Abstract: In an electric grass cutting machine relating to the present invention, an electric motor for driving a traveling device having a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right rear wheels and a gear transmission for speed-changing output from the electric motor and transmitting the resultant power to the traveling device are disposed between the left and right rear wheels and arranged one after the other in the front/rear direction at positions laterally of a conveying duct for guiding cut grass pieces from a rear discharge type mower device to a grass collecting container supported to a rear portion of a machine body frame.

Abstract: A drive unit is disclosed. The drive unit includes a first drive source, a first torque converter, a second drive source, a second torque converter, and a transmission. A torque is inputted from the first drive source to the first torque converter. The first torque converter includes a first turbine. A torque is inputted from the second drive source to the second torque converter. The second torque converter includes a second turbine. The second turbine is coupled to the first turbine. The transmission is disposed between a drive wheel and both the first and second torque converters.

Abstract: A line of vehicle transmissions is provided. The vehicle line includes a first multi-stage gear train assembly with at least two stages, a second multi-stage gear train assembly with at least three stages, and a housing including a first section removably attached to a second section. The second housing section is configured to receive the first and second multi-stage gear train assemblies in different product arrangements.

Abstract: A reduction drive assembly includes a housing and a flange. Outer surfaces of the spindle and the flange form at least one fillet corner. A motor output shaft extends through an aperture of the spindle. The reduction drive assembly includes a planetary gear assembly that includes a sun gear driven by the motor output shaft and gears. The reduction drive assembly includes a fixed ring gear that is meshed with a second stage gear of each of the planet gears, an output hub, a rotating ring gear coupled to the output hub and meshed with a first stage gear of each of the planet gears, a set of bearings positioned radially between the spindle and the output hub and axially between the fixed ring gear and the flange of the housing, and a spacer ring positioned between the set of bearings and adjacent the at least one fillet corner.

Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle housing, an axle shaft, a plurality of axle shaft bearings and a seal. The axle housing has a tubular member and an end flange that is coupled to the tubular member. The axle shaft bearings and the seal are received in the end flange and are engaged to the axle shaft. The axle shaft bearings support the axle shaft for rotation relative to the axle housing. The seal is sealingly engaged to the end flange and the axle shaft. A method for assembling an axle assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A ride-on vehicle, such as for a child, includes a vehicle body and one or more wheels that support the vehicle body relative to a surface. At least one of the wheels includes a hub motor arrangement that provides a drive torque for propelling the vehicle. The hub motor arrangement includes a housing defining an interior space. An axle or other mounting element(s) define an axis of rotation of the housing. Preferably, the axle or other mounting element(s) do not pass completely through the housing. A motor drives the housing through a transmission. Preferably, the motor is a standard, compact motor that is positioned on the axis of rotation and can be laterally offset from a central plane of the housing. In some embodiments, a traction element is carried directly by the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor disposed so as to be offset to one side with respect to a center of the vehicle in a front-to-rear direction and a frame member for supporting the motor via at least two supporting devices. A first fixing portion which is situated relatively closer to the one side is formed in a higher position in a vertical direction than a second fixing portion which is situated closer to the other side. An electric wire fixing portion of the motor is formed in a position below an imaginary straight line which passes through a center of the first fixing portion and a center of the second fixing portion, in a side view of the motor.

Abstract: A universal chassis apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes a battery and/or fuel storage compartment in a rigid backbone structure. In another aspect, a vehicle chassis that incorporates the engine structure, transaxle structure and a backbone structure provided as a unitary structure onto which other components of a vehicle, such as suspension, steering, body and crash absorbers may be attached. The backbone structure is a closed tubular structure in which a relatively rigid drive shaft can be supported for rotational power delivery between the engine and the transaxle.

Abstract: A gearbox for a model car, comprising: a housing; an input gear; an output gear; and at least one intermediate gear. The housing provides a support for each of the input gear, the output gear and each intermediate gear; and in which the gearbox has: a first operating configuration where the input gear, the output gear and at least one intermediate gear are supported by the supports and mesh to form a gear train from input gear to output gear through each intermediate gear supported by the supports; and a second operating configuration where the input gear and the output gear are supported on the supports but fewer intermediate gears are supported by the supports, such that the input gear, the output gear and any intermediate gears supported by the supports mesh to form a gear train from input gear to output gear through any remaining intermediate gears.

Abstract: A gearbox for a model car, comprising: a housing; an input gear; an output gear; and at least one intermediate gear. The housing provides a support for each of the input gear, the output gear and each intermediate gear; and in which the gearbox has: a first operating configuration where the input gear, the output gear and at least one intermediate gear are supported by the supports and mesh to form a gear train from input gear to output gear through each intermediate gear supported by the supports; and a second operating configuration where the input gear and the output gear are supported on the supports but fewer intermediate gears are supported by the supports, such that the input gear, the output gear and any intermediate gears supported by the supports mesh to form a gear train from input gear to output gear through any remaining intermediate gears.

Abstract: A support of an axle transmission in the rear region of a passenger vehicle on a rear axle carrier and on the floor panel structure of the vehicle body in a further connecting point with the interposition of elastic supports is provided. On the output side, the transmission is supported on the sole transverse member of the rear axle carrier, which includes two longitudinal members, and on the input side the transmission is fixed to the floor panel structure via a serial connection of two elastic supports with a mass body arranged therebetween. The transmission may be fixed to two connecting points on the floor panel structure, the connecting points lying next to each other substantially in the transverse direction. Two such serial connections of elastic supports may be provided with a common mass body with a weight ranging from 3 to 7 kilograms.

Abstract: The motorcycle comprises an engine with a gearbox, a gear group and a drive wheel. A secondary transmission chain placed between the engine and said gear group, whereas a tertiary transmission chain is placed between the gear group and the drive wheel. The secondary transmission chain is placed at one side of the motorcycle and the tertiary transmission chain is placed at an opposite side of the motorcycle with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. This arrangement is resulted in the motorcycle body having substantially narrower width compared to the width of the prior art motorcycles.

Abstract: A work vehicle having drive wheels includes: an engine having an output shaft oriented in a transverse direction of a vehicle body; a transmission having an input shaft oriented in the transverse direction, which includes a transmission case arranged next to the engine in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a CVT which extends between a lateral side of the engine and a lateral side of the transmission case and is configured to transmit a driving force from the output shaft to the input shaft. A connecting plate is configured to connect an upper part of the engine and an upper part of the transmission case and has a cover part. An electric component is disposed in a space defined by the engine, the transmission case and the connecting plate and is covered by the cover part from above.

Abstract: A tie rod supporting part is provided in an area ?2 between a lateral line passing an inner side of a wheel and a king pin axis in a front view of the vehicle in a non-steering state. More specifically, the tie rod supporting part is arranged on the central side of the vehicle off the side of the wheel. The tie rod supporting part never interferes with the wheel and can be arranged near the central center of the wheel. As a result, a dimension in the height of the tie rod supporting part extending from the knuckle can be reduced and the knuckle can be miniaturized and lightened.

Abstract: An oil-pressure output device (electric pump unit) is arranged on an outer wall face of an automatic transmission which is positioned on an opposite side to an engine (left side of a vehicle). An arrangement position of the oil-pressure output device is out of a movable range of one of the steered driving wheels which is located on the opposite side to the engine (left front wheel). Accordingly, a simpler layout change between a case of attaching the oil-pressure output device to the automatic transmission and another case of not attaching the one can be provided, so that commonality of components or layout of the automatic transmission and its surrounding devices and structures can be provided.

Abstract: A vehicle having a main transmission and a front-axle transmission, the connection of which to the main transmission is effected by a connecting shaft of rigid design, a main axis of the connecting shaft and the center line of the main transmission being positioned in such a way relative to one another that there is a lateral offset angle, a longitudinal offset angle and a rotation angle between the main axis of the connecting shaft and the center line of the main transmission.

Abstract: A transmission device (1) for a vehicle with a variator (3), a planetary gear unit (4) and a gearshift transmission unit (9). The variator (3) has a length which is greater than a width and a depth of the variator (3). When the variator (3) is installed in position in the vehicle, the length of the variator (3) is orientated at least approximately diagonally to the length of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission which has a plurality of coupling elements selectively released and engaged to perform shifting actions, the control apparatus including a shift control portion configured to control at least one specially controlled coupling element which is included in the coupling elements provided to perform the shifting actions of the automatic transmission and which is placed in a fully released state prior and subsequent to the shifting action performed according to a presently generated shifting command, the shift control portion controlling each specially controlled coupling element so as to enable the specially controlled coupling element to have a torque capacity during the shifting action performed according to the presently generated shifting command.

Abstract: An acceleration control system stores a target acceleration calculation equation acquired by transforming an equation that expresses that a product of the differentiation of the square power of the speed and the environmental factor ?env represents a sensed value ? of acceleration. A surrounding environment monitor device detects surrounding bodies present in the forward periphery of the vehicle, and an environmental factor calculation unit calculates the environmental factor ?env by using the detected positions of the surrounding bodies. A target acceleration setting unit successively sets target accelerations aref in compliance with the target acceleration calculation equation by using the environmental factor ?env. The acceleration is executed to match the driver's feeling.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body, and a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and transversely mounted on the vehicle body, including, an input shaft, an output shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a reverse shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, a reverse movement gear mechanism and a transmission case, wherein the first and second gear mechanisms are arranged relatively close to the engine, the third gear mechanism is arranged more remote from the engine than the second gear mechanism, the transmission case includes a back wall portion having a first back wall portion, a second back wall portion and a third back wall portion, thereby forming a cut-out portion at an upper portion of the back wall portion.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a frame, a circle gear mounted to the frame to rotate relative thereto, a moldboard coupled to the circle gear to rotate therewith, and a circle drive gearbox comprising gearing, a first worm, and a second worm, the gearing meshing with the circle gear, the first and second worms meshing with the gearing.

Abstract: The motorcycle comprises an engine with a gearbox, a gear group and a drive wheel. A secondary transmission chain placed between the engine and said gear group, whereas a tertiary transmission chain is placed between the gear group and the drive wheel. The secondary transmission chain is placed at one side of the motorcycle and the tertiary transmission chain is placed at an opposite side of the motorcycle with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. This arrangement is resulted in the motorcycle body having substantially narrower width compared to the width of the prior art motorcycles.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatbly mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) driving connected to the single axle (20L).

Abstract: A warning system for notifying another person when a child is left in a child safety seat. The system recognizes a child in a child safety seat by either a pressure pad or a secured child seat lap belt. The system is activated by the release of the driver's seat belt. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's seat belt is disengaged, the system alarms notifying the driver of such. The alarm would include a calm audio output such as a lullaby, a song, or a story. The system can be integrated into the OEM features to provide an alert escalation process using a local alert, a vehicle alert, a wireless alert and ultimately a 911 alert.

Abstract: A drive chain adjustment mechanism for simplifying the tension adjustment work of a drive chain of an all terrain vehicle. The drive chain is wound around a driven sprocket connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle. The mechanism includes a case to which the driven sprocket is coupled; a cam which moves the case in a fore and aft direction with respect to a vehicle body frame; and a bolt which is located rearward of a shaft portion of the driven sprocket, and which attaches the cam and the case to the vehicle body frame. When the case is moved in the fore and aft direction of a vehicle body, the tension of the drive chain is adjusted.

Abstract: A tie rod supporting part is provided in an area ?2 between a lateral line passing an inner side of a wheel and a king pin axis in a front view of the vehicle in a non-steering state. More specifically, the tie rod supporting part is arranged on the central side of the vehicle off the side of the wheel. The tie rod supporting part never interferes with the wheel and can be arranged near the central center of the wheel. As a result, a dimension in the height of the tie rod supporting part extending from the knuckle can be reduced and the knuckle can be miniaturized and lightened.

Abstract: A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front upper cover, a meter unit and a cover. The vehicle body frame supports the front wheels and the rear wheels. The first roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in a transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively. The second roof supports are provided at the lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in the transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively. The right roof member connects an upper portion of the right first roof support and an upper portion of the right second roof support, whereas the left roof member connects an upper portion of the left first roof support and an upper portion of the left second roof support.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and adapted to be transversely mounted on the vehicle body, includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, and a transmission case, wherein the first and second gear mechanisms are arranged relatively close to the engine, the third gear mechanism is arranged more remote from the engine than the second gear mechanism, the first counter shaft is arranged above the input shaft and the second counter shaft, and the transmission case forms a cut-out portion at an upper portion of a back wall portion of the transmission case.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission including a pump and motor connected by supply and return lines. The hydrostatic transmission can be an integrated unit mountable to a vehicle frame as a unit. The motor portion of the transmission is configured to be at least partially received within a wheel to which an output shaft of the motor can be directed connected. Accordingly, the output shaft of the motor can be configured to function as a wheel axle.

Abstract: A carrier assembly has a unique architecture which allows the carrier assembly to be defined by a very small packaging envelope. The carrier includes a main carrier housing with an internal cavity for receiving a differential and a carrier cover that closes the internal cavity once the differential has been installed. Examples of architectural features include a differential lock actuator that is mounted to the carrier cover, dowel pins that accommodate differential leg thrust loads and align the carrier cover relative to the main carrier housing, and bolt-in differential leg structures to facilitate pinion installation. Further, the carrier assembly can be utilized with an independent suspension to provide a increased jounce travel range.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body in front-rear direction of the vehicle, a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and adapted to be transversely mounted on a vehicle body, includes an input shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, and a transmission case, wherein the first and third gear mechanisms are arranged close to the engine, the second gear mechanism is arranged more distant from the engine, the second counter shaft is arranged above the input and the first counter shaft, and the transmission case forms a cut-out portion at an upper portion of the back wall portion of the transmission case.

Abstract: An acceleration control system stores a target acceleration calculation equation acquired by transforming an equation that expresses that a product of the differentiation of the square power of the speed and the environmental factor ?env represents a sensed value ? of acceleration. A surrounding environment monitor device detects surrounding bodies present in the forward periphery of the vehicle, and an environmental factor calculation unit calculates the environmental factor ?env by using the detected positions of the surrounding bodies. A target acceleration setting unit successively sets target accelerations aref in compliance with the target acceleration calculation equation by using the environmental factor ?env. The acceleration is executed to match the driver's feeling.

Abstract: In a working vehicle in which a backhoe support frame for reinforcing is provided in a rear end portion of a vehicle body frame, and a transmission case is mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle body frame so as to be close to the backhoe support frame, each of support brackets provided in an outer side surface of a rear portion of each of main frames constructing the vehicle body frame so as to protrude outward is connected to a protruding end portion protruding to rightwardly and leftwardly relative to each of lower brace members in a reinforcing plate supporting a lower surface of the transmission case in a state in which a rear axle case protruding outward from the right and left side surfaces of the transmission case is sandwiched from upper and lower sides, in order to dissolve a risk that a load generated at a time of traveling in a backhoe installed state or at a time of an excavating work by the backhoe is propagated to the transmission case.

Abstract: An output shaft of a power unit having a driven gear for supplying a power of an internal combustion engine via a transmission mechanism and for outputting the power to an outside of a unit case. Borne members are connected respectively at each end of a cylindrical member of the output shaft. The borne members are rotatably supported by the unit case via a pair of bearings. The driven gear is fitted to one of the borne members in a position adjacent to one of the bearings. As a result, the output shaft of the power unit can be manufactured by a compact manufacturing apparatus, and the output shaft can be reduced in weight while maintaining the strength.

Abstract: A center section for a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises a driveshaft hoop, crossmember attachment areas extending generally from opposing sides thereof, and trailing arm mounts on either side of the driveshaft hoop for attachment of one or more trailing arms to the center section. The crossmember attachment areas have heights that allow attachment of crossmember portions to the center section at offset heights. A method of constructing a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises providing a center section having crossmember attachment areas of predetermined heights extending generally from opposite sides of a driveshaft hoop, and attaching crossmember portions within the crossmember attachment areas at heights that are offset from each other.

Abstract: A warning system for notifying another person when a child is left in a child safety seat. The system recognizes a child in a child safety seat by either a pressure pad or a secured child seat lap belt. The system is activated by the release of the driver's seat belt. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's seat belt is disengaged, the system alarms notifying the driver of such. The alarm would include a calm audio output such as a lullaby, a song, or a story. The system can be integrated into the OEM features to provide an alert escalation process using a local alert, a vehicle alert, a wireless alert and ultimately a 911 alert.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to change a layout structure of a hydraulic continuously variable transmission apparatus (HST) particularly constituting a hydromechanical continuously variable transmission apparatus (HMT) as a continuously variable transmission apparatus, thereby achieving a simplification of structures of a working vehicle and a traveling drive system, and an easiness of a maintenance. In a working vehicle provided with an HMT structured such as to combine an HST and a planetary gear mechanism as the traveling drive system so as to output and rotate a power of an engine while shifting gear, the HST is provided with a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor integrally in a front wall of a transmission case, and is arranged in an upper side of a transmission shaft transmitting the power to the transmission case from the engine.

Abstract: A suspension system structure is provided which permits a suspension arm to be disposed without being affected by a driven sprocket or a brake disc. A final drive case is supported on rear portions of left and right vehicle body subframes. A driven sprocket and a brake disc are coaxially disposed on the left and right of the final drive case. The driven sprocket and the brake disc are disposed on the inside of the vehicle body frame. An upper arm and a lower arm are disposed on the outside of the vehicle body frame. Support portions of the upper arm and the lower arm relative to the vehicle body frame are overlapped partly with the driven sprocket and the brake disc in a side view to provide a guard therefor.

Abstract: In a clutch manipulation assist device which includes a clutch assist actuator, the actuator is arranged at a position where it is possible to suppress the influence of heat from an engine on the actuator without requiring the heat insulation structure or the like. In a clutch manipulation assist device which includes a clutch mechanism 61 which is arranged in a power transmission path for transmitting a rotational driving force of an engine to a wheel, a clutch-manipulation mechanism in which a clutch manipulation force is inputted, and an actuator which generates a clutch assist force in response to a manipulation of the clutch manipulation mechanism, the actuator is arranged in front of the engine and outside a main frame.

Abstract: A drivetrain for a hybrid electric vehicle having a rear wheel drive configuration and a four wheel drive configuration is disclosed. Certain of the mounting flanges and input/output couplings are replicated between a transmission, a transfer case and an electric drive unit.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a transmission for transmitting power from a crankshaft to an output shaft through speed change, with the speed change in the transmission being performed by the driving of a speed change electric motor through a speed change drive mechanism, wherein power transmission control means for controlling the transmission of power from the crankshaft to the transmission is provided at one end of the crankshaft, and at least a part of the speed change electric motor and the speed change drive mechanism is disposed on the outside of the power transmission control means. This configuration of the internal combustion engine is reduced in size because of the layout of the speed change drive mechanism and the speed change electric motor.

Abstract: An axle driving unit includes an axle, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor having a motor shaft on which an output gear is provided to be drivingly connected to said axle, a center section having a pump mounting surface and a motor mounting surface onto which the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are mounted respectively so as to be fluidly connected with each other through the center section, a housing constituted by a first housing part and a second housing part joined to each other at a joint surface, a projection integrally formed on the center section so as to be fitted to the housing, thereby fixing a position of the center section relative to the housing, and a fastener fastening the center section to the first housing part. The pump mounting surface and said motor mounting surface may be disposed perpendicular to each other. Said pump mounting surface and said motor mounting surface are disposed perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises: a cargo; an engine disposed under the cargo, the engine including a fore-and-aft crankshaft; a lateral axle disposed under the cargo; a hydrostatic transmission (a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor) disposed under the cargo so as to transmit power from the engine to the axle; and a mechanical transmission (e.g., a planetary gear mechanism) disposed under the cargo so as to transmit power from the engine to the axle. The mechanical transmission includes a transmission shaft disposed in parallel to the axle. The hydrostatic transmission and the mechanical transmission are laterally juxtaposed. Therefore, the utility vehicle is minimized while ensuring a sufficiently large capacity of the cargo.

Abstract: A power unit in a saddle-ride type vehicle in which an arrangement space of an engine constituent part is ensured in an upper space of an engine body. In the power unit, an engine body having a crankshaft and a transmission casing accommodating therein a V-belt type transmission are joined. An oil reservoir portion is formed on a bottom of the engine body to project downward from a lower edge of the transmission casing, and a starter motor is arranged adjacent to a rear wall of the oil reservoir portion.

Abstract: An anti-deflection structure for a chassis of a remote-controlled car includes a board which is added below a central differential gear at a center of a chassis, to strengthen a rigid structure of the chassis. A center of the board is provided with a hollow part for emplacing a gear set of the central differential gear, and an exterior side of the hollow part is provided with a plurality of pivoting holes. The pivoting holes correspond to through-holes on the chassis for locking the central differential gear, thereby locking and fixing the board. In addition, the hollow part is locked at columns of the central differential gear by transfixing screws from bottom to top into the pivoting holes and the through-holes. On the other hand, front and rear ends of the board provide for connection of two support arms, thereby constituting the anti-deflection structure for the chassis.

Abstract: A gear box power control system is disclosed to be consisting of a centrifugal clutch with integral bell housing drive, a gear train for speed reduction and torque enhancement, an output jackshaft with an engaging system to disengage and engage engine power to a primary drive sprocket for chain operation. The engagement and disengagement of engine power is done by an integral engager remotely controlled by steel cable and hand lever. A motorized vehicle is disclosed as consisting of a standard bicycle frame or modified bicycle frame, a tricycle frame, a go-cart frame, and a paddle wheel boat frame all with the gear box power control system of present invention installed on a gasoline four cycle engine.

Abstract: A step-down power transfer device for providing a dropped drive line in a front engine and rear drive vehicle. The step-down power transfer device is preferably chain or gear driven. A preferred vehicle a includes a power train having a longitudinally mounted front engine, a step-down power transfer device, a single segment drive shaft, a half-shaft differential, swing axles and geared reduction wheel end drives. The vehicle can have an exceptionally low, i.e., 16 to 18 inches, load floor that is flat at least between the step-down power transfer device and the differential. The resultant vehicle has many parts in common with popular traditional front engine/rear drive trucks. Combining the power train described above with a low profile rear suspension provides added low load floor benefits.

Abstract: A dual control arm independent suspension mounts to a chassis of a high mobility truck for steering, non-steering, driving, and/or for non-driving. The dual control arm independent suspension has modular, tubular-frame and/or differential housing for attachment to front axle positions and/or to rear axle positions to simultaneously employ an upper control arm and a lower control arm. The upper control arm, the lower control arm and/or a half shaft position is offset and/or is staggered along a vehicle to minimize and/or to decouple a reaction of the dual control arm independent suspension from an excitement and/or a resonance. The dual control arm independent suspension is manufactured or is retrofitted to a manufactured swing-arm independent suspension chassis for utilizing an integral differential mount and/or an adapter plate. A modular dual control arm chassis provides tube sections and/or differential assemblies to be added or to be removed to support alternate vehicle configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain (110) includes an engine (122) with a vertical crankshaft (124), a first transmission (126) below the engine and driven by the crankshaft, a second transmission (128) above the first transmission and horizontally adjacent the engine and having an input driven by the first transmission and having an output providing vehicle propulsion. A module pre-assembled unit is ready for drop-in mounting to a vehicle.