Three point tool carrier for a skid steer

Abstract

A tool carrier is described for attachment to or in combination with skid steer vehicle. The preferred carrier includes an elongated frame including forward and rearward ends, and ground supporting wheels at the forward end. A skid steer attachment is provided at the rearward end. The frame further includes a beam extending between the forward and rearward ends, with a tool mount adapted to mount a tool. In preferred forms, the frame is pivotable about an articulation axis adjacent the rearward frame end.

1 . A three point tool carrier for a skid steer vehicle, comprising: 
 an elongated frame including a forward end and a rearward end, with ground supporting wheels at the forward end and a skid steer attachment at the rearward end;    wherein the frame further includes an elevated beam situated between the forward and rearward ends; and    a three point hitch connector assembly on the frame between the forward and rearward ends, adapted to mount a tool.    
     
     
         2 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising an articulation joint on the frame adjacent the rearward frame end, permitting pivotal articulation of the frame at the forward end about a substantially upright axis.  
     
     
         3 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  further comprising adjustment cylinders on the three point hitch connector.  
     
     
         4 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  wherein the ground supporting wheels are pivoted caster wheels.  
     
     
         5 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  wherein the ground supporting wheels are pivoted caster wheels about caster wheel axes and further comprising an articulation joint on the frame adjacent the rearward frame end, permitting pivotal articulation of the frame at the forward end about a substantially upright axis that is substantially parallel to the caster wheel axes.  
     
     
         6 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  further comprising an articulation joint on the frame adjacent the rearward frame end, permitting pivotal articulation of the frame at the forward end about a substantially upright axis.  
     
     
         7 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  wherein the three point hitch connector assembly includes two side link connectors and a central connector, and wherein at least two of the connectors are mounted to the frame for pivotal motion effected by at least two ram cylinders.  
     
     
         8 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  wherein the three point hitch connector assembly includes two side link connectors and a central connector, and wherein the central connector is mounted to the frame by a ram cylinder.  
     
     
         9 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 1  wherein the three point hitch connector assembly includes two side link connectors and a central connector; and 
 wherein the side link connectors are pivotably joined to the frame by ball joints and further comprising ram cylinders mounted on universal joints to the frame for independently lifting and lowering the individual side link connectors.  
 
     
     
         10 . In combination, a three point tool carrier and skid steer, comprising: 
 a skid steer vehicle having a forward tool attachment bracket configured to mount a tool for elevational movement and pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis;    an elongated frame including a forward end and a rearward end, with ground supporting wheels at the forward end and a skid steer attachment at the rearward end mounted to the attachment bracket of the skid steer vehicle;    wherein the frame further includes an elevated beam situated between the forward and rearward ends; and    a three point hitch connector assembly on the frame between the forward and rearward ends, adapted to mount a tool.    
     
     
         11 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10 , further comprising an articulation joint on the frame adjacent the rearward frame end, permitting pivotal articulation of the frame at the forward end about a substantially upright axis.  
     
     
         12 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  further comprising adjustment cylinders on the three point hitch connector.  
     
     
         13 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  wherein the ground supporting wheels are pivoted caster wheels.  
     
     
         14 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  wherein the ground supporting wheels are pivoted caster wheels about caster wheel axes and further comprising an articulation joint on the frame adjacent the rearward frame end, permitting pivotal articulation of the frame at the forward end about a substantially upright axis that is substantially parallel to the caster wheel axes.  
     
     
         15 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  further comprising an articulation joint on the frame adjacent the rearward frame end, permitting pivotal articulation of the frame at the forward end about a substantially upright axis.  
     
     
         16 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  wherein the three point hitch connector assembly includes two side link connectors and a central connector, and wherein at least two of the connectors are mounted to the frame for pivotal motion effected by at least two ram cylinders.  
     
     
         17 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  wherein the three point hitch connector assembly includes two side link connectors and a central connector, and wherein the central connector is mounted to the frame by a ram cylinder.  
     
     
         18 . The three point tool carrier of  claim 10  wherein the three point hitch connector assembly includes two side link connectors and a central connector; and 
 wherein the side link connectors are pivotably joined to the frame by ball joints and further comprising ram cylinders mounted on universal joints to the frame for independently lifting and lowering the individual side link connectors.  
 
     
     
         19 . A tool carrier for a skid steer vehicle, comprising: 
 an elongated frame including a forward end and a rearward end, with ground supporting wheels at the forward end and a skid steer attachment at the rearward end;    wherein the frame further includes a beam situated between the forward and rearward ends;    a tool mount on the frame between the forward and rearward ends, adapted to mount a tool; and    wherein the frame is pivotable about an articulation axis adjacent the rearward frame end.