MULTI-USE FRAME FOR TRACTOR LOADER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional based upon and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “Multi-Use Frame for Tractor Loader,” filed Jan. 11, 2024, Ser. No. 63/619,882, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to a multi-use frame for a tractor front-end loader and three-point hitch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Detachable front-end loaders (FELs) are popular additions to compact and sub-compact utility tractors and farm tractors, as well as widely used three-point hitches on the rear. Compact utility tractors, also called CUTs, are small tractors, typically with 18 to 50 hp, and used primarily for grounds maintenance and landscape chores. There are two primary designs of compact tractor FELs: the traditional pin-on designed style in which the loader bucket is semi-permanently fixed to the FEL structure and the removable loader bucket style, which allows for various additional attachments to be temporarily fixed to the FEL structure when the loader bucket is removed. Front-end loaders on CUT tractors are capable of many tasks, which are multiplied when utilizing an FEL that is capable of supporting various attachments beyond a loader bucket.

John Deere® manufactures an FEL design that utilizes a hook-and-pin type connection for FEL attachments and is referred to as a John Deere® Quick Attach (JDQA) system. Kubota®, New Holland®, Case IH®, Massey Ferguson®, and others offer loaders that utilize the Skid-Steer-Quick-Attach (SSQA) design for FEL attachments. These systems both allow for rapid reconfiguring of the loader system.

Currently, CUTs require multiple or separate attachments and implementation to carry out routine tasks. These attachments and implements can be cumbersome to attach and detach when reconfiguring, taking up significant storage space when not in use, and are extremely difficult or impossible to move and transport by hand when not attached to the tractor.

With that said, moving and attaching front-end loaders to a CUT is difficult due to the irregular shape and weight of the front-end loader and respective equipment. Thus, it is highly desirable for a device that effectively stores, transports, and assists with attaching and detaching a front-end loader and other attachments to a CUT.

SUMMARY

In certain versions of the application, a multi-use frame is disclosed for attachment to a tractor front-end loader or a three-point hitch. In a version, the multi-use frame may include a lower assembly and a removable upper assembly configured to attach to the top of the lower assembly.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame for attachment for attaching to a tractor front-end loader or a three-point hitch, the multi-use frame including: a lower assembly including: a horizontal lower support member having a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end having a transverse connection point; a first vertical support member having a top and a bottom, the vertical support member extending upward at the first end of the horizontal lower support member, a first vertically disposed connection point positioned at the top of the first vertical support member; a second vertical support member having a top and a bottom, the vertical support member extending upward at the second end of the horizontal lower support member, a second vertically disposed connection point positioned at the top of the second vertical support member; a first front-end loader mounting point forming a first hook connected to the first vertical support member; a second front-end loader mounting point forming a second hook connected to the second vertical support member; and a plurality of bottom connection points positioned along the bottom of the horizontal lower support member; and an attachably removable upper assembly having: a horizontal upper support member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first downward extending connection member for operably coupling with the first vertically disposed connection point of the lower assembly, the second end having a second downward extending connection member for operably selectively coupling with the second vertically disposed connection point of the lower assembly; and a top link connection point operably connected to the upper support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the top link connection point includes at least a first and second upper connection points centrally positioned above the horizontal upper support member and are configured to receive a pin therebetween.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points further include a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, thereby allowing receipt of a pin that functions as a top link connection point of a three-point hitch connection.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points is a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, forming a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the plurality of bottom connection points is formed of a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of lateral pin holes, forming a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the plurality of bottom connection points is attachably removable to and from the horizontal lower support member, each of the bottom connection points includes a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of lateral pin holes, a front connection bracket, and a rear connection bracket, the front connection bracket and the rear connection bracket are selectively attachably removable to a plurality of longitudinal pin holes aligned in longitudinal pairs along the horizontal lower support member, thereby allowing selection of the position of each of the plurality of bottom connection points.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the top link connection point includes at least a first and second upper connection points centrally positioned above the horizontal upper support member and are configured to receive a pin therebetween.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points further include a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, thereby allowing receipt of a pin that functions as a top link connection point of a three-point hitch connection.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second upper connection points is a rectangular metal tubing having a pair of laterally aligned pin holes, forming a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first end mount that supports a removable first connection pin that is operably attachable to the first end of the horizontal lower support member and a second end mount that supports a removable second connection pin that is operably attachable to the second end of the horizontal lower support member, thereby the first connection pin and the second connection pin function as lower connection points for a front-end loader.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second end mounts is attachably removable to the respective ends of the horizontal lower member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second mounts further includes a longitudinal connection point formed of a rectangular metal tubing defining a longitudinal sleeve.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first vertical connection plate attached to the first vertical support member and a second vertical connection plate attached to the second vertical support member, wherein each of the first and second vertical connection plates has an upper portion that supports the respective first and second front-end loader mounting points.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein a lower portion of the first vertical connection plate supports a first connection pin and a lower portion of the second vertical connection plate supports a second connection pin.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein a first loader bucket hook-in mount is operably attached to the first vertical support member and is disposed opposite of the first front-end loader mounting point, and a second loader bucket hook-in mount is operably attached to the second vertical support member and is disposed opposite of the second front-end loader mounting point.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein each of the first and second loader bucket hook-in mounts is operably attachably removable to the respective first and second vertical support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first and second angled structural support members, each extending from near a midpoint of the horizontal lower support member to a respective top of the first and second vertical support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a dolly assembly including: a longitudinal support member extending between a forward end and an aft end, the forward end configured to couple with one of the plurality of bottom connection points positioned along the horizontal lower support member, the aft end having an aft connection point; a first caster wheel configured to couple with the first transverse connection point of the horizontal lower support member; a second caster wheel configured to couple with the second transverse connection point of the horizontal lower support member; and an aft caster wheel configured to couple with the aft connection point of the longitudinal support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the longitudinal support member includes a fixed tube and a telescoping movable tube that operably translates within the fixed tube, thereby allowing the user to select the overall length of the longitudinal support member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, wherein the fixed tube includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of lateral pin holes and the telescoping movable tube includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of lateral pin holes, thereby allowing the user to selectively determine the overall length of the longitudinal support member by aligning a pair of the lateral pin holes of the fixed tube with a pair of the lateral pin holes of the telescoping movable tube and inserting a pin.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a multi-use frame, further including a first tapered pallet fork tube that is operably shaped to translate within the horizontal upper support member via the first end and a second tapered pallet fork tube that is operably shaped to translate within the horizontal upper support member via the second end, wherein while stowed within the horizontal upper support member, each of the first and second tapered pallet fork tubes reciprocally overlaps the other.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting in their scope, the embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an unassembled rear perspective view of the multi-use frame;

FIG. 2 is an assembled rear perspective view of the multi-use frame of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an assembled bottom rear perspective view of the multi-use frame of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an unassembled front perspective view of the multi-use frame of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an unassembled front perspective view of a second version of the multi-use frame;

FIG. 6 is an unassembled rear perspective view of the second version shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an unassembled rear perspective view of the second version shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an unassembled bottom rear perspective view of the second version shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective illustrative view showing a tractor supporting a version of the application when attached to a three-point hitch and a version of the application attached to a front-end loader configuration;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective illustrative view showing a tractor supporting a version of the application when attached to a three-point hitch and a version of the application attached to a front-end loader configuration;

FIG. 11 is a top plan illustrative view showing a tractor supporting a version of the application when attached to a three-point hitch and a version of the application attached to a front-end loader configuration;

FIG. 12 is a right side elevation illustrative view showing a tractor supporting a version of the application when attached to a three-point hitch and a version of the application attached to a front-end loader configuration;

FIG. 13 is an assembled rear perspective view of a version of the application, including a dolly assembly;

FIG. 14 is a partially assembled rear perspective view of the version shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective showing a front-end loader arms supported by the multi-use frame in a dolly configuration;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective showing an alternate front-end loader stand supported by the multi-use frame in a dolly configuration;

FIG. 17 is an unassembled rear perspective unassembled view of the version shown in FIG. 13; and

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a version showing optional attachments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The components of the disclosed embodiments, as described and illustrated herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of the possible embodiments thereof. In addition, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these details. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, certain technical material that is known in the related art has not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Furthermore, the drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, upper, lower, upward, and downward may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. Additionally, the disclosure, as illustrated and described herein, may be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Generally, with reference to FIG. 9-FIG. 12, the disclosure is directed towards a multi-use frame 100 that is constructed of metal tubing and is configured to attach to a tractor 30 front-end loader 32 with either a pin-on, a hook and pin (John Deere® Quick Attach, JDQA), or a Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) system. When the multi-use frame 100 is attached to the tractor front-end loader 32 via mounting points 38a, 38b it can then serve as an attachment point for a loader bucket 46, a hitch ball 48, lifting forks or pallet fork tubes 36, ballast weights, and multiple other attachments by use of tube inserts that function as or similar to a standard receiver hitch. The multi-use frame 100 metal tubing configuration provides multiple points of attachment in the x, y, and z axes, as well as internal storage for unused attachments and fittings.

In detail, the three axes of connection possibilities provide nearly limitless applications to be developed for the multi-use frame 100. Powered and articulated attachments such as edgers, hedge trimmers, weed trimmers, snowplows, leaf blowers, trenchers, etc., may be attached to the multi-use frame 100 because the front-end loader 32 and three-point hitch 34 provide a highly maneuverable, controllable, and stable platform for powered accessories.

Additionally, the multi-use frame 100 is configured to connect with a three-point hitch mount 34. A three-point hitch mount is a system used on tractors and other agricultural machinery to attach implements like plows, harrows, mowers, and other tools. It's essentially a linkage system that uses three points of connection to secure the implement to the tractor, forming a triangle-like structure. Typically, a three-point hitch mount 34 comprises a top link 40 and a first and second lower lift arms, 42a, 42b, each providing a lower lift arm pin insert 44.

Generally, in a version, the multi-use frame 100 includes a lower assembly 102 that provides mounting points for a front-end loader 32 and an attachably removable upper assembly 104 that connects with the lower assembly 102, which allows the multi-use frame 100 to attach to a three-point hitch mount 34 on the rear of the tractor 30. Further, the multi-use frame 100 may provide a loader bucket hook in mounts that allow the attachment of a loader bucket 46 (See FIG. 12).

With reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 4, in a first version of the application, the lower assembly 102 generally includes a horizontal lower support member 106 having a first end 108a, a second end 108b, and a bottom 111. There are first and second vertical support members 112a, 112b extending upward at each respective end 108a, 108b of the horizontal lower support member 106. The horizontal lower support member 106 includes a first and second transverse connection points 110a, 110b at the first and second ends 108a, 108b. Preferably, the first and second transverse connection points 110a, 110b are manufactured of rectangular metal tubing that is shaped to receive an attachment having rectangular tubing that is secured via one or more pins, similar to that of a standard receiver hitch.

The first and second vertical support members 112a, 112b extend between a top 114a, 114b and a bottom 116a, 116b. Each of the first and second vertical support members 112a, 112b provide a first and second vertically disposed connection points 126a, 126b for receipt of the upper assembly 104, which will be described in further detail below. Preferably, each of the first and second vertically oriented connection points 126a, 126b are manufactured of metal tubing that provides a sleeve for receipt of tube inserts that are secured by pins. In the version, each of the first and second vertically disposed connection points 126a, 126b or hitch receiver type tubing include a lateral pair of aligned pin holes 131 for receipt of a standard hitch pin, clevis pin, or carriage bolt for securing a matching tube insert (132a, 132b) that also provides a lateral pair of aligned pin holes 133.

In the illustrated version, the lower assembly 102 further includes a first and second angled structural support members 122a, 122b, each extending from near a midpoint M of the horizontal lower support member 106 to a respective top 114a, 114b of the first and second vertical support member 112a, 112b. Thereby providing structural support and integrity to the rectangular lower assembly 102. The angled structural support members 122a, 122b form a V that provides visual cues aiding in alignment while driving, such as when approaching a trailer to insert a loader-mounted hitch ball 48 into a trailer tongue coupler.

In the version, a plurality of bottom connection points 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, and 124e are aligned below the bottom 111 of the horizontal lower support member 106. Preferably, the plurality of bottom connection points 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, and 124e are manufactured of rectangular metal tubing forming a longitudinal sleeve that provides attachment of accessories via rectangular tube inserts secured via standard receiver hitch pins. Further, each of the plurality of bottom connection points may include a pair of opposing lateral pin holes 131 that are configured to receive a standard hitch pin therethrough, securing an accessory to the multi-use frame 100. Further, at least two of the bottom connection points 124 can operate to secure the first and second lower lift arms 42a, 42b of the three-point hitch mount (See FIG. 10).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a version of the removable upper assembly 104 includes a horizontal upper support member 128 that supports opposing first and second downward extending connection members 132a, 132b at each respective end 130a, 130b. In the version, the connection members 132a, 132b are configured for coupling with the respective first and second vertically oriented connection points 126a, 126b of the lower assembly 102. Preferably, the first and second downward extending connection members 132a, 132b are rectangular metal tube inserts that are configured to insert within the vertically oriented connection points 126a, 126b. Specifically, a lateral pair of aligned pin holes 133 of each of the first and second downward extending connection members 132a, 132b are aligned with the lateral pair of pin holes 131 of the vertically oriented connection points 126a, 126b, wherein a standard hitch pin is positioned laterally therein.

Preferably, at least two of the plurality of bottom connection points 124 are configured to connect with the first and second lower lift arms 42a, 42b of the three-point hitch mount 34 (See FIG. 10). As best shown in FIG. 1, the upper assembly 104 may include at least two longitudinal connection points 134a, 134b centrally positioned on the top 129 of the horizontal upper support member 128 and forming therebetween a top link 40 connection point 1 of the three-point hitch mount 34. In a version, each of the first and second longitudinal upper connection points 134a, 134b further includes a pair of laterally aligned pin holes 162a, 162b for receipt of a standard hitch pin. The standard hitch pin is configured to extend and connect between the first and second longitudinal upper connection points 134a, 134b, thereby providing a top link 40 connection point of a three-point hitch mount 34 of the tractor as best illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 9-FIG. 12, the mounting of the multi-use frame 100 to a three-point hitch mount 34 at the rear of the tractor 30 is achieved by the combination of the upper assembly 104 providing a top link 40 connection point 136 between the first and second longitudinal upper mounting points 134a, 134b and the horizontal lower support member 106 providing bottom links provided by at least two bottom connection points 124a-e, each providing support for a standard hitch pin. The multi-use frame 100 can then be used as an attachment point on the rear of a tractor 30 for a loader bucket 46, a receiver hitch ball 48, lifting forks or pallet fork tubes 36, ballast weights, plows, rakes, and multiple other attachments by use of rectangular tube inserts and standard hitch pins that function as or similar to a standard receiver hitch.

In an alternative version, as best shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, at least two of the bottom connection points 224a-e provide support for a first and second insert tubes 166a, 166b that provide support for a first and second lower lift arm connection pins 160a, 160b for attachment during a three-point hitch mount (See FIG. 11).

As shown best in FIG. 1-FIG. 3, the multi-use frame 100 is configured for attachment to a front-end loader 32, providing front-end loader mounting points 120a, 120b near the top 114a, 114b of each respective first and second vertical support members 112a, 112b. In a first version, the lower assembly 102 may further include first and second vertical connection plates 118a, 118b that provide support for the respective first and second front-end loader mounting points 120a, 120b at an upper portion 168 and lower attachment pins 121a, 121b at a lower portion 170. The first and second vertical connection plates 118a, 118b are positioned on the aft side of the first and second vertical support members 112a, 112b. Preferably, the first and second front-end loader mounting points 120a, 120b are each a hook-type mount as shown in FIG. 1, or upper pockets, as utilized by a standard SSQA system.

With reference to FIG. 5-FIG. 8, in an alternative version, the multi-use frame 200 may include a first end mount 272a that supports a first connection pin 274a and a second end mount 272b that supports a second connection pin 274b. The first end mount 272a is operably attachable to the first end 208a of the horizontal lower support member 206 and the second end mount 272b is operably attachable to the second end 208b of the horizontal lower support member 206. The first connection pin 274a and the second connection pin 274b function as lower connection points for a JDQA front-end loader. Thus, the first and second connection pins 274a, 274b, in combination with the first and second front-end loader mounting points 220a, 220b, forming hooks, operate to attach the multi-use frame 200 to JDQA type front-end loader.

In certain versions, each of the first and second end mounts 272a, 272b is operably configured to be attachably removable to and from the horizontal lower support member 206. Further, each of the first and second end mounts 272a, 272b may further include a longitudinal connection point formed of rectangular metal tubing defining a longitudinal sleeve as shown in FIG. 5.

With continued reference to FIG. 5-FIG. 8, a version of the multi-use frame 200 includes a plurality of movable bottom connection points 224a-e positioned along the bottom 211 of the horizontal lower support member 206. Each of the bottom connection points 224a-e is configured to be attachably removable to and from the horizontal lower support member 206. In a version, each of the bottom connection points 224a-e includes a rectangular metal tubing sleeve 275 having a pair of lateral pin holes 235 for receipt of a standard hitch pin, a front connection bracket 276, and a rear connection bracket 278. The front connection bracket 276 and the rear connection bracket 278 extend above the rectangular metal tubing sleeve 275 and are selectively attachably removable via a standard hitch pin to a plurality of longitudinal pin holes 239 that are aligned in pairs along the horizontal lower support member 206. The plurality of longitudinal pin holes 239 allows the selection of the placement of each bottom connection point 224a-e along the length of the horizontal lower support member 206. This enables the user to adjust spacing and accommodate different equipment with different configurations.

Now with reference to FIG. 13-FIG. 17, in certain embodiments of the invention, a dolly assembly 138 is configured to move a detached front-end loader 32 across the ground by hand for storage or positioning the front-end loader 32 for reattachment to a tractor 30. Generally, the multi-use frame provides attachment points for a plurality of caster wheels or dolly wheels to provide movement to the frame. The dolly assembly 138 includes a longitudinal support member 140 that has a forward end 142 and an aft end. The forward end 142 is configured to couple with the centrally positioned bottom connection point 224c, and the aft end 144 has an aft connection point 146.

A first and a second caster wheels 148a, 148b are configured to couple with or fit into the respective first and second transverse connection points 110a, 110b of the horizontal support member 106 by way of a first and second standard hitch pins. An aft caster wheel 152 is coupled with the aft connection point 146 of the longitudinal support member 140. The aft caster wheel 152 is configured to couple with or fit into the longitudinal connection point 146 of the aft end 144 of the longitudinal support member 140. Preferably, the longitudinal and transverse connection points 110a, 110b, are manufactured of metal tubing that allows reciprocally sized tube inserts 153 attached to each of the caster wheels 148a, 148b, 152 and are secured via respective receiver hitch pins via aligned pairs of lateral holes. Operationally, each of the caster wheels 148a, 148b, and 152 provides a lifting action from a lower position (for coupling with multi-frame) to a lifted position for movement by way of respective levers 150a, 150b, 154.

As an example, with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, when detached from the tractor 30, the multi-use frame 100, 200 causes the front-end loader 32 to sit slightly higher off the ground than it would without attachment to the multi-use frame 100. Therefore, allowing the lower longitudinal support member 140 to extend aft from the lower assembly 102 and beneath the front-end loaders 32 lower cross members. Again, the longitudinal support member 140 that protrudes aft provides a rigid connection point for the aft caster wheel 152 to be slid under the loader's rear leg stand.

FIG. 15 illustrates a John Deere® brand front-end loader 32 and leg stand 52, wherein the aft caster wheel 152 includes an angled pad 156 that matches the angle of the upward bend at the center of the rear leg stand 52. In the version, the aft connection point 146 is smaller in size to allow it to slide under the bend in the center of the front-end loader's 32 leg stand 52.

With reference to FIG. 16, for other makes of tractors and front-end loaders 32, the lower longitudinal support member 140 and aft caster wheel 152 will attach under two individual stand legs 60a, 60b that lower from the left and right sides of the front-end loader 32.

In a version of the dolly assembly, the longitudinal support member 140 comprises a fixed tube 141 and a telescoping movable tube 143 that operably translates within the fixed tube 141. Thus, allowing the user to select the overall length of the longitudinal support member 140.

In certain versions, the fixed tube 141 comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of lateral pin holes 145 and the telescoping movable tube 143 comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced pairs of lateral pin holes 147, thereby allowing the user to selectively determine the overall length of the longitudinal support member 140 by aligning a selected pair of the lateral pin holes 145 of the fixed tube 141 with a pair of the lateral pin holes 147 of the telescoping movable tube 143 and inserting a pin therein.

The multi-use frame 100, while in the dolly assembly 138, is configured to hold other tractor attachments such as a loader bucket, snowplow, and multiple hitch fittings within a very small, mobile footprint. The dolly assembly 138 can support the approximate weight of the front-end loader and any attachment. This enables the front-end loader and any attached equipment to be stored and moved on a concrete floor by a single person. The multi-use frame 100 complements the dolly assembly 138 as part of a suite of storage solutions.

With reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a version of the multi-use frame 200 may optionally include using a pair of pallet fork tubes 36a, 36b coupled with two respective longitudinal connection points 224a and 224c in parallel to use the tractor 30 as a forklift. In a detailed version, the multi-use frame 200 includes a first tapered pallet fork tube 36a that is operably shaped to translate within the horizontal upper support member 228 via the first end 230a and a second tapered pallet fork tube 36b that is operably shaped to translate within the horizontal upper support member 228 via the second end 230b. When the first and second tapered pallet fork tubes 36a, 36b are in the stowed position within the horizontal upper support member 228, each of the first and second tapered pallet fork tubes 36a, 36b reciprocally overlaps the other, forming an elongated rectangular rod within the horizontal upper support member 228.

In certain versions of the application, the multi-use frame 100, 200 may provide attachments for a loader bucket 46 when attached to either JDQA or SSQA configuration. With reference to FIG. 18, the multi-use frame 200 may provide attachably removable loader bucket hook-in mounts 290a, 290b as an intermediate connection between the front-end loader 32 and the loader bucket 46 (See FIG. 12 for example configuration).

Preferably, the loader bucket hook-in mounts 290a, 290b may be provided forward of the lower assembly 202 to attach to a loader bucket 46 as shown in FIG. 12 Specifically, the first loader bucket hook-in mount 290a is operably attached to the first vertical member 212a and is disposed opposite of the first front-end loader mounting point 220a and a second loader bucket hook-in mount 290b is operably attached to the second vertical member 212b and is disposed opposite of the second front-end loader mounting point 220b.

Alternatively, as best shown in FIG. 18, a version of the multi-use frame 200 may include a first and second loader bucket hook-in mounts 290a, 290b that are operably attachably removable to the respective first and second vertical support members 212a, 212b. The first and second loader bucket hook-in mounts 290a, 290b each have parallel brackets 294a, 294b, having a pair of pin holes 295 for attachment to the first and second vertical support members 212a, 212b. Thus, the user can optionally attach and remove the first and second loader bucket hook-in mounts 290a, 290b when needed.

With reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 18, a first and second tubular mounts 273a, 273b may be operably inserted and connected to the respective side end mount sleeves 272a, 272b. Each of the first and second tubular mounts 273a, 273b forms a respective first and second lower pin securing point 275a, 275b or longitudinally oriented holes for receipt of the loader bucket lower pins 45 during attachment of the JDQA hook and pin connection (See FIG. 12). Thus, the loader bucket 46 lower pins 45 are aligned, inserted, and secured with a round lynch pin during attachment to the multi-use frame 200.

As it relates to a hitch for securing a trailer, a standard 2″ receiver hitch and ball 48 that is sized appropriately for the trailer coupler may be utilized in connection with the central bottom connection points 124b.

Any other attachments, such as a snowplow, rotary cutters or trimmers, or ballast weight, will be connected by means of a receiver hitch insert at any of the bottom connection points, upper connection points, and transverse connection points mounted to the multi-use frame 100, 200.

In most versions, the multi-use frame 100 is constructed of metal tubing that allows attachment via tube inserts that are secured via standard hitch pins or carriage bolts, similar to that of a standard receiver hitch. The size and profile of the metal tubing are determined by the load-carrying requirements of the frame. A 2.5″ square tube frame with 2″ square tube accessory inserts is likely to be the most common configuration. The material will commonly be steel; however, lighter materials like aluminum may be used to maximize payload.

While the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.