Rotating lift system and method
A rotating lift system and method for transporting oversized agricultural implements. The rotating lift system includes a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, and an arcuate rotation track all mounted on a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is movable between lowered and raised positions and is adapted for connecting to a load. The rotator arm is pivotally connected to the trailer frame and rotates about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposing end of the rotator arm and engages the rotation track. The rotating lift system and method are adapted for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement and moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions. A gas strut may optionally be equipped to aid in the lifting process. A telescoping light bar may be included to increase safety while in transport.
1. A system for placing a load on a vehicle including a vehicle frame and a vehicle longitudinal axis, which load-placing system comprises:
an arcuate rotation track mounted on said vehicle frame and forming an arcuate path of rotation centered on a generally vertical rotational axis;
a rotator assembly including a rotator arm with a proximate end rotatably mounted on said vehicle frame and rotatable about said rotational axis;
said rotator arm including a distal end;
said rotator arm distal end mounting a rotator arm guide engaging said rotation track, said rotator arm guide being adapted for movement along said rotation track;
said rotator arm being rotatable between first and second positions with respect to said frame;
a load lift assembly mounted on said rotator arm and having a first, lowered position adapted for connecting to the load and a second, raised position adapted for positioning the load over said vehicle frame;
a lift actuator connected to said load lift assembly and adapted for moving said load lift assembly between its lowered and raised positions;
a header adapter including a horizontal header adapter bracket, a horizontal header member and a pair of generally vertical header members;
said vertical header members extending between said horizontal header adapter bracket and said horizontal header member and collectively forming a generally frame-shaped configuration;
said header adapter including a pair of header elbows each attached to a respective vertical header members and to said horizontal header member;
said header elbows and said header lift adapter being adapted for connection to a three-point hitch;
said header adapter including a pair of header adapter brackets each mounted on a respective vertical header member and adapted for mounting a combine header;
a stow lock assembly rotatably mounted on said frame; and
said stow lock assembly being rotatable between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position adapted for engaging said load lift assembly.
2. The loading system according to claim 1 , which includes:
a stow lock actuator connected to said frame and to said stow lock assembly and adapted for rotating said stow lock assembly between its first and second positions.