Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with an articulated mobile machine. The hitch assembly may have a yoke portion, a tube portion, a driveshaft, and a hitch carrier to rotationally support the driveshaft inside the tube portion and having a plurality of first holes. The hitch assembly may further have a plurality of fasteners to connect the hitch carrier to the tube portion via the plurality of first holes, and a thrust collar to threadingly engage a periphery of the hitch carrier and having a plurality of second holes. The hitch assembly may additionally have a locking plate with at least one pin to engage at least one of the plurality of second holes, and a plurality of third holes to receive at least some of the plurality of fasteners. The number of the plurality of second holes is greater than the number of the plurality of first holes.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with an articulated mobile machine. The hitch assembly may have a yoke portion, a tube portion, a driveshaft, and a hitch carrier to rotationally support the driveshaft inside the tube portion and having a plurality of first holes. The hitch assembly may further have a plurality of fasteners to connect the hitch carrier to the tube portion via the plurality of first holes, and a thrust collar to threadingly engage a periphery of the hitch carrier and having a plurality of second holes. The hitch assembly may additionally have a locking plate with at least one pin to engage at least one of the plurality of second holes, and a plurality of third holes to receive at least some of the plurality of fasteners. The number of the plurality of second holes is greater than the number of the plurality of first holes.

Abstract: A bolt-together hitch for a machine having articulatable first and second sections, including a generally annular yoke member of cast steel having a cylindrical portion which is trunnion mounted by bearings in a longitudinal bore formed by the first section and a tube member of forged steel bolted end to end to the yoke member, the yoke member integrally forming brackets to provide an articulated pivot joint with the second section.

Abstract: A suspension system is provided for a load carrying body of a load carrying machine. The suspension system includes a longitudinal frame, first and second axle assemblies, first and second suspension members, first and second balance beams, a first pair of flexible members, and a second pair of flexible members. The first pair of flexible members, and the second pair of flexible members are connected in the system at a predetermined location at which shear is reduced and service life is increased.