Patent ID: 7134832

Claim:
Method for simplifying the addition of a loader to a tractor, the tractor having a structural support comprising the steps of: providing a first two-piece loader mounting bracket for attaching a loader to a tractor, the tractor having a structural support, said bracket comprising a rear piece having a first generally vertical rigid surface with a plurality of first holes therethrough sized and located to receive an equal number of bolts to firmly affix said rear piece to said structural support of said tractor; a front piece having an elongate generally vertical member with first and second opposing ends and a generally horizontal member also with first and second opposing ends, said second ends of said vertical and horizontal members rigidly connected to each other by at least one plate forming a second generally vertical surface with holes therethrough; said generally vertical member including a surface adapted to receive, support and hold a transverse support axis of a loader, said surface located at first end of said generally vertical member; said generally horizontal member having a plurality of holes therethrough adjacent said first end thereof and located to receive an equal number of bolts to firmly affix said front piece to said tractor; and said rear piece also having a second generally vertical rigid surface with holes therethrough, said holes through said generally vertical surfaces of said at least one plate and the second generally vertical rigid surface of said rear piece; matching in alignment such that bolts extending through said holes can draw the two surfaces rigidly together by tightening nuts on said bolts; assembling said tractor; attaching said first rear piece of said first mounting bracket during said assembling step; putting said tractor into the stream of commerce; attaching said front piece of said first bracket to said tractor and said rear piece; and attaching said loader to said first two-piece mounting bracket and said tractor.