Compact utility loader

Abstract

A compact utility loader compact utility loader comprising a frame including a lower portion and an upper portion. A width of the lower portion is smaller than a width of the upper portion. The compact utility loader additionally comprises a first track and a second track, with each track being positioned on a side of the frame. Each of the tracks has a width of at least 7.5 inches, and the compact utility loader has an overall width of no more than 36 inches.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compact utility loader comprising:
 a frame including a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein a width of the lower portion is less than a width of the upper portion;   a first track and a second track configured to support the loader on the ground,   wherein each of the tracks has a width of at least 7.5 inches,   wherein the compact utility loader has an overall width of no more than 36 inches,   a pair of rotatable sprockets, wherein each of the sprockets is configured to actuate one of the tracks,   a pair of hydraulic motors each being configured to rotate one of the sprockets, wherein each motor is connected to one side of the frame and at least partially extends outward from the lower portion of the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a pair of motor housings on either side of the frame, and wherein each hydraulic motor is at least partially enclosed within one of the motor housings. 
     
     
         3 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein the frame presents an interior compartment, wherein said compact utility loader additionally comprises a hydraulic pump positioned within the interior compartment, and wherein the hydraulic pump is positioned between the hydraulic motors. 
     
     
         4 . The compact utility loader of  claim 3 , wherein said compact utility loader additionally comprises an engine positioned within the interior compartment rearward of the hydraulic pump. 
     
     
         5 . The compact utility loader of  claim 4 , wherein said compact utility loader additionally comprises a flywheel positioned within the interior compartment, and wherein the flywheel is connected to a forward end of the engine. 
     
     
         6 . The compact utility loader of  claim 5 , wherein the hydraulic pump is connected to a forward end of the flywheel, such that the flywheel is positioned between the hydraulic pump and the engine. 
     
     
         7 . The compact utility loader of  claim 4 , wherein the engine is a diesel engine and includes one or more turbos, wherein the engine is rated at less than 30 horsepower, and wherein the engine is configured to propel said compact utility loader to a ground speed of at least 4.8 miles per hour. 
     
     
         8 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein a cross section of the frame has a T-shape. 
     
     
         9 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein a ratio of the width of the lower portion of the frame to the width of the upper portion of the frame is between 3:5 and 4:5. 
     
     
         10 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of track frames extending from either side of the lower portion of the frame, wherein the track frames are welded to the lower portion of the frame, and wherein the tracks are supported on the track frames. 
     
     
         11 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein the tracks extend at least partially underneath the upper portion of said frame. 
     
     
         12 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein said compact utility loader weighs between 3000 and 3400 pounds, and wherein the tracks are configured to exert a pressure of no more than 4.2 psi onto the ground. 
     
     
         13 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein the sprockets each have a conical shape, with a diameter of each sprocket becoming larger as the sprocket extends from outboard to inboard. 
     
     
         14 . The compact utility loader of  claim 13 , wherein the sprockets engage with their respective tracks at an inboard-most portion of the sprockets. 
     
     
         15 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one stop element configured to extend from the frame into selective engagement with one of the sprockets to inhibit rotation of the sprocket. 
     
     
         16 . The compact utility loader of  claim 15 , wherein the stop element functions as a brake to prevents actuation of the tracks and movement of said compact utility loader. 
     
     
         17 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , wherein a center of gravity of said compact utility loader is positioned rearward of a midpoint of a length of said compact utility loader. 
     
     
         18 . The compact utility loader of  claim 15 , wherein a first distance is present between a front of said compact utility loader and the center of gravity and a second distance is present between a rear of the compact utility loader and the center of gravity, wherein a ratio of the first distance with respect to the second distance is between 60:40 to 70:30. 
     
     
         19 . The compact utility loader of  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of loader arms configured to raise and lower an attachment. 
     
     
         20 . The compact utility loader of  claim 19 , wherein the loader arms are configured in a vertical-lift configuration.