Abstract: Wheel and axle assembly for small vehicles such as riding lawnmowers including a frame and an engine and transmission mounted upon the frame, the assembly comprising an axle having opposite first and second ends mounted upon the frame for rotation and drivingly connected to the output of the transmission. First and second wheels are provided for mounting, respectively, on the first and second axle ends. The first wheel is rigidly connected to the first axle end for rotation therewith such as by pinning or by key. A torque-limited driving connection is provided between the second wheel and the second axle end, the torque-limited driving connection permitting relative rotation between the second wheel and axle when a predetermined torque level is exceeded. This torque-limited device may include a frictional drive connection between the second wheel and the axle.

Abstract: Wheel and axle assembly for a small vehicle such as a riding lawnmower which includes a frame and an engine mounted upon the frame, the assembly comprising an axle having opposite first and second ends journalled mounted upon the frame for rotation and drivingly connected to the output of the engine conventionally through a transmission. First and second wheels are provided for mounting, respectively, on the first and second axle ends. The first wheel is rigidly connected to the first axle end for rotation with the axle such as by pinning or by a key. A torque-limited driving connection is provided between the second wheel and the second axle end, the torque-limited driving connection permitting relative rotation between the second wheel and axle when a predetermined torque level is exceeded. This torque-limited device may include a frictional drive connection between the second wheel and the axle.