Suspension arrangement for a boom lift assembly of an agricultural sprayer

Abstract

A suspension arrangement mounted in support of a boom lift assembly and boom supported thereon on a chassis of an agricultural sprayer is provided. The boom lift assembly is configured to move the boom between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position. The suspension arrangement includes a pivot linkage pivotally coupling the boom lift assembly and the chassis, and a dampener located between the boom lift assembly and the chassis. During operation of the sprayer, the dampener of the suspension arrangement reduces transfer of an impact force or stress force from transferring between the chassis and the boom lift assembly so as to isolate suspension of the boom lift assembly from the chassis of the sprayer.

1 . An agricultural sprayer, comprising:
 a chassis in support of a storage tank on a wheel assembly;   a boom that moves between an extended position and a folded position for transport;   a boom lift assembly mounted on the chassis and operatively connected to move the boom between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position;   a suspension arrangement located between the boom lift assembly and the chassis of the agricultural sprayer, the suspension arrangement configured to reduce an impact force associated with operation of the sprayer from transferring between the boom lift assembly and the chassis of the sprayer.   
   
   
       2 . The agricultural sprayer of  claim 1 , wherein the boom lift assembly comprises a first pair of upper and lower lift linkages laterally offset from and aligned generally parallel to a second pair of upper and lower lift linkages, and wherein the pivot linkage includes a first pivot plate and a second pivot plate configured to be pivotally connected to one of the first and second pairs of upper and lower lift linkage located therebetween. 
   
   
       3 . The agricultural sprayer of  claim 2 , wherein a forward end of the pivot linkage is pivotally connected at the chassis, and an opposite rearward portion of the pivot linkage is pivotally connected at one of the first and second pairs of lift linkages. 
   
   
       4 . The agricultural sprayer of  claim 3 , wherein the pivot linkage comprises a generally horizontal aligned, intermediate plate member extending between the first and second pivot plate members, and wherein the dampener mounted between the chassis and the intermediate plate member. 
   
   
       5 . The agricultural sprayer of  claim 3 , wherein each first and second pivot plate member includes a generally horizontal aligned, linear edge extending between the forward end and the rearward portion, and wherein the rearward portion of both first and second pivot plate members includes a generally vertically aligned edge generally perpendicular to the linear portion, the linear portion and the vertically aligned edge to receive the chassis therebetween. 
   
   
       6 . The agricultural sprayer of  claim 3 , wherein each first and second pivot plate member includes a generally horizontal aligned, linear edge extending between the forward end and the rearward portion, and wherein the rearward portion of both first and second pivot plate members includes a generally vertically aligned edge that intersects generally perpendicular at as well as extends below the linear edge, the linear edge and the vertically aligned edge to receive the chassis therebetween, and wherein the dampener is located between the vertical edge and the chassis. 
   
   
       7 . The agricultural sprayer of  claim 6 , further comprising a mount extending upward from and fixedly attached relative to the chassis, and wherein mount is pivotally connected at the forward end between the first and second pivot plate members. 
   
   
       8 . The agricultural spray of  claim 7 , wherein the forward end of each first and second pivot plates includes an opening, wherein the mount includes an opening therethrough generally aligned with the opening through each first and second pivot plates configured to receive a fastener therethrough pivotally interconnecting the pivot linkage at the chassis.