Importance

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Abstract

A hitch for mounting an implement on the front end of a vehicle relative tohe normal travel direction thereof has a main frame having a rear end pivoted on the vehicle about a generally horizontal rear main axis and a front end spaced forward therefrom in the travel direction. An actuator, normally a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, is connected between the front end and the vehicle for pivoting the main frame about the main axis. A swivel joint at the front end carries the implement so that it can swivel freely on the front end by means of this joint. A rigid yoke pivoted on the front end about a front axis parallel to the rear axis has an upper end and is movable only about the front axis on the main frame. An inextensible link extends generally in the travel direction and has relative thereto a rear end pivoted on the upper end of the yoke and a front end pivoted on the implement. Thus when the implement pivots about a horizotal implement axis perpendicular to the direction and parallel to the main axis the link pivots the yoke with it about the front axis. A fitting is provided on the implement horizontally offset from the upper end of the yoke. Another actuator extends generally horizontally and transverse to the direction and has an outer end coupled to the fitting and an inner end coupled to the upper yoke end for tipping the implement about a horizontal axis extending in the travel direction through the swivel joint.

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First Claim