LOADER LIFT ARM
Disclosed embodiments include power machines and related structures of lift arms, implement carriers, follower links, and driver links which improve manufacturability, reduce component failures, and improve power machine design and functionality. In some embodiments, lift arm structures include cast lower lift arm portions. The cast lower lift arm portions include contoured upper ends which are sleeved onto contoured lower ends of upper lift arm portions to control stress points and to reduce stresses on welds. The follower link structures can include follower links which are configured to be positioned at least partially outside of the lift arm structure to improve rear visibility. The driver link structures can be configured to be laterally overlapping with innermost surfaces on the lift cylinder, but configured such that as the lift arm is raised the laterally overlapping portions are moved above the innermost surfaces of the lift cylinder.
1 - 9 . (canceled)
10 . An implement carrier configured to be pivotally coupled to a lift arm structure of a power machine, the implement carrier comprising:
first and second implement carrier plate castings providing implement interface surfaces configured to engage with an implement to be mounted on the lift arm structure of the power machine, wherein each of the first and second implement carrier plate castings has formed therein a lift arm attachment aperture configured to pivotally attach the implement carrier plate casting to the lift arm structure, a tilt cylinder attachment aperture configured to pivotally attach a tilt cylinder to the implement carrier plate casting, and a cross-member receiving collar; and
a cross-member secured to and extending between the cross-member receiving collars of the first and second implement carrier plate castings.
11 . The implement carrier of claim 10 , wherein the cross-member receiving collar of each of the first and second implement carrier castings comprises at least one side aperture extending through a side of the cross-member receiving collar to provide weld locations between the cross-member and the cross-member receiving collar.
12 . The implement carrier of claim 11 , wherein the at least one side aperture extending through the side of the cross-member receiving collar is configured to provide collar deformability to allow deformation of the collar to absorb stresses on the implement carrier plate casting.
13 . The implement carrier of claim 10 , wherein each of the first and second implement carrier plate castings further comprises a tilt stop machined surface configured for contacting the lift arm structure to prevent further movement, in one direction, of the implement carrier plate casting relative to the lift arm structure.
14 . The implement carrier of claim 10 , wherein each of the first and second implement carrier plate castings are formed of a single cast piece of material, and wherein the lift arm attachment aperture and the tilt cylinder attachment aperture of each of the first and second implement carrier plate castings are machined into the implement carrier plate casting.
15 - 22 . (canceled)