Machine having removable tool system

Abstract

A tool system is disclosed for a machine. The tool system may have a first adapter configured to removably connect with a first side of the machine, and a second adapter configured to removably connect with a second side of the machine opposite the first side. The tool system may also have a frame member with a first end pivotally attached to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally attached to the second adapter. The tool system may further have a tool pivotally connected to the frame member between the first and second adapters, and at least one hydraulic actuator disposed between the frame member and each of the first and second adapters.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adapter for a tool system, comprising:
 spaced-apart plates each with an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of each of the spaced-apart plates having a leading edge and a trailing edge;   aligned apertures formed in the upper ends of the spaced-apart plates;   a female engagement feature located at the lower ends of the spaced-apart plates; and   a protrusion located between the spaced-apart plates and extending from the leading edges to pivotally engage a frame member of the tool system.   
     
     
         2 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the female engagement feature is a hook with an opening oriented away from the upper end. 
     
     
         3 . The adapter of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the protrusion is a first protrusion; and   the hook is formed in a second protrusion located between the spaced-apart plates and extending from the trailing edges.   
     
     
         4 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the spaced-apart plates are separated at the upper ends by an internal spacer. 
     
     
         5 . The adapter of  claim 1 , further including a pin located between the aligned apertures and the female engagement feature to receive an actuator of the tool system. 
     
     
         6 . A tool system for a machine, comprising:
 a first adapter configured to removably connect with a first side of the machine;   a second adapter configured to removably connect with a second side of the machine opposite the first side;   a frame member having a first end pivotally attached to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally attached to the second adapter;   a tool pivotally connected to the frame member between the first and second adapters; and   at least one hydraulic actuator disposed between the frame member and each of the first and second adapters.   
     
     
         7 . The tool system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one hydraulic actuator is generally parallel with an upper surface of the frame member when the tool is lowered to its lowest position. 
     
     
         8 . The tool system of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one hydraulic actuator becomes about 10° out of parallel relative to the upper surface of the frame member when the tool is lifted to its highest position. 
     
     
         9 . The tool system of  claim 7 , further including a protrusion extending away from the upper surface, wherein the at least one hydraulic actuator extends from the protrusion to a corresponding one of the first and second adapters. 
     
     
         10 . The tool system of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the frame member is generally C-shaped, having first and second legs that terminate at the first and second ends;   the protrusion is a first protrusion extending away from the upper surface at the first leg;   the tool system further includes a second protrusion extending away from the upper surface at the second leg; and   the at least one hydraulic actuator includes a first hydraulic actuator connected between the first adapter and the first protrusion, and a second hydraulic actuator connected between the second adapter and the second protrusion.   
     
     
         11 . The tool system of  claim 10 , further including at least a third hydraulic actuator extending from each of the first and second protrusions to the tool. 
     
     
         12 . The tool system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least a third hydraulic actuator is also generally parallel with the upper surface of the frame member when the tool is lowered to its lowest position. 
     
     
         13 . The tool system of  claim 12 , wherein the at least a third hydraulic actuator is located gravitationally lower than the first and second hydraulic actuators when the tool system is connected to the machine. 
     
     
         14 . The tool system of  claim 12 , wherein the at least a third hydraulic actuator is located between the first and second hydraulic actuators. 
     
     
         15 . The tool system of  claim 11 , further including a fourth actuator connected between a center of the frame member and a top of the tool. 
     
     
         16 . The tool system of  claim 15 , further including a third protrusion extending away from the upper surface of the frame member at a C-shape center of the frame member, wherein the fourth actuator is connected to the third protrusion. 
     
     
         17 . The tool system of  claim 16 , wherein the tool is a dozing blade. 
     
     
         18 . The tool system of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second ends of the frame member are connected to gravitationally lower ends of the first and second adapters, respectively. 
     
     
         19 . The tool system of  claim 18 , wherein the first and second adapters are each generally L-shaped, with the first and second ends of the frame member being connected to horizontal portions of the L-shapes. 
     
     
         20 . A machine, comprising:
 a body having a front end and a rear end;   traction devices located at opposing sides of the body;   an opening formed in each of the opposing sides of the body at a location above the traction devices;   a protrusion rigidly connected to each of the opposing sides of the body and extending outward;   first and second adapters configured to removably mount to the opposing sides of the body, each of the first and second adapters having spaced-apart plates with apertures configured to align with the opening of the body, and a hook configured to receive the protrusion;   a generally C-shaped push frame having a first end pivotally connected to the first adapter, and a second end pivotally connected to the second adapter;   a tool pivotally connected to a center of the C-shaped push frame;   lift cylinders connecting the first and second adapters to the generally C-shaped push frame; and   a pitch cylinder connecting the generally C-shaped push frame to the tool,   wherein the first and second ends of the generally C-shaped push frame are located between the opposing sides of the body and the traction devices.