Importance

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Abstract

A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator. In preferred forms, the pothole protection mechanism is without a mechanical linkage between platform lift and pothole protection mechanisms.

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First Claim