Traction assist apparatus and method for a work machine

1. A work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine comprising:

a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface;

a boom assembly coupled to the frame; and

a traction assist apparatus coupled to the boom assembly, the traction assist apparatus having an attachment point for securing a tether;

wherein the boom assembly comprises a first section pivotally coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a first actuator, and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section and moveable relative to the first section by a second actuator, the traction assist apparatus coupled to the second section of the boom assembly,

wherein the traction assist apparatus comprises a first portion projecting upwards from the second section of the boom assembly, the first portion having a first attachment point for securing the tether, the first attachment point comprising a plurality of apertures, and wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is aligned vertically above a second aperture from the plurality of apertures.

2. A work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine comprising:

a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface;

a boom assembly coupled to the frame; and

a traction assist apparatus coupled to the boom assembly, the traction assist apparatus having an attachment point for securing a tether;

wherein the boom assembly comprises a first section pivotally coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a first actuator, and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section and moveable relative to the first section by a second actuator, the traction assist apparatus coupled to the second section of the boom assembly

wherein the traction assist apparatus comprises a first portion projecting upwards from the second section of the boom assembly, the first portion having a first attachment point for securing the tether, and

wherein the first portion comprises a first projection, a second projection, and an intermediate support projection between the first projection and the second projection.

3. A work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine comprising:

a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface;

a boom assembly coupled to the frame; and

a traction assist apparatus coupled to the boom assembly, the traction assist apparatus having an attachment point for securing a tether;

wherein the boom assembly comprises a first section pivotally coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a first actuator, and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section and moveable relative to the first section by a second actuator, the traction assist apparatus coupled to the second section of the boom assembly, and

a tether support structure coupled to an operator cab of the work machine,

wherein the tether support structure comprises an arched pipe assembly extending upwards above a top surface of the operator cab.

4. A work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine comprising:

a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface;

a boom assembly coupled to the frame; and

a traction assist apparatus coupled to the boom assembly, the traction assist apparatus having an attachment point for securing a tether;

wherein the boom assembly comprises a first section pivotally coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a first actuator, and a second section pivotally coupled to the first section and moveable relative to the first section by a second actuator, the traction assist apparatus coupled to the second section of the boom assembly;

wherein the traction assist apparatus comprises a second portion coupled to an aft portion of the second section of the boom assembly, the second portion having a second attachment point for securing a tether, the second attachment point positioned proximal to the aft portion of the second section of the boom assembly; and

wherein the second attachment point comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is aligned horizontally from a second aperture from the plurality of apertures.

5. The work machine of claim 4 , further comprising a grapple coupled to the boom assembly, wherein the second attachment point is positioned above the grapple.

6. A traction assist apparatus for a work machine, the work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine including a frame, a ground-engaging mechanism and a boom assembly coupled to the frame, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface, the traction assist apparatus comprising:

a first portion coupled to the boom assembly of a work machine, the first portion projecting upwards from a fore section of the boom assembly and having an attachment point for securing a tether wherein the attachment point comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is aligned vertically above a second aperture from the plurality of apertures.

7. A traction assist apparatus for a work machine, the work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine including a frame, a ground-engaging mechanism and a boom assembly coupled to the frame, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface, the traction assist apparatus comprising:

a first portion coupled to the boom assembly of a work machine, the first portion projecting upwards from a fore section of the boom assembly and having an attachment point for securing a tether wherein the first portion comprises a first projection, second projection, and an intermediate support projection between the first projection and the second projection.

8. The traction assist apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

a tether support structure coupled to an operator cab of the work machine.

9. The traction assist apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the tether support structure comprises an arched pipe assembly extending upwards above a top surface of the operator cab.

10. A traction assist apparatus for a work machine, the work machine extending in a fore-aft direction, the work machine including a frame, a ground-engaging mechanism and a boom assembly coupled to the frame, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a surface, the traction assist apparatus comprising:

a first portion coupled to the boom assembly of a work machine, the first portion projecting upwards from a fore section of the boom assembly and having an attachment point for securing a tether,

a second portion in a direction from the boom assembly, the second portion having a second attachment point for securing a tether, the second attachment point positioned proximal to the aft portion of the second section of the boom assembly,

wherein the second attachment point comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein a first aperture from the plurality of apertures is aligned horizontally from a second aperture from the plurality of apertures.

11. The traction assist apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the second attachment point is positioned above a grapple, the grapple coupled to the boom assembly.