Abstract: A drive arrangement for a four wheel drive vehicle is equipped with a planetary gear set for driving the front wheels which can operate in either direct drive or with a speed increase and which is shifted according to the steering angle .beta. sensed at the front pair of wheels. To avoid an excessively high jump in speed during the transition from direct drive to the increased speed mode, the planetary gearset is gradually shifted, i.e., the planetary gear clutch and/or brake are allowed to slip in proportion to the steering angle .beta..

Abstract: A procedure for shifting a transmission composed of several gear units in which a number of synchronizer linkages are provided, is so designated that during a gear ratio change in the last gear unit, that is in that unit to which the speed of all preceding gear units must be brought, all shift linkages are initially released. Following this, the shift linkages are re-established beginning with the last gear unit. By this means unnecessary rotating inertias are decoupled, and the shift linkages, and particularly any synchronizing devices, can be reduced in size.

Abstract: A connecting and coupling arrangement for frontal attachment to a tractor includes at least one lower link, an actuating means, an angle lever, an optional upper link and a lift strut for connection to an item of equipment. Connected to the working vehicle is a frame which can slidably carry an ancillary frame which can be connected to an item of equipment or to a weight. In addition, the frame and the ancillary frame may be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal center plane of the tractor to increase the stability thereof.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted apparatus is disclosed for supporting ballast weights on the front or rear of the tractor and for elevating the weights relative to the ground. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped channels fastened to frame members of the tractor in an upright position. The channels are aligned with their open faces opposite to one another such that the ballast weights can be received therebetween. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are each secured at one end to one of the U-shaped channels and each has an outwardly extending piston rod detachably coupled at its lower end to the ballast weights. The piston rods are moved into and out of the hydraulic cylinders by a control mechanism thereby permitting the ballast weights to be raised and lowered in a substantially vertical fashion. The apparatus also includes means for permanently locking the ballast weights to the U-shaped channels while the ends of the piston rods are connected to the lower links of an attached implement.