 | |
| Illustration 1 | g02170277 |
(1) Blade cushion accumulators (2) Solenoid operated valves | |
 | |
| Illustration 2 | g02170254 |
(3) Blade cushion switch | |
The blade cushion dampens the shocks that are made in the blade lift hydraulic circuit when the blade contacts an object that will not move. Blade cushion accumulators (1) have a nitrogen precharge pressure that provides the cushion.
The blade cushion is activated by blade cushion switch (3) on the right side of the operator on the shift console. Blade cushion switch (3) energizes the solenoids which control the check valves for the blade cushion. A manifold is located at the base of blade cushion accumulators (1). Each manifold contains an oil passage to the corresponding blade cushion accumulator (1). Solenoid operated valves (2) are mounted to the manifolds. Solenoid operated valves (2) regulate the flow of oil to blade cushion accumulators (1) .
Blade Cushion that is Deactivated
 | |
| Illustration 3 | g01401305 |
Blade cushion that is deactivated (1) Blade cushion accumulator (2) Solenoid operated valve (AA) Hydraulic line to implement control valve | |
With blade cushion switch (3) in the OFF position, the solenoids are de-energized. Oil pressure from the lift cylinders cannot pass through the manifolds in order to enter blade cushion accumulators (1). In this position, the cartridge assemblies in the manifolds contain one-way check valves. The one-way check valves allow cushion accumulator oil into the head of the blade lift cylinders. The one-way check valves prevent oil from flowing back into blade cushion accumulators (1) .
Blade Cushion that is Activated
 | |
| Illustration 4 | g01401306 |
Blade cushion that is activated (1) Blade cushion accumulator (2) Solenoid operated valve (AA) Hydraulic line to implement control valve | |
With blade cushion switch (3) in the ON position, the solenoids are energized. The cartridge assemblies shift in the manifolds. There is now an open passage from the hydraulic circuit to blade cushion accumulators (1) .
When a shock occurs, oil pressure flows through the lines and the manifolds into blade cushion accumulators (1). Accumulators (1) cushion the force of the pressure oil in the hydraulic circuit. Once the shock has passed, pressure oil from blade cushion accumulators (1) re-enters the hydraulic circuit. Oil flows back into the head end of the blade lift cylinders. The oil allows the blade to return to the original position.