Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for use in connecting an axle or other drive shaft to a wheel hub for use in a snow thrower or other vehicle, or in other applications where a driven wheel is engaged to a drive shaft. A slider member is mounted on and driven by the axle, and cooperating engagement structures located on the slider and the inner surface of the wheel hub are used to engage and disengage the wheel hub from the axle depending on the location of the slider member. A bearing ring or similar structure may be used to facilitate the engagement of the cooperating engagement structures.

Abstract: A multi-row rolling element bearing assembly is provided for use in applications, such as differentials. The rolling element bearing assembly includes an inner race defining at least two inner raceways, an outer race defining at least two outer raceways, and a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the inner and outer raceways formed in at least two rows. The bearing assembly includes a novel lubrication system which reduces the maximum temperature attained by the bearing during operation of the bearing and the time spent at that maximum temperature. The lubrication system includes a forced lubrication port connectable to a forced lubrication system, a secondary lubrication port extending from one of said outer surfaces to said radial inner surface, and a tertiary lubrication port. The forced lubrication system delivers lubricant to the bearing through the forced lubrication port. The bearing is partially submerged in lubricant when installed in an application.

Abstract: A multi-row rolling element bearing assembly is provided for use in applications, such as differentials. The rolling element bearing assembly includes an inner race defining at least two inner raceways, an outer race defining at least two outer raceways, and a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the inner and outer raceways formed in at least two rows. The bearing assembly includes a novel lubrication system which reduces the maximum temperature attained by the bearing during operation of the bearing and the time spent at that maximum temperature. The lubrication system includes a forced lubrication port connectable to a forced lubrication system, a secondary lubrication port extending from one of said outer surfaces to said radial inner surface, and a tertiary lubrication port. The forced lubrication system delivers lubricant to the bearing through the forced lubrication port. The bearing is partially submerged in lubricant when installed in an application.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a work machine is disclosed. The differential assembly includes a differential enclosure having a side wall and a shaft extending from the side wall. The differential assembly also includes a drive gear having a gear bore defined therein. The drive gear is positioned relative to the shaft such that the shaft extends into the gear bore. The differential assembly further includes a gear shaft extending from the drive gear. The gear shaft has a differential axle cavity defined therein. The differential assembly also includes a differential axle positioned within the differential axle cavity. The differential assembly further includes a forward bearing assembly positioned within the gear bore such that the forward bearing assembly is interposed between a wall segment of the gear bore and the shaft, whereby the drive gear is capable of rotating relative to the differential enclosure.