MULTI-USE POWER END FOR FORMING MULTIPLE WORK MACHINES

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to work machines having portions such as a power end and an implement end. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to selectively coupling different implement ends to a multi-use power end for forming multiple work machines.

BACKGROUND

Work machines such as compactors, loaders, and the like, are commonly applied at worksites, such as construction sites and/or mining sites, to perform a variety of operations. The operations may include earth movement, material handling, soil compaction, etc.

Prior to delivery of such machines, e.g., to an end customer, such machines are typically transported, such as between a manufacturing facility and a stockyard or a dealership, as fully built units. Transportation of such machines as fully built units requires relatively large sized transportation systems to be sourced such that the fully built units may be housed or secured thereto during the transfer. Such transportation also requires various regulations to be met. Additionally, fully built units are typically stocked at locations, e.g., at stockyards or dealerships, where they occupy commensurate real estate, adding to an overall inventory at those locations. Such factors make managing a fleet of fully built units or fully build machines a generally cumbersome affair.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure discloses a multi-use power end for forming a number of work machines. The multi-use power end includes a chassis, a power source supported by the chassis, an operator station including one or more input devices to control the power source, and a set of traction devices powered by the power source to movably support the chassis over a ground surface. Further, the multi-use power end includes one or more engagement assemblies configured to be respectively engageable with one or more complementary interfaces associated with each of a number of different implement ends such that the different implement ends are selectively and interchangeably couplable with the multi-use power end to form the work machines.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a work machine system. The work machine system includes a number of different implement ends. Each implement end includes one or more complementary interfaces. The work machine system includes a multi-use power end for forming a number of work machines. The multi-use power end includes a chassis, a power source supported by the chassis, an operator station including one or more input devices to control the power source, and a set of traction devices powered by the power source to movably support the chassis over a ground surface. The multi-use power end also includes engagement assemblies configured to be respectively engageable with the complementary interfaces such that the different implement ends are selectively and interchangeably couplable with the multi-use power end to form the work machines.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for forming a number of work machines. The method includes the application of a multi-use power end for forming the plurality of work machines. The multi-use power end includes a chassis, a power source supported by the chassis, an operator station including one or more input devices to control the power source, a set of traction devices powered by the power source to movably support the chassis over a ground surface, and one or more engagement assemblies. The method further includes using different implement ends. Each implement end includes one or more complementary interfaces. Further, the method includes engaging the engagement assemblies respectively with the complementary interfaces such that the different implement ends are selectively and interchangeably couplable with the multi-use power end to form the work machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary work machine having a multi-use power end and an implement end hingedly coupled to each other at a hinged connection of the work machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the multi-use power end in conjunction with a support member and a different implement end when compared to the implement end of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are close-up views of portions of the hinged connection illustrating a first engagement assembly of the multi-use power end engaged with a first complementary interface of the implement end at the hinged connection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a view of the multi-use power end in conjunction with the implement end of FIG. 2 with a second engagement assembly of the multi-use power end being engaged with a second complementary interface of the implement end at the hinged connection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a plurality of work machines, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1`, 1``, 101 and 201, could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same or different depicted embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, and in conjunction with FIG. 5, a work machine 100 is described. The work machine 100 may be applied at a worksite 104, such as a mining site, a construction site, a quarry, a landfill, or any other worksite known to persons skilled in the art. The work machine 100 may include various sections, such as a power end 108 and an implement end 112, as shown. The power end 108 may correspond to a section of the work machine 100 where power to accomplish one or more tasks of the work machine 100 may be produced. As an example, the power end 108 of the work machine 100 may include a chassis 116, a power source 120 (see FIG. 5), a hydraulic fluid source 124 (see FIG. 5), an operator station 128, and a set of traction devices 132. The power end 108 of the work machine 100 may include various other devices, sub-systems, and/or components, but they are not exhaustively listed here as they may be contemplated by those of skill in the art.

The power source 120 may be supported on the chassis 116. The power source 120 may include one or more of an internal combustion engine (e.g., that may produce power by combusting fossil fuels) and/or an electrical power source such as a battery (e.g., that may produce electrical power by way of a chemical reaction). Although the above exemplary power sources are discussed, other power sources now known or in the future developed may be applied. As with the power source 120, the operator station 128 may be supported over a portion of the chassis 116, as well. The operator station 128 may include or house one or more input devices 136 (e.g., a first input device 136`) to control the power source 120 and/or an implement (see implement 140) associated with the implement end 112 of the work machine 100. The first input device 136` may include one or more of a joystick, a control panel, a lever, and the like. Moreover, the traction devices 132 may be powered by the power source 120 to movably support the chassis 116 (and thus the work machine 100) over a ground surface 144 (see FIG. 5).

With regard to the hydraulic fluid source 124 (see FIG. 5), the hydraulic fluid source 124 may be any apparatus from where a hydraulic fluid may be sourced for powering the performance of any machine function. For example, the hydraulic fluid source 124 may include a reservoir and/or a pump (which may be exemplarily powerable by the power source 120). In some embodiments, one or more first hydraulic lines (see first hydraulic lines 148 in FIG. 5) may extend (e.g., fluidly or operably) from the hydraulic fluid source 124. In some embodiments, the hydraulic fluid source 124 may be omitted from the power end 108, and, instead, the hydraulic fluid source 124 may be provided outside the power end 108. For example, the hydraulic fluid source 124 may be provided within the implement end 112 of the work machine 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, the power end 108 may also include a first actuator 152 and a second actuator 156 (see FIG. 3). Although not limited, each of the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 may be hydraulic actuators, e.g., including a cylinder-rod arrangement, having a rod end chamber and a head end chamber which may be selectively pressurized / de-pressurized (e.g., by influx or efflux of pressurized fluid from the hydraulic fluid source) for achieving actuator actuation. The first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 (e.g., the cylinder portions of the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156) may be movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled with the chassis 116. In some embodiments, the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 may be coupled to the chassis 116 at a same elevation from the ground surface 144. In one example, the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 may be disposed parallelly to each other, e.g., when the implement end 112 is aligned with the power end 108 to execute a straight motion along direction, T (see FIG. 1).

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the power end 108 may further include a first bracket 168 and a first block 172 attachable (e.g., by using first fasteners 176) (also see FIG. 4) to the first bracket 168. Similarly, the power end 108 may include a second bracket 168` and a second block 172` attachable (e.g., by using second fasteners 176`) to the second bracket 168`. The first bracket 168 may be positioned above the second bracket 168` along a height, H, of the work machine 100. Both the first bracket 168 and the second bracket 168` may be fixedly connected to the chassis 116. Although not limited, both the first bracket 168 and the second bracket 168` may extend parallelly and in the same direction (see direction, D, FIG. 5) with respect to the chassis 116. When the first block 172 is assembled to the first bracket 168, a first joint assembly 180 (see FIG. 4) of the first bracket 168 and the first block 172 is formed and a first cutout 184 is defined therebetween. Similarly, when the second block 172` is assembled to the second bracket 168`, a second joint assembly 182 (see FIG. 3) of the second bracket 168` and the second block 172` is formed and a second cutout (similar to the first cutout 184) is defined therebetween – the second cutout is not visible in the figures. The second joint assembly 182 is best viewable in FIG. 3 as the first joint assembly 180 is removed from view in FIG. 3.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the implement end 112 of the work machine 100 may be a section of the work machine 100, separate from the power end 108, and which may include an implement (e.g., the implement 140 noted above). The implement 140 may be applied to carry out machine operations, e.g., involving an engagement with the ground surface 144. As an example, the implement 140 includes a compactor drum 140`, and the work machine 100 may accordingly include or correspond to a compactor 100`, e.g., a soil compactor, as exemplary shown in FIG. 1. The implement 140 may be configured to contact the ground surface 144 to alter, e.g., to grade and/or compact, the ground surface 144 during a movement of the work machine 100 over the ground surface 144, e.g., along direction, T.

Here, references to the compactor drum 140` are exemplary, and, therefore, other implement ends, e.g., one including a differently sized compactor drum and/or a bucket (not shown), may be interchangeably coupled to the power end 108 instead of the compactor drum 140`. As one example, a compactor drum 140``, which is sized differently compared to the compactor drum 140`, is shown as part of an implement end 112` in conjunction with the power end 108 in FIGS. 2 and 5. Combinedly, the implement end 112` and the power end 108 may define a different work machine, e.g., a work machine 102, when compared to the work machine 100 of FIG. 1. Said work machine 102 may also correspond to a compactor, e.g., compactor 102`. Such interchangeability of the implement ends, e.g., implement ends 112, 112`, is described by way of a work machine system 250 further below. Description corresponding to the implement ends 112, 112` and/or the compactor drums 140`, 140`` may be suitably applied to each other.

In some embodiments, the implement 140 may be powered to operate on hydraulic fluid. Thus, the implement end 112 may include one or more second hydraulic lines (see second hydraulic lines 188 illustrated for work machine 102 in FIG. 5). The second hydraulic lines 188 may extend (e.g., fluidly or operably) from the corresponding implement, e.g., the implement 140.

Referring to FIGS. 1, and 3 through 5, the implement end 112 may include an articulation frame 192 housing a pin 196. The pin 196 may define an axis 200. The axis 200 may be a linearly extending axis that may extend along the height, H, of the work machine 100 (see FIG. 1). The pin 196 may define a first end 204 (for example, a first axial end) and a second end 208 (for example, a second axial end) (see FIG. 5). The second end 208 may be disposed opposite to the first end 204. Further, the articulation frame 192 may define a first attachment portion 212 and a second attachment portion 216 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). As an example, the first attachment portion 212 and the second attachment portion 216 may be positioned at the same elevation from the ground surface 144.

Although not limited, the work machine 100 may include a split-chassis configuration, and thus may include a forward chassis portion 220 and a rearward chassis portion 224. The forward chassis portion 220 may be associated with and/or be a part of the implement end 112, while the rearward chassis portion 224 may be associated with and/or be a part of the power end 108. Both forward chassis portion 220 and the rearward chassis portion 224 may be part of the chassis 116, described above. Moreover, the forward chassis portion 220 may support the implement 140 and the rearward chassis portion 224 may support components associated with the power end 108. The forward chassis portion 220 and the rearward chassis portion 224 may be operably coupled to each other at a hinged connection 228 (see FIG. 3). Effectively, the implement end 112 may be coupled with the power end 108 at the hinged connection 228.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, aspects of the present disclosure include discussions related to an exemplary manner of a formation of the work machine 100. To this end, it will be appreciated that the power end 108 of the work machine 100 may be a multi-use power end 108` that may be couplable to a multitude of other implement ends as well so as to form multiple other work machines (e.g., work machines 100, 102). Therefore, the power end 108 may not be limited to be coupled to the implement end 112 and/or to the implement end 112`, alone. In this regard, the work machine system 250 is described further below.

The work machine system 250 includes the power end 108 and a number or pool of different implement ends 254. The numeral used here for different implement ends 254, i.e., ‘254’, is annotated against the implement ends 112, 112` – this is because the implement ends 112, 112` may belong to the same pool of implement ends as may be found in the different implement ends 254. The expression different implement ends 254 may mean that one implement end of the different implement ends 254 may differ from another implement end of the different implement ends 254 either in type and/or specification. The different implement ends 254 may also differ in part, i.e., they may be essentially different parts having different part numbers. Therefore, it will be appreciated that one implement end of the different implement ends 254 may be any one or more of identical, similar, or dissimilar, to another implement end of the different implement ends 254. For ease of reference, the expression different implement ends 254 may be interchangeably referred to as implement ends 254. Also, the expressions ‘implement end’ or ‘implement ends’, as used in the present disclosure, may be characteristic of and/or be identifiable by the implement that they may carry.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, each implement end (e.g., implement end 112 and/or implement end 112` from the pool of implement ends 254) of the work machine system 250 may include one or more complementary interfaces 258 (see FIG. 5). Also, the power end 108 (e.g., the multi-use power end 108`) may include one or more engagement assemblies 262 (see FIG. 5). The engagement assemblies 262 may be respectively engageable with the complementary interfaces 258 such that the different implement ends 254 are selectively and interchangeably couplable with the power end 108 (or the multi-use power end 108`) to form the many work machines, such as the work machines 100, 102.

With regard to the engagement assemblies 262 and complementary interfaces 258, a first engagement assembly 262` may include a plug 266 coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) with the first hydraulic lines 148 and a corresponding first complementary interface 258` may include a socket 270 coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) with the second hydraulic lines 188. The socket 270 may be matable with the plug 266. When a mating of the plug 266 with the socket 270 is achieved to engage the first engagement assembly 262` with the first complementary interface 258`, a fluid coupling between the first hydraulic lines 148 and the second hydraulic lines 188 is established. As a result, a transfer of hydraulic fluid between the first engagement assembly 262` and the first complementary interface 258` may be achieved to facilitate hydraulic power (e.g., in the form of hydraulic fluid pressure sourced from the hydraulic fluid source 124) to be delivered to the implement 140 for the functioning of the implement 140.

Further, a second engagement assembly 262`` may include the first actuator 152, the second actuator 156, the first joint assembly 180, and the second joint assembly 182 and a corresponding second complementary interface 258`` may include the first attachment portion 212, the second attachment portion 216, and the pin 196. The first actuator 152 may be couplable between the chassis 116 and the first attachment portion 212, while the second actuator 156 may be couplable between the chassis 116 and the second attachment portion 216 (see FIG. 3). Further, the first joint assembly 180 (see FIG. 4) of the first bracket 168 and the first block 172 may be configured to slidably receive the first end 204 of the pin 196 (e.g., through or into the first cutout 184) and the second joint assembly 182 of the second bracket 168` and the second block 172` may be configured to slidably receive the second end 208 of the pin 196 (e.g., through or into the second cutout) (the second cutout is not shown but is similar to the first cutout 184). A relative movement between the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 (e.g., an extension of the first actuator 152 and a concomitant retraction of the second actuator 156) may cause the articulation frame 192 (and thus the implement end 112) to articulate with respect to the power end 108 to execute motion and/or operations. The articulation may occur about the pin 196, and/or about the axis 200 defined by the pin 196.

In this regard, the first attachment portion 212 and the second attachment portion 216 may be respectively coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the first actuator 152 (e.g., the rod associated with the first actuator 152) and the second actuator 156 (e.g., the rod associated with the second actuator 156). Moreover, when a coupling of the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 respectively with the first attachment portion 212 and second attachment portion 216 is achieved and when the first joint assembly 180 slidably receives the first end 204 of the pin 196 and the second joint assembly 182 slidably receives the second end 208 of the pin 196, the hinged connection 228 between the power end 108 and the implement end 112 is defined. Furthermore, an engagement between the second complementary interface 258`` and the second engagement assembly 262`` is attained.

Although the above discussion, it may be noted that one or more of the components of the second engagement assembly 262`` may be interchanged with one or more components of the second complementary interface 258``. Further, one or more of the components of the second engagement assembly 262`` may be omitted in actual practice. Similarly, one or more of the components of the second complementary interface 258`` may be omitted in actual practice. In some embodiments, one or more components may be added to the second engagement assembly 262`` (e.g., from the second complementary interface 258``). Conversely, and also in some embodiments, one or more components may be added to the second complementary interface 258`` (e.g., from the second engagement assembly 262``). Such options may be contemplatable by those having skill in the art. In one example, one or more of the articulation frame 192 and the pin 196 may alternatively be part of the second engagement assembly 262`` (and/or the power end 108) rather than be part of the second complementary interface 258`` (and/or the implement end 112). In such a case, arears defined by the implement end 112 to which the articulation frame 192 and/or the pin 196 may be coupled to, at least in part, may form or define the second complementary interface 258``.

If the implement 140 were to include the compactor drum 140`, then, and, as an example, the other implement ends of the different implement ends 254 may include implements that, while being different from said compactor drum 140`, may be identical (e.g., in size and specification) to the compactor drum 140`. Accordingly, the implement ends 254 may include identical compactor drums. Alternatively, and, as an example, the implement ends 254 may include compactor drums that are similar (e.g., not necessarily identical) to the compactor drum 140` and accordingly the implement ends 254 may include compactor drums having different sizes and/or different specification with respect to the compactor drum 140`. In this regard, compare compactor drums 140`, 140`` for the different implement ends 112, 112`, as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The compactor drum 140`` is also illustrated in FIG. 5. Further, as an example, the implement ends 254 may include implements that are different from the compactor drum 140` and accordingly each such implement end may include implements other than the compactor drum 140`, e.g., a bucket. Details described in relation to the implement end 112 may be suitably applied to the number of other implement ends by those of skill in the art based on the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary method for forming a number of work machines, e.g., the work machine 100, is described by way of a flowchart 600. The method is described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 5.

With regard to said method for forming the work machines, e.g., work machines 100, 102, an operator may apply the power end 108 (see block 602 of flowchart 600). Further, the operator may use the different implement ends 254 (see block 604 of flowchart 600) as may be available within the work machine system 250. Moreover, the operator may engage (e.g., selectively engage) the engagement assemblies 262 respectively with the complementary interfaces 258 such that the different implement ends 254 are selectively and interchangeably couplable with the power end 108 to form the many work machines (see block 606 of flowchart 600).

According to an example formation of the work machine 100, the operator may select one implement end, e.g., the implement end 112, from the pool of different implement ends 254 of the work machine system 250. Thereafter, the operator may suitably engage the engagement assemblies 262 of the power end 108 respectively with the complementary interfaces 258 associated with the selected implement end, e.g., the implement end 112. By way of the engagement, the work machine 100 may be formed and thus attained. The work machine 102 may also be similarly formed. In effect, depending upon the type of the work machine needed, e.g., a compactor or a loader, any relevant implement end from the different implement ends 254 may be sourced and then engaged or coupled with the power end 108.

As may be understood by those of skill in the art, the engagement of the engagement assemblies 262 and the complementary interfaces 258 is relatively easily achieved (e.g., by plugging the plug 266 into the socket 270 and by using the first fasteners 176 and second fasteners 176` to form the hinged connection 228) and is also less cumbersome and complex. This makes the multi-use power end 108` (and the work machine system 250) generally modular. Such modularity also allows for easy disengagement of the engagement assemblies 262 from the complementary interfaces 258, thus requiring less effort and labor, in turn allowing the same power end, i.e., power end 108, to be used with multiple other implement ends of the different implement ends 254.

Effectively, the work machines 100, 102 are formed when corresponding implement ends, e.g., implement ends 112, 112` from the different implement ends 254 are selectively coupled and/or engaged (e.g., operably coupled or engaged) with the power end 108. The selective coupling or engagement between such implement ends and the power end 108 may correspond to a plugging in of the plug 266 into the socket 270 along with a coupling (e.g., a pivotal coupling) of the first actuator 152 to the first attachment portion 212 and a coupling (e.g., a pivotal coupling) of the second actuator 156 to the second attachment portion 216. Also, the coupling or engagement may correspond to a slidable reception of first end 204 of the pin 196 into the first joint assembly 180 (or the first cutout 184 defined by the first joint assembly 180) and a slidable reception of second end 208 of the pin 196 into the second joint assembly 182 (or the second cutout defined by the second joint assembly 182). If the implement 140 were to include the compactor drum 140`, the work machine 100 thus formed may include the compactor 100`. Conversely, if the implement 140 were to include a bucket, the work machine thus formed may include a loader, e.g., a wheel loader. Many such examples may be contemplated by those having skill in the art.

Further, it may be noted that at least one sub-system of the work machine 100 is formed when each engagement assembly of the power end 108 is engaged with a corresponding complementary interface of the implement end 112. In one example, the sub-system includes a hydraulic system 274 (see FIG. 5) configured to actuate a corresponding implement (e.g., the compactor drum 140``) of the implement end 112` coupled with the power end 108. Said hydraulic system 274 may be formed when, for example, the plug 266 is plugged into the socket 270. In such a case, to control the hydraulic system 274, the operator station 128 may include one or more input devices, e.g., a second input device 136`` (see also FIG. 1). The second input device 136`` may differ from the first input device 136`.

In some embodiments, the sub-system may include a steering system 278 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5) configured to steer a corresponding implement (e.g., the compactor drum 140``) of the implement end 112` coupled with the power end 108. Said steering system 278 may be formed when, for example, a coupling of the first actuator 152 and the second actuator 156 respectively with the first attachment portion 212 and second attachment portion 216 is achieved and when the first joint assembly 180 slidably receives the first end 204 of the pin 196 and the second joint assembly 182 slidably receives the second end 208 of the pin 196. In other words, said steering system 278 may be formed when the hinged connection 228 between the power end 108 and the implement end 112 is formed. In such a case, to control the steering system 278, the operator station 128 may include one or more input devices, e.g., a third input device 136``` (see also FIG. 1), which may include a steering wheel, differing from both the first input device 136` and the second input device 136``.

In some embodiments, the work machine system 250 and/or the power end 108 may also include one or more support members, e.g., see support member 282 in FIG. 2. The support member 282 may be adapted to be applied either independently or in combination with the traction devices 132 to stabilize the power end 108 with respect to the ground surface 144, e.g., when the engagement assemblies 262 are being plugged in or are in process to be mated or engaged correspondingly with the complementary interfaces 258. The support member 282 may include one or more wheels, e.g., see a wheel 286, that may allow the power end 108 to be towed or moved independently of any implement end. Although not limited, the support member 282 may be retractable into a portion of the power end 108, or, in some cases, may be altogether removable from the power end 108, e.g., once a work machine, e.g., work machine 100, is fully formed.

It may be noted that a fully formed work machine (e.g., the work machine 100, 102) may include several other sub-systems, such as an electrical system, having its elements distributed across the power end 108 and the implement end 112. To ensure that a connection between such elements can be established (such as an electrical connection in the case of the electrical system, e.g., to route a ‘drive by wire’ connection across the power end 108 and the implement end 112 and/or to route a connection between a battery and a load) during the formation of the work machine 100, the work machine 100 may include one or more additional engagement assemblies 262 and correspondingly one or more additional complementary interfaces 258 which may be suitably engageable with said additional engagement assemblies 262. An engagement between the additional engagement assemblies 262 and the additional complementary interfaces 258 may establish the corresponding sub-system, e.g., the electrical system of the work machine 100. Those skilled in the art may contemplate such engagement assemblies 262 and such complementary interfaces 258 and a manner of their integration into the power end 108 and/or the implement end 112 based on the contents of the present disclosure.

Given that the power end 108 may be coupled or engaged to multiple implement ends, the power end 108 may be termed as multi-use power end 108`. The multi-use power end 108` is applicable in areas such as a dealerships, stockyards, service stations, etc., where space may be a constrain and/or where space needs to be utilized more efficiently. The relatively easy couplable / decouplable nature of the power end 108 with respect to the different implement ends 254 lends modularity to the power end 108 as it allows one power end, e.g., the power end 108, to be easily used with multiple implement ends of the pool of different implement ends 254. Such modularity is particularly useful in cases where different work machines, as may be formed according to description above, may possess similar machine specifications and/or footprint.

Moreover, the modularity allows facilities, such as rental facilities and/or dealerships to stock relatively less full sized machines. This would allow the facilities to utilize their machine fleet more efficiently. In particular, the work machine system 250 assists with holding and/or delivering more machines per unit inventory area. This is because the power end 108 and the different implement ends 254 utilize relatively lesser floor space for inventory than, for example, work machines that are brought in as completely built units. The work machine system 250 is also particularly useful where one machine type is preferred over another machine type.

Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure, especially in the context of the following claims, are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as examples only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.