Abstract: Load skidding vehicles commonly include a grapple assembly (42) which under load conditions can pivot rearwardly about its support point (52) resulting in disproportionate loading of the rear wheels and consequently instability of the vehicle. A connecting member (62) is pivotally attached between the grapple (42) and a hydraulic cylinder (74) which is attached to the skidder (2). Operation of the hydraulic cylinder (74) causes the grapple (42) to rotate about its support pivot (52). The hydraulic cylinder (74) may be locked causing the grapple (42) to be locked in relation to the boom assembly (26). During load hauling operations this mechanism is used to lock the load in a position near the vehicle resulting in increased stability. The mechanism is also of use in positioning the grapple assembly (42) with respect to the load prior to grasping it.

Abstract: A track assembly (11,11a) for a track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of wide low ground pressure track shoes (16) pivotally interconnected by a link assembly (17), disposed intermediate the widths of the track shoes (16). At least one chain (20) further interconnects the track shoes (16) and is disposed on an outboard end thereof. The chain (20) resists torsional loads imposed on the track assembly (11) which would otherwise cause damage to component parts thereof.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus (32) releasably joins the ends of an endless track (12) of a track-type vehicle (10). The coupling apparatus (32) has first and second coupling assemblies (31,33) with each assembly having a pair of coupling members (34,36,40,42) which are pivotally joined by a pin (38,44). Each coupling assembly (31,33) is offset laterally from the links (14) of the endless track (12), and threaded fasteners (46) secure the coupling assemblies (31,33) to shoes (20) of the endless track (12). Conventional endless track assemblies include a plurality of links, bushings, pins, and shoes, and the track is releasably joined by a master link or joint, which is also used to separate the endless track. Master links are structurally weaker than regular links, and use of such master links can result in unexpected and accelerated wear of the track.

Abstract: A load skidding vehicle (10) utilizing a grapple assembly (28) for grasping loads. The grapple assembly (28) is pivotally connected to a boom (24) which extends rearwardly from and is connected to a chassis (12). The grapple assembly (28) is pivotable relative to the boom (24) by a hydraulic cylinder (36) connected to the grapple assembly (28) and chassis (12). Displacement of the hydraulic cylinder (36) provides pivoting of the grapple assembly (28) to an optimum load skidding position. Means (66,68,70,72,78,62',68') are provided for maintaining the optimum skidding position for the grapple assembly (28) with a biasing force during skidding by permitting the grapple assembly (28) to pivot away from the initial skidding position when a predetermined skidding force is encountered. When the skidding force falls below the biasing force magnitude, the grapple assembly (28) is again pivoted toward the initially set skidding position.

Abstract: A drive assembly (20) has a planetary gear assembly (27), driven member (22), and first housing element (28). The assembly (20) is, for example, part of a final drive (12) of a work vehicle (10) or pulley drive for a material handling system. A first bearing element (30) supports the driven member (22) in rotatable relationship relative to the housing element (28). A second bearing element (32) supports the housing element (28) in rotatable relationship relative to the gear assembly (27). On the vehicle (10), gear reduction taken inside of a tandem housing (14) has heretofore resulted in an overturning reaction force on the housing (14) which creates unequal wheel loads.

Abstract: A continuous track assembly (12) has a frame (16) and first and second elements (18,20) pivotally connected to the frame (16). Each element (18,20) has a rotatable wheel (22,24) about which a track (30) is positioned. Either wheel (22,24) can be rotated when desired by power and driving apparatus (36,44) in an associated vehicle (10) to drive the track (30). Tension in the track (30) is maintained at a preselected level by apparatus (50) which moves the first and second elements (18,20) relative to one another to position the wheels (22,24) against the track (30). The wheels (22,24) are freely pivotally movable to enable the track assembly (12) to readily adapt to its environment and maximize tractive effort. Maintaining desired track tension substantially overcomes problems associated with a track which is too loose or tight which can result in slipping or damage to the track assembly (12).

Abstract: A log skidder including a vehicle having a frame with front and rear ends, ground engaging devices on the frame so that the vehicle may traverse the underlying terrain, an elongated boom on the frame and mounted thereto for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis between an upright position at least adjacent the rear end and a lower position intermediate the ends, a log engaging device, a lever mounting at one end the log engaging device and horizontally pivoted at a location remote from the lever one end to the boom at a location spaced from the horizontal axis, the lever one end extending rearwardly with relation to the frame, a motor on the frame for moving the boom between the positions thereof, and a linkage for maintaining the lever one end directed generally rearwardly for all positions of the boom on the frame.

Abstract: A track assembly (11) for a track-type vehicle (10) includes a pair of link assemblies (17,18) having inboard links (20,24) thereof solely engageable with the idler (13) and track rollers (14) of the vehicle (10). When the vehicle (10) traverses wet or swampy ground, wherein it proves desirable to utilize relatively wide track shoes (16), torsional loads imposed on the shoes can cause premature wear or damage to the shoes (16). The track assembly (11) exhibits a high resistance to such torsional loads imposed thereon and adapts itself for use in lieu of a standard track assembly on a conventional track-type vehicle. A method for prolonging the service life of the track assembly comprises interchanging the two link assemblies (17,18).

Abstract: A track assembly for crawler-type vehicles including a pair of spaced endless belts formed of flexible material and disposed in a generally parallel relation, a plurality of shoe-mounting cross bars extending through each of the belts to project from both sides thereof, the cross bars in one belt being aligned with the cross bars in the other belt, a plurality of elongated shoes spanning the belts and secured to corresponding aligned ones of the cross bars and disposed on the outer sides of the belts, a plurality of inwardly directed, sprocket engaging, nose-shaped lugs disposed in the space between the belts and extending inwardly of the inner sides thereof and secured to adjacent ends of aligned ones of the cross bars, and a plurality of inwardly directed, lateral guides on the inner sides of the belt extending inwardly of the inner sides thereof and secured to remote ends of aligned ones of the cross bars.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided for a vehicle (10) which has a frame (12) and a plurality of ground engaging wheels (18,20,22,24). The suspension system (26) includes apparatus (26) for connecting the wheels (18,20,22,24) to the frame (12) and maintaining the frame (12) at a preselected elevation. The frame (12) moves elevationally less than one-half the height of an obstacle during movement of one of the wheels (18,20,22,24) over the obstacle.

Abstract: A continuous track assembly (12) has a frame (16) and a first element (18) pivotally connected to the frame (16). A second element (20) is pivotally connected to the first element (18). Each element (18,20) has a rotatable wheel (22,24) about both of which a track (30) is positioned. The wheel (22) of the first element (18) is rotated by power and driving apparatus (36,44) in an associated work vehicle (10) to drive the track (30). Tension in the track (30) is maintained at a preselected level by apparatus (50) which moves the second element (20) relative to the first element (18) to position the wheels (22,24) against the track (30). The wheels (22,24) are freely pivotally movable as a unit to enable the track assembly (12) to readily adapt to its environment and maximize tractive effort. Maintaining the desired track tension substantially overcomes problems associated with a track which is too loose or tight which can result in slipping or damage to the track assembly (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tandem wheel arrangement for construction vehicles, such as a motor grader. Most particularly the invention relates to such an arrangement wherein both the forward and rearward wheels of the tandem wheel arrangement are mounted to levers and the levers are mounted to the vehicle frame. For example, when one of the roadwheels becomes elevated relative to the other when such roadwheel runs over a rock, a fluid circuit including cylinders interconnected between the vehicle frame and the levers, functions to change the lever relationship between the ascending and descending roadwheels such that the resistance to upward motion of the ascending wheel is reduced, a lowering force is imposed on the descending wheel to increase tractive effort thereof and the upward movement of the frame is reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle is constructed with a bulldozer blade and a pair of articulated push arms which may be folded or unfolded by operation of independently extendible hydraulic jacks to extend or retract the blade relative to the vehicle. The push arms have short and a long component which are pivotally interconnected with the short component being pivotally connected to the vehicle and the long component being pivotally connected to the blade. A mechanical stop prevents movement beyond a fully retracted position. Extendible jacks are also utilized to control the elevation, tilt and pitch of the blade and a stabilizing link is provided to resist lateral movement of the blade relative to the vehicle under load.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension stabilizing system having a frame, a wheel assembly having a wheel rotatable about an axis, the wheel assembly being pivotally connected to the frame offset of the axis, a brake assembly associated with the wheel assembly, the brake assembly being of a construction for braking the wheel in an engaged position, and a coupling connected between the frame and the wheel assembly for inhibiting oscillatory movement of the wheel assembly relative to the frame in response to movement of the brake assembly toward the engaged position.

Abstract: A tensioning and recoil apparatus for the idler wheel and track of a crawler-type vehicle, such apparatus including a recoil spring and a hydraulic cylinder interposed between the spring and idler wheel. Hydraulic fluid is added to or released from the cylinder, as needed, to maintain a predetermined pressure level in the cylinder and a constant tension in the track trained around the idler and to provide a fluid damping of peak loads on the idler wheel and track during forward drive. Fluid is trapped in the cylinder when in reverse drive so that the cylinder then functions as a solid link between the recoil spring and idler wheel.

Abstract: A separator for aggregate including an upwardly opening bin having converging sides at its lowermost extremity, an endless, cleated belt adjacent the lower extremity and defining, together with at least one of the sides, a first discharge opening, a motor for driving the belt longitudinally of the first discharge opening and a second discharge opening at an end of the bin adjacent the belt. The bin receives aggregate of mixed size and the smaller rocks pass through the first discharge opening while the larger rocks pass through the second discharge opening. Movement of the belt agitates material received in the bin and conveys the larger rocks to the second discharge opening.

Abstract: An endless track for a tractor or the like comprises a pair of laterally spaced link assemblies attached to a plurality of track shoes. In a first embodiment of this invention, a single stiffener extends laterally across each track shoe and is releasably attached to a pair of laterally spaced links of the link assemblies and to one of the track shoes by common bolts. In a second embodiment, a pair of stiffeners are each releasably secured to one of the links and to the track shoe.

Abstract: A loader vehicle includes a forwardly disposed bucket made up of a pair of jaws, with linkage means associated therewith so that, with the jaws in their open state such jaws are initially moved forwardly of the vehicle, and then subsequently the jaws are guided by such linkage means into a closing action.

Abstract: A work vehicle has a blade assembly formed of upper, middle, and lower generally horizontally extending blade portions that are controllably, pivotally movable for varying the general curvature of the working surface of the blade assembly.