Patent ID: 6846152

Claim:
A loader having a dig end and a dump end opposite the dig end, comprising: a set of ground engaging members; a frame attached to the set of ground engaging members, the frame having a longitudinal direction from the dig end of the loader to the dump end of the loader; and a linkage assembly movably connected to and located at least partially within a longitudinal center portion of the frame and aligned with a transverse center of the frame, wherein the linkage assembly is configured to autonomously transport a material from the dig end of the loader to the dump end of the loader, while the orientation of the linkage assembly remains substantially aligned in the longitudinal direction and the linkage assembly includes: a boom having a first end pivotally connected to the frame, the boom configured for pivotal movement in a single plane parallel to the longitudinal direction; a stick having a first end pivotally connected to a second end of the boom; a work implement pivotally connected to a second end of the stick; and at least one control link having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the stick.