Patent ID: 7736117

Claim:
A linkage assembly for connecting an implement to a frame of a machine, the linkage assembly comprising: a lift arm including a machine end adapted to be pivotably coupled to the frame and an implement end adapted to be pivotably coupled to the implement, the lift arm including a pair of side plates, the side plates being separate and generally spaced apart in a parallel relationship, the side plates each having a bore therethrough, a lever disposed intermediate the side plates, the lever having opposite ends adapted to be pivotably coupled to the frame and to the implement, the lever further having a bore therethrough, the bore being disposed intermediate the opposite ends of the lever, a pivot pin cartridge defining an axis, the pivot pin cartridge including a pin disposed along said axis and having opposite ends, at least one bushing pivotably disposed about at least a portion of said pin, and at least two sleeve bearings disposed about said pin and within at least a portion of said bushing, first and second collars disposed about opposite ends of the pin, the pivot pin cartridge extending through the bore of the lever and through the bores of said plates, said lift arm and said lever being relatively pivotable about said axis, the lever being coupled to the bushing for rotation therewith about the pin.