear pads of the plurality of retainer assemblies may be accessible from an outer periphery of the draft frame and the circle frame. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mount kit for a grader having a chassis, a draft frame coupled to the chassis, and a circle frame coupled to the draft frame for rotation relative thereto may include a plurality of retainer assemblies. The plurality of retainer assemblies may each be configured to be at least partially positioned in an opening that extends through a first side of a platform of the draft frame that faces a moldboard of the grader and is arranged in confronting relation to the circle frame and through a second side of the platform that is arranged opposite the first side and faces away from the moldboard. The plurality of retainer assemblies may be configured to pivotally retain the circle frame to the draft frame in use of the mount kit, and the plurality of retainer assemblies may be accessible from the second side of the platform of the draft frame for maintenance and/or servicing when the circle frame is pivotally retained to the draft frame in use of the mount kit. 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a retainer case having a first block configured for interaction with the second side of the platform of the draft frame and a second block interconnected with the first block that is configured for direct interaction with the circle frame, and the first block and the second block of each retainer case may be accessible from the second side of the platform of the draft frame in use of the mount kit. The second block of the retainer case of each of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include a plurality of columns and a plurality of cutouts each positioned between adjacent columns of the plurality of columns. The plurality of columns of the second block of each retainer case may include three columns, and the plurality of cutouts of the second block of each retainer case may include two cutouts. 
     In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cutouts of the second block of each retainer case may be cooperatively defined at least in part by a first exterior surface of a first column, a second exterior surface of a second column that faces the first exterior surface of the first column, a rib exterior surface of a rib of the second block that interconnects the first and second exterior surfaces, and a base of the second block that is interconnected with the first column, the second column, and the rib. The base of the second block of each retainer case may be configured to contact the circle frame in use of the mount kit, the plurality of columns of the second block of each retainer case may extend outwardly away from the corresponding base over a first distance, and an outer surface of the first block of each retainer case may be spaced a second distance greater than the first distance from the corresponding base. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mount kit may include a plurality of fasteners each sized to be received by a corresponding one of the plurality of columns of the second block of each retainer case such that each fastener extends all the way through the corresponding column and into the circle frame in use of the mount kit. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of servicing a grader including a chassis, a draft frame coupled to the chassis, a circle frame coupled to the draft frame for rotation relative thereto, and a mount kit to pivotally retain the circle frame to the draft frame may include accessing, from one side of a platform of the draft frame that faces away from a moldboard of the grader, a plurality of retainer assemblies of the mount kit that are at least partially positioned in an opening of the platform that extends through the one side of the platform and through another side of the platform arranged opposite the one side, and at least partially disassembling one or more of the plurality of retainer assemblies. 
     In some embodiments, at least partially disassembling one or more of the plurality of retainer assemblies includes adjusting a position of a retainer case of at least one of the plurality of retainer assemblies relative to a ring extending outwardly away from the one side of the platform to access a first wear pad arranged between the retainer case and the ring. At least partially disassembling one or more of the plurality of retainer assemblies may include accessing a second wear pad arranged between the retainer case of the at least one of the plurality of retainer assemblies and the draft frame and a third wear pad arranged between the second side of the platform and the circle frame. 
     These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a motor grader; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a work implement assembly of the motor grader of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view of a retainer assembly of a mount kit included in the work implement assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial sectional view of the retainer assembly of  FIG. 3  taken about line  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective top view of another work implement assembly adapted for inclusion in the motor grader of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective bottom view of the work implement assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective top view of yet another work implement assembly adapted for inclusion in the motor grader of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective bottom view of the work implement assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     A number of features described below may be illustrated in the drawings in phantom. Depiction of certain features in phantom is intended to convey that those features may be hidden or present in one or more embodiments, while not necessarily present in other embodiments. Additionally, in the one or more embodiments in which those features may be present, illustration of the features in phantom is intended to convey that the features may have location(s) and/or position(s) different from the locations(s) and/or position(s) shown. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a construction machine  100  is illustratively embodied as, or otherwise includes, a motor grader. The motor grader  100  includes a front chassis or front frame  102  and a rear chassis or rear frame  104  arranged opposite the front chassis  102  and coupled thereto. The front chassis  102  is supported on a pair of front wheels  106  and the rear chassis is supported on tandem sets of rear wheels  108 . The front chassis  102  supports an operator cab  110  in which various operational controls for the motor grader  100  are provided. Among other things, those controls may include a steering wheel  112 , a lever assembly  114 , and a dashboard  116 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, a drive unit or engine  118  mounted to the rear chassis  104  supplies driving power to all driven components of the motor grader  100 . The drive unit  118  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, any device capable of supplying rotational power to driven components of the motor grader  100  to drive those components. In some embodiments, rotational power supplied by the drive unit  118  may be provided to the driven components of the grader  100  by one or more transmission(s). In one example, the drive unit  118  may be configured to supply power to a transmission that is coupled to the rear wheels  108  and operable to provide various predetermined speed ratios selectable by an operator in either reverse or forward operating modes. In another example, the drive unit  118  may be configured to supply power to a transmission that is coupled to the front wheels  106 , such as a hydrostatic front-wheel-assist transmission, for example. Additionally, in some embodiments, the drive unit  118  may be coupled to a pump or generator to provide hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power to one or more components of the motor grader  100 , as the case may be. 
     The illustrative motor grader  100  includes a work implement assembly  120  that is movably coupled to the front chassis  102 . The work implement assembly  120  includes a moldboard or blade  122  that is configured to grade an underlying surface in use of the grader  100 . Of course, it should be appreciated that another suitable device may be employed for that purpose. The illustrative work implement assembly  120  also includes a draft frame  210  (see  FIG. 2 ), a circle frame  250 , and a mount kit  260  to retain the circle frame  250  to the draft frame  210 , as described in greater detail below. During operation of the motor grader  100 , at least in some embodiments, it should be appreciated that multiple components of the work implement assembly  120  (e.g., the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250 ) may be adjustable and/or repositionable to cooperatively alter an orientation of the moldboard  122  via a saddle linkage  150  of the motor grader  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the illustrative draft frame  210  is pivotally coupled to the front chassis  102  via a ball and socket coupling  204 . The circle frame  250  is illustratively coupled to the draft frame  210  for rotation relative thereto about a rotation axis RA to adjust an angular orientation of the moldboard  122  (which is omitted from  FIG. 2  for the sake of simplicity) supported by the circle frame  250 . The mount kit  260  pivotally retains the circle frame  250  to the draft frame  210 . The draft frame  210  includes a platform  212  having a side  214  (which may be referred to as a bottom or lower side) that faces the moldboard  122 , a side  216  (which may be referred to as a top or upper side) arranged opposite the side  214  that faces away from the moldboard  122 , and an opening or passage  218  that extends through the sides  214 ,  216 . The circle frame  250  is arranged in confronting relation to the side  214 . In the illustrative embodiment, the mount kit  260  includes retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D that are at least partially positioned in the opening  218  and accessible from the side  216  of the platform  212  of the draft frame  210 . 
     In one respect, the illustrative configuration of the work implement assembly  120  may facilitate a greater degree of rotation of the circle frame  250  relative to the draft frame  210  about the rotation axis RA compared to the rotation permitted by other configurations. For example, in the illustrative configuration, the circle frame  250  may achieve approximately 30 degrees of additional rotation about the rotation axis RA in multiple directions (e.g., a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction) compared to other configurations. In another respect, location of the mount kit  260  inside a ring  220  of the draft frame  210  in the illustrative configuration of the work implement assembly  120  may provide greater visibility of the mount kit  260  and/or the circle frame  250  than might otherwise be achieved in other locations of the mount kit  260  (e.g., outside of the ring  220  and/or below the side  216  of the draft frame  210 ). In yet another respect, due to the location of the mount kit  260  in the illustrative configuration, the work implement assembly  120  may be particularly well suited for applications in which rotation of the circle frame  250  about the rotation axis RA is driven by a motor, gearbox, and/or transmission positioned outside of the ring  220 . Finally, in yet another respect still, the location of the mount kit  260  in the illustrative configuration of the work implement assembly  120  may facilitate installation, maintenance, and/or servicing of the mount kit  260  compared to other configurations (e.g., configurations in which serviceable components used to couple the circle frame  250  to the draft frame  210  are substantially inaccessible from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 ). 
     The illustrative draft frame  210  includes beams  222 ,  224  that cooperate to define a V-shaped structure of the draft frame  210 . The beams  222 ,  224  are coupled to the side  216  of the platform  212  via respective mounting brackets  226 ,  228 . The mounting brackets  226 ,  228  are arranged on the side  216  of the platform  212  outside of the ring  220  and opposite one another. As such, the ring  220 , which extends outwardly away from the side  216  of the platform  212  and around the opening  218 , is arranged substantially between the mounting brackets  226 ,  228 . The retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D of the mount kit  260  are arranged inside the ring  220  between the brackets  226 ,  228  such that the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D are accessible from the side  216 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, rotation of the circle frame  250  about the rotation axis RA relative to the draft frame  210  is driven by a pair of cylinders  230 ,  232 . Each of the illustrative cylinders  230 ,  232  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, a hydraulic actuator such as a double-acting cylinder, for example. Of course, it should be appreciated that each of the cylinders  230 ,  232  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, another suitable actuator. In any case, each of the cylinders  230 ,  232  is extendable and retractable to adjust the length thereof and thereby drive movement of the circle frame  250  about the rotation axis RA relative to the draft frame  210 . 
     The illustrative cylinders  230 ,  232  include, or are otherwise coupled to, respective posts  234 ,  236 . The posts  234 ,  236  are coupled to the circle frame  250  and extend outwardly away from the circle frame  250  through the opening  218 . The posts  234 ,  236  are encircled by respective sleeves  238 ,  240  that are interconnected by a central strut  241 . Brackets  242 ,  244  are interconnected with the sleeve  238  and the circle frame  250  and brackets  246 ,  248  are interconnected with the sleeve  240  and the circle frame  250 . The brackets  242 ,  244  cooperate to define an angle α therebetween and the brackets  246 ,  248  cooperate to define an angle β therebetween that is substantially identical to the angle α. In some embodiments, each of the angles α, β may be embodied as, or otherwise include, an obtuse angle. In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the central strut  241  substantially bisects each of the angles α, β. 
     In some embodiments, the features  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  241 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248  may be included in, or otherwise cooperate to define, a drive assembly  252  configured to drive rotation of the circle frame  250  relative to the draft frame  210  about the rotation axis RA. In such embodiments, at least some of the features (e.g., the brackets  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 ) may be included in, or otherwise define a portion of, each retainer assembly  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D. Regardless, in the illustrative embodiment, the features  230 ,  232 ,  234 ,  236 ,  238 ,  240 ,  241 ,  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248  are at least partially accessible from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment, the ring  220  extends around at least part of the posts  234 ,  236 , the sleeves  238 ,  240 , the strut  241 , and the brackets  242 ,  244 ,  246 ,  248 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the mount kit  260  includes four substantially identical retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D each configured for rotation with the circle frame  250  about the rotation axis RA relative to the draft frame  210 . In other embodiments, however, it should be appreciated that the mount kit  260  may include another suitable number of retainer assemblies to pivotally retain the circle frame  250  to the draft frame  210 . The illustrative retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B are coupled to respective brackets  242 ,  244 . The illustrative retainer assemblies  262 C,  262 D are coupled to respective brackets  246 ,  248 . In some embodiments, the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B may include the brackets  242 ,  244 , respectively. Additionally, in some embodiments, the retainer assemblies  262 C,  262 D may include the brackets  246 ,  248 , respectively. 
     The illustrative circle frame  250  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, a circular structure that is pivotally coupled to the draft frame  210  via the mount kit  260  to permit rotation relative thereto about the rotation axis RA. As discussed above, in some embodiments, rotation of the circle frame  250  may be driven by the drive assembly  252 . In other embodiments, as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , rotation of the circle frame  250  may be driven by a drive assembly  552 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the illustrative retainer assembly  262 D is coupled to an inner surface  320  of the ring  220  for movement relative thereto along the inner surface  320  during rotation of the circle frame  250  relative to the draft frame  210 . It should be appreciated that each of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C is coupled to the inner surface  320  for movement relative thereto in substantially identical fashion to the retainer assembly  262 D. Accordingly, discussion of the coupling arrangement between the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C and the ring  220  is omitted for the sake of simplicity. Additionally, because the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D are substantially identical as indicated above, discussion of the components of only the retainer assembly  262 D is provided below for the sake of brevity. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that interaction(s) between various components of the work implement assembly  120  (e.g., the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250 ) and the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C is substantially identical to the interaction(s) between those components and the retainer assembly  262 D described below. 
     The illustrative retainer assembly  262 D includes a retainer case or housing  364  arranged in contact with the circle frame  250  and fasteners  366  that are received by, and extend through, the retainer case  364 . The retainer case  364  is coupled to the inner surface  320  of the ring  220  for movement relative thereto along the inner surface  320  during rotation of the circle frame  250  relative to the draft frame  210 . In the illustrative embodiment, the fasteners  366  include three fasteners. Of course, in other embodiments, the fasteners  366  may include another suitable number of fasteners. In any case, the retainer case  364  and the fasteners  366  are accessible from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the retainer case  364  of the retainer assembly  262 D includes a block  368  and a block  370  interconnected with the block  368 . The block  368  is coupled to and configured for interaction with the side  216  of the draft frame  210  via a wear pad  482  (see  FIG. 4 ). The block  370  is arranged in contact with, and configured for direct interaction with, the circle frame  250 . As suggested above, each of the blocks  368  and  370  is accessible from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . 
     The illustrative block  370  of the retainer case  364  of the retainer assembly  262 D includes columns  371 ,  372 ,  373  and cutouts  374 ,  375 . The cutout  374  is positioned between the columns  371 ,  372  and the cutout  375  is positioned between the columns  372 ,  373 . Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, the block  370  includes the three columns  371 ,  372 ,  373  and the two cutouts  374 ,  375 . Of course, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the block  370  may include another suitable number of columns and another suitable number of cutouts. 
     The illustrative cutout  374  of the retainer assembly  262 D is cooperatively defined at least in part by an exterior surface  371 S of the column  371 , an exterior surface  372 S- 1  of the column  372 , an exterior surface  376 S of a rib  376  of the block  370 , and a base  377  of the block  370 . The exterior surface  372 S- 1  of the column  372  faces the exterior surface  371 S of the column  371 . The rib  376  interconnects the columns  371 ,  372  such that the exterior surface  376 S interconnects the exterior surfaces  371 S,  372 S- 1 . The base  377  interconnects the columns  371 ,  372  and the rib  376 . 
     The illustrative cutout  375  of the retainer assembly  262 D is cooperatively defined at least in part by an exterior surface  372 S- 2  of the column  372 , an exterior surface  373 S of the column  373 , an exterior surface  378 S of a rib  378  of the block  370 , and the base  377  of the block  370 . The exterior surface  372 S- 2  of the column  372  faces the exterior surface  373 S of the column  373  and is arranged opposite the exterior surface  372 S- 1 . The rib  378  interconnects the columns  372 ,  373  such that the exterior surface  378 S interconnects the exterior surfaces  372 S- 2 ,  373 S. The base  377  interconnects the columns  372 ,  373  and the rib  378 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, each of the fasteners  366  is sized to be received by a corresponding one of the columns  371 ,  372 ,  373  of the block  370  of the retainer assembly  262 D. More specifically, as best seen in  FIG. 4 , each of the fasteners  366  is sized to be received by a corresponding one of the columns  371 ,  372 ,  373  of the block  370  such that each of the fasteners  366  extends all the way through the corresponding column  371 ,  372 ,  373  and the base  377  of the block  370 . Thus, each of the fasteners  366  extends all the way through the block  370  in use of the illustrative mount kit  260 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the illustrative retainer assembly  262 D includes a wear pad  380  arranged between the inner surface  320  of the ring  220  and the block  368  of the retainer case  364 . In the illustrative embodiment, the wear pad  380  is configured to minimize direct contact between the inner surface  320  and the retainer case  364  during movement of the retainer case  364  relative to the ring  220  along the inner surface  320  (i.e., when the circle frame  250  rotates relative to the draft frame  210 ). As such, the wear pad  380  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, any device capable of minimizing degradation and/or wear that would otherwise result from direct contact between the inner surface  320  and the retainer case  364 . 
     At least in some embodiments, the illustrative retainer assembly  262 D includes the bracket  248  that is arranged in contact with the circle frame  250 . Additionally, in such embodiments, the retainer assembly  262 D includes fasteners  382 ,  384  that each extend through the bracket  248  and are arranged in contact with the block  370  of the retainer case  264 . More specifically, the fastener  382  extends through the bracket  248  and is arranged in contact with the column  371  of the block  370 , and the fastener  384  extends through the bracket  248  and is arranged in contact with the column  373  of the block  370 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the retainer assembly  262 D includes adjustment nuts  386 ,  388  that each receive a corresponding fastener  382 ,  384 . The adjustment nuts  386 ,  388  are each movable along the respective fasteners  382 ,  384  to adjust the position of the retainer case  364  relative to the inner surface  320  of the ring  220  and to facilitate access to the wear pad  380  from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . Movement of the adjustment nuts  386 ,  388  along the respective fasteners  382 ,  384  toward the retainer case  364  increases the radially compressive force(s) applied to the wear pad  380  by the retainer case  364 . Conversely, movement of the adjustment nuts  386 ,  388  along the respective fasteners  382 ,  384  away from the retainer case  364  decreases the radially compressive force(s) applied to the wear pad  380  by the retainer case  364 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in the illustrative configuration of the retainer assembly  262 D, each of the fasteners  366  extends all the way through the block  370  of the retainer case  364  and into the circle frame  250  to couple the retainer case  364  to the circle frame  250 . The base  377  of the block  370  is arranged in contact with the circle frame  250 . The base  377  is arranged adjacent to a wear pad  480  of the retainer assembly  262 D that is positioned between the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250 . 
     The illustrative wear pad  480  is arranged between the lower side  214  of the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250 . As such, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the wear pad  480  may be referred to as a lower wear pad  480 . In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the wear pad  480  is configured to minimize direct contact between the side  214  of the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250  during rotation of the circle frame  250  relative to the draft frame  210 . As such, the wear pad  480  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, any device capable of minimizing degradation and/or wear that would otherwise result from direct contact between the side  214  of the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250 . 
     In the illustrative configuration of the retainer assembly  262 D, a wear pad  482  of the assembly  262 D is arranged between the retainer case  364  and the upper side  216  of the draft frame  210 . As such, for the purposes of the present disclosure, the wear pad  482  may be referred to as an upper wear pad  482 . In any case, in the illustrative embodiment, the wear pad  482  is configured to minimize direct contact between the retainer case  364  and the side  216  of the draft frame  210  during movement of the retainer case  364  relative to the ring  220  along the inner surface  320  (i.e., when the circle frame  250  rotates relative to the draft frame  210 ). As such, the wear pad  482  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, any device capable of minimizing degradation and/or wear that would otherwise result from direct contact between the retainer case  364  and the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the wear pads  380 ,  480 ,  482  are accessible for maintenance and/or servicing from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . Of course, it should be appreciated that to access the wear pads  380 ,  480 ,  482 , partial disassembly of the retainer assembly  262 D from the side  216  of the draft frame  210  may be required. Such disassembly is described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     Each of the illustrative columns  371 ,  372 ,  373  of the block  370  of the retainer case  364  extends outwardly away from the base  377  of the retainer case  364  over a distance D 1 . An uppermost exterior surface  468  of the block  368  of the retainer case  364  is spaced a distance D 2  from the base  377  in a vertical direction indicated by arrow V. In the illustrative embodiment, the distance D 2  is greater than the distance D 1 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , a method of servicing the motor grader  100  may include, as indicated by arrow  200  (see  FIG. 2 ), accessing one or more of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D from the side  216  of the platform  212  of the draft frame  210 . To do so, an operator or robot may insert one or more tools or instruments adapted for use with the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D toward the opening  218  surrounded by the ring  220  from the side  216  of the draft frame  210 . It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, accessing one or more of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D from the side  216  may include, or otherwise be attendant to, accessing one or more components of the drive assembly  252  from the side  216 . 
     The method of servicing the motor grader  100  may include, as indicated by arrow  300  (see  FIG. 3 ), at least partially disassembling one or more of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D from the side  216  of the platform  212  of the draft frame  210 . In some embodiments, at least partially disassembling one or more of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D from the side  216  may include, or otherwise be attendant to, adjusting the position of one or more retainer cases (e.g., the case  364 ) relative to the ring  220  from the side  216  to access one or more wear pads (e.g., the wear pad  380 ) arranged between the one or more retainer cases and the ring  220 . That adjustment is indicated by arrow  302 . Additionally, in some embodiments, adjusting the position of the one or more retainer cases relative to the ring  220  from the side  216  to access the one or more wear pads may include, or otherwise be attendant to, moving one or more adjustment nuts (e.g., one or more of the nuts  386 ,  388 ) along one or more fasteners (e.g., one or more of the fasteners  382 ,  384 ) from the side  216 . That movement is indicated by arrow  402  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     In some embodiments, at least partially disassembling one or more of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D from the side  216  may include, or otherwise be attendant to, accessing one or more wear pads (e.g., the wear pad  482 ) arranged between one or more retainer cases (e.g., the retainer case  364 ) and the draft frame  210  from the side  216 . That access is indicated by arrow  304 . Additionally, in some embodiments, accessing the one or more wear pads arranged between the one or more retainer cases and the draft frame  210  from the side  216  may include, or otherwise be attendant to, de-coupling the one or more retainer cases from the circle frame  250  from the side  216  to expose the one or more wear pads. That de-coupling is indicated by arrow  404 . 
     In some embodiments, at least partially disassembling one or more of the retainer assemblies  262 A,  262 B,  262 C,  262 D from the side  216  may include, or otherwise be attendant to, accessing one or more wear pads (e.g., the wear pad  480 ) arranged between the side  214  of the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250  from the side  216 . That access is indicated by arrow  306 . Additionally, in some embodiments, accessing the one or more wear pads arranged between the side  214  of the draft frame  210  and the circle frame  250  from the side  216  may include, or otherwise be attendant to, de-coupling the one or more retainer cases from the circle frame  250  from the side  216  to facilitate exposure to the one or more wear pads. That de-coupling is indicated by arrow  406 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an illustrative work implement assembly  520  is adapted for use in the motor grader  100 . It should be appreciated that the work implement assembly  520  may be employed in the motor grader  100  in lieu of, and/or as a substitute for, the work implement assembly  120 . In any case, the work implement assembly  520  includes a draft frame  510 , a circle frame  550  pivotally coupled to the draft frame  510 , and a mount kit  560  to pivotally retain the circle frame  550  to the draft frame  510 . The draft frame  510  is substantially similar to the draft frame  210  and the mount kit  560  is substantially similar to the mount kit  260 . As such, retainer assemblies  562 A,  562 B,  562 C,  562 D of the mount kit  560  are accessible from a side  516  of a platform  512  of the draft frame  510  that faces away from a moldboard (not shown) supported by the circle frame  550  and is arranged opposite a side  514  that faces the moldboard. 
     The work implement assembly  520  illustratively includes a drive assembly  552  that is configured to drive rotation of the circle frame  550  relative to the draft frame  510  about a rotation axis RA′. In the illustrative embodiment, the drive assembly  552  includes a drive unit  554  that is coupled to the side  516  of the platform  512  of the draft frame  510 . The drive unit  554  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, any suitable device or collection of device(s) capable of driving rotation of the circle frame  550  about the rotation axis RA′. In some embodiments, the drive unit  554  may be embodied as, or otherwise include, one or more motors and/or one or more gearboxes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the illustrative drive assembly  552  includes a disc  658  coupled to the drive unit  554  and configured to be driven for rotation by the drive unit  554 . In the illustrative embodiment, the circle frame  550  is embodied as, or otherwise includes, a circular wheel  652  having teeth  654  circumferentially arranged at an outer perimeter thereof and notches  656  disposed between circumferentially adjacent teeth  654 . The disc  658  is arranged in contact with the outer perimeter of the wheel  652  such that the disc  658  interacts with one or more of the teeth  654  and the notches  656  to drive rotation of the circle frame  550  about the rotation axis RA.′ 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an illustrative work implement assembly  720  includes a draft frame  710 , a circle frame  750  pivotally coupled to the draft frame  710 , and a mount kit  760  to pivotally retain the circle frame  750  to the draft frame  710 . The draft frame  710  includes a platform  712  having a side  714  that faces a moldboard (not shown) supported by the circle frame  750  and a side  716  arranged opposite the side  714  that faces away from the moldboard. In the illustrative embodiment, the platform  712  substantially covers the mount kit  760  such that the mount kit  760  is substantially inaccessible from the side  716  of the draft frame  710 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the illustrative draft frame  710  includes a ring  820  that extends outwardly away from the side  714  of the platform  712  toward the moldboard. The ring  820  surrounds retainer assemblies  862  that are included in the mount kit  760  such that the retainer assemblies  862  are positioned inside the ring  820 . In the illustrative embodiment, the retainer assemblies  862  are accessible for servicing and/or maintenance from the side  714  of the draft frame  710 . 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.