Abstract: The present invention relates to a forecarriage of a rolling motor vehicle with three or four wheels, comprising: a forecarriage frame (16); at least one pair of front wheels (10?, 10?) kinematically connected to each other and to the forecarriage frame by a kinematic roll mechanism (20) which enables the same to roll in a synchronous and specular manner; an anti-roll system (100) comprising a rod (110) having a first (111) and a second end (112) opposite each other which connect by means of hinging means (101?, 101? and 102?, 102?) a first (60) and a second anchoring portion (60) of forecarriage (8) directly to each other. At least one of said first (60) and second anchoring portions (60) is subject to roll movements of said two front wheels (10?, 10?). The hinging means (101?, 101? and 102?, 102?) are configured to passively follow the movements of two anchoring portions.

Abstract: A rolling motor vehicle (4) comprising a forecarriage frame (16), at least one pair of front wheels (10?), a rolling kinematic mechanism (20) to which each wheel (10?) is connected by means of a respective axle journal (60), a roll control system (100) comprising a rod (110) which connects the two front wheels (10?) directly to each other at the respective axle journals (60), the roll movements of the two front wheels (10?) and of the respective axle journals (60) causing changes in the lying position of said rod (110) with respect to a vertical projection plane which is transverse to a centre line plane of the motor vehicle (4), the rod (110) is usable directly or indirectly by the driver (P) as a command element to control the rolling movements of the two front wheels (10?) without having to put his feet on the ground.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a linkage, a steering force transmission, and a steering lock. The steering force transmission includes a rear shaft that is able to turn about a rear axis, a front shaft that is able to turn about a front axis, and a connector. When seen from a side of the vehicle, a distance between the front shaft and a right steering axis is smaller than a distance between the rear shaft and the right steering axis, and in which at least one portion of the steering lock that is mounted on the front shaft or a member that turns together with the front shaft and a member that is displaced relative thereto is provided in a position that overlaps a movable range of the linkage when seen from the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a linkage, a steering force transmission, a steering lock and a steering stopper. The steering force transmission includes a rear shaft that is able to turn about a rear axis, a front shaft that is able to turn about a front axis, and a connector that transmits the turning of the rear shaft to the front shaft. The steering lock includes a first portion and a second portion which are able to be displaced relative to each other and makes it impossible for a right front wheel and a left front wheel to turn by making it impossible for the first portion to be displaced relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A motorized reverse trike with a tiltable body comprises a frame with a header pipe, two front wheels, a tilting mechanism arranged on the header pipe, two suspension mechanisms hinged between the two front wheels and the tilting mechanism respectively, a steering mechanism with handlebars hinged between the header pipe and the two suspension mechanisms, and a locking mechanism for locking the tilting mechanism.

Abstract: A machine may include a powertrain drivingly connected to left and right front and rear wheels through a torque transfer unit to transfer torque to the front wheels as a function of a desired front torque and to the rear wheels as a function of a desired rear torque. At least one sensor of the machine may detect a value of an operating parameter indicative of a weight distribution of the machine across the wheels, and generate a parameter signal corresponding to the operating parameter. A control unit determines the weight distribution across the wheels as a function of the parameter signal, and the desired front and rear torques as a function of the weight distribution. The control unit also considers the weight and position of a load of material borne by an implement of the machine in determining the weight distribution.

Abstract: Restraining torque TF of an electronic controlled front limited slip differential (5) arranged between right and left front wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling right-left wheel rotational speed difference ?NF, which is the rotational speed difference between the right and left front wheels, while restraining torque TC of an electronic controlled coupling (8) arranged between the front and rear wheels is controlled in accordance with controlling front-rear wheel rotational speed difference ?NC obtained by subtracting ½ of the rotational speed difference between the right and left wheels (|?NF|/2) from the rotational speed difference (?NCT??NCD) between the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A transmission box (3) for a wheeled machine includes a motor input shaft (4) driving a drive wheel (8) to actuate at least one drive shaft (9A, 9B) of at least one wheel (2A, 2B) of the machine (1). A clutch mechanism (13) is disposed between the drive wheel (8) and a drive shaft (9A, 9B) and is actuated by driving in rotation the drive wheel (8) and deactuated by driving in rotation the drive shaft (9A, 9B) when the motor input shaft (4) is stopped or when the speed of rotation of the drive shaft (9A, 9B) is greater than the speed of rotation of the drive wheel (8). The box (3) contains two clutch mechanisms (13), each coacting with one drive shaft (9A, 9B) to permit the free wheeling of one and/or the other of a pair of wheels (2A, 2B).

Abstract: An axle of a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle is proposed, in which a change-under-load shifting element is provided between the wheels of the axle, which can be actuated to release the rotationally fixed connection between the wheels.

Abstract: A wheel driving system is capable of varying differential limiting torque applied to a differential included in an all-terrain vehicle according to the difference between loads respectively applied to the right and the left wheel of the vehicle, which varies depending on the traveling condition or turning condition of the vehicle. Right and left wheels are connected through a differential gear mechanism (30) having a differential case (46) and held in a reduction gear case (13), an input pinion (22) and a drive shaft to an engine. The differential case (46) and a differential gear shaft (36) connected to the wheel are interlocked by a wet multiple-disk differential limiting mechanism (31) having a friction clutch mechanism immersed in oil. The multiple-disk differential limiting mechanism (31) is operated by a multiple-disk differential limiting mechanism operating mechanism to vary differential limiting torque.

Abstract: A traction distribution device includes a hydraulic motor arranged in a differential-gear mechanism for providing relative torque between one of the wheel shafts and a differential casing in accordance with the direction of a hydraulic pressure supplied thereto. A pressure regulating valve is arranged to control the hydraulic pressure supplied to the motor, whereas a selector valve is arranged to switch the direction of the hydraulic pressure supplied to the motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a procedure for analyzing and influencing the driveability of motor vehicles, including the following steps: Conducting tests on a real vehicle to obtain measurement variables describing its driveability; Continuous monitoring to check whether at least one of a number of predefined trigger conditions is fulfilled, i.e., whether a certain set of variables takes on certain values; If the trigger condition is fulfilled, computation of a profile of several ratings representing vehicle driveability from one or more measured values, using predefined functional relationships.

Abstract: A steering assembly for a work vehicle having a supporting frame is disclosed wherein the steering assembly includes a steerable front axle having an axle defined longitudinally by end portions rocking about respective substantially vertical axes. Each end portion supports a rotatable wheel. The front axle further has a box body connected rigidly to the axle to connect it to the frame in freely rotating manner via the interposition of a first spherical joint. A connecting unit connects the front axle stably to the frame to enable the loads on the wheels to be transmitted to the frame. The connecting unit is provided with a shock-absorbing device for elastically disconnecting the front axle from the frame.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steered wheels of a vehicle include knuckles, the lower portions of which are pivotally supported at tip ends of a lower arm and a radius rod through two ball joints. Each of the steered wheels is steered about a phantom king pin axis passing through an intersection a of extensions of the lower arm and the radius rod so that, during clockwise turning of the vehicle, the point a of an outer wheel during turning of the vehicle is little moved, but the point a of an inner wheel during turning of the vehicle is moved inwards of a vehicle body through a distance .alpha..sub.R whereby a distance between a ground point of the inner wheel and the phantom king pin axis is larger than a distance between a ground point of the outer wheel and the phantom king pin axis and, hence, left and right steering moments generated by driving forces of the left and right steered wheels are countervailed with each other, whereby the generation of unnecessary steering moments is prevented as a whole.

Abstract: A gearbox and two hydraulic clutches are disposed between left and right follower wheels of a vehicle. The torque transfer capacity of the hydraulic clutches is controlled to effect the distribution of a torque between the follower wheels. In a low lateral acceleration range, the torque transfer capacity is increased in accordance with an increase in lateral acceleration to enhance the turning performance and the high-speed stability performance. In a high lateral acceleration range, the torque transfer capacity is decreased in accordance with an increase in lateral acceleration, such that it does not exceed a largest frictional force of a wheel acting as an inner wheel during turning movement of the vehicle, thereby insuring a cornering force.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a pair of right and left front wheels and a pair of right and left rear wheels, when the front wheels are driven wheels, a differential limiting mechanism such as a multi-disc viscous clutch is arranged between axle members coupled to axles of the front wheels via universal joints, or when the rear wheels are driven wheels, the differential limiting mechanism is arranged between axles of the rear wheels. The differential limiting force of the differential limiting mechanism is controlled on the basis of various physical quantities (a steering angle .theta.h, a vehicle speed V, a brake hydraulic pressure P, a vertical acceleration G, and a road-surface .mu.) associated with the traveling state of the vehicle detected by sensors. Therefore, there can be provided a driven wheel differential limiting apparatus for a vehicle, which has high reliability and durability since the differential limiting force is controlled via, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an activation apparatus for a differential pawl. Such activation apparatus is designed to prevent damage to components of the differential pawl and/or of the drive train resulting from operator error. When a drive wheel slips, a monitoring means acquires a slip signal; and when a wheel slip signal is present, an interrupt means, which can be provided as a switching apparatus, prevents the preassurization of a pressure-medium-operated actuator of the activation mechanism.

Abstract: In a power transmitting system for distributing a torque to left and right driving wheels in a front engine and front drive vehicle, a transmission is connected to one end of an engine which is horizontally disposed at a front portion of a vehicle body, and a planetary gear type differential is disposed in a space provided in the rear of the transmission. A first clutch and a second clutch are disposed laterally side by side in a space provided in the rear of the engine for controlling the torque transmitted to left and right front wheels by increasing and transmitting the rotation of a ring gear, which is an input member of the differential, to a left axle or a right axle. Thus, the pair of left and right clutches, added to the differential, can be rationally disposed by effective utilization of the spaces.

Abstract: The twin-wheel motorcar has twin wheels with single side wheels driving capabilities. Twin-Wheel Motorcar has sliding doors, top cover, emergency parking pad, single arm differential height steering shock-tube mechanism and in-hub non-divided axle friction-free non-contact force differential speed driving mechanism.

Abstract: A differential action control device of a vehicle includes an inter-axle differential disposed between axles for making a differential action between the axles, an inter-wheel differential disposed between wheels for making a differential action between the wheels, and a parameter setting device for detecting a vehicle running condition and setting a predetermined parameter based on the vehicle running condition detected. The device further includes target yaw rate setting device for setting a target yaw rate of the vehicle based on the parameter, a yaw rate detecting device for detecting an actual yaw rate of the vehicle while running, and a differential control device for controlling a differential action of the inter-axle and inter-wheel differentials based on a deviation between the actual and target yaw rate of the vehicle. The steering characteristic of the vehicle can be changed to get a desirable characteristic by making the differential action control.

Abstract: In a vehicle including a torque distributing device for distributing the torque of an engine to left and right driving wheels, a feed-forward control system determines a lateral distribution torque T.sub.1 from an engine torque T.sub.E, a number Ne of revolutions of the engine, a vehicle speed V and a steering angle .theta., and a feed-back control system determines a feed-back torque T.sub.F from a target yaw rate Y determined from the vehicle speed V and the steering angle .theta. and an actual yaw rate Yaw. A final distribution torque T is determined by adding the lateral distribution torque T.sub.1 and the feed-back torque T.sub.D at a predetermined ratio, and an actuator is driven to distribute the engine torque to the left and right driving wheels on the basis of the final distribution torque T.

Abstract: A power transmitting device for a four-wheel drive vehicle which includes main driven wheels driven directly by an engine and speed-change transmission, a left sub-driven wheel driven through a first hydraulic pressure clutch, a right sub-driven wheel driven through a second hydraulic pressure clutch, a first hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the main driven wheels, a second hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the left sub-driven wheel, a third hydraulic pump driven in operative association with the right sub-driven wheel, a first oil passage which connects a discharge port of the first hydraulic pump to intake ports of the second and third hydraulic pumps, and a second oil passage which connects the first oil passage to a working chamber in the first hydraulic pressure clutch and a working chamber in the second hydraulic pressure clutch.

Abstract: A driving force transmission device for a vehicle has a homokinetic joint having an outer ring and a clutch device having an outer ring coupled to the outer ring of the homokinetic joint. An input shaft is rotatably inserted in the outer rings. A cage is rotatably mounted between opposed surfaces of the outer rings and the input shaft. The cage has pockets. Engaging elements are mounted in the pockets. They are adapted to engage the opposed surfaces when the input shaft and the cage rotate relative to each other either clockwise or counterclockwise. Elastic members are mounted in the pockets to keep the engaging elements in a not-engaged position. The cage and the input shaft are coupled together with a gap extending in the direction of rotation formed therebetween so as to be rotatable together. A differential member are mounted on the cage or the input shaft to produce a difference in rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system having an external combustion free-piston engine is provided with an integral linear electric current generator and a pulse frequency controller. The system includes a power integration processor, a frequency modulator circuit and a pulse width modulator circuit, the power integration processor controls the frequency modulator circuit and the pulse width modulator circuit to produce both a frequency modulated pulsed current and an auxiliary power current which varies in pulse width. Both the frequency modulated pulsed current and the pulse width modulated auxiliary current are combined to power an electric drive motor having an integral electronic differential. A small auxiliary power source, such as a rechargeable battery pack, is provides the auxiliary current for acceleration and hill climbing power. The external combustion engine may burn any pollution free fuel (such as natural gas, alcohol, propane, etc.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a differential (or slip) limiting force of a limited slip differential of a vehicle comprises a sensor group for sensing a vehicle speed and a wheel speed difference between rotational speeds of left and right drive wheels, and a controller for controlling the differential limiting force by controlling a clutch engagement force of a differential limiting clutch. To improve both of a driving capability on a split friction road surface or a rough road and a vehicle stability in the high speed range, the controller increases the differential limiting force with increase in the wheel speed difference according to a preset control characteristic, and modifying the control characteristic between the differential limiting force and the wheel speed difference so that the differential limiting force tends to be lower when the vehicle speed becomes higher.

Abstract: A continuously variable differential (10) uses a continuously variable transmission (50) that is rotated by drive torque and controlled to vary the speed ratio between its outputs. These, which previously transmitted power through the transmission, are connected with a pair of drive shafts such as opposed drive axles (17 and 18) that rotate with the transmission under drive power. Differentiation between the shafts transmits through the transmission via variable speed ratios that control the moment arms, mechanical advantages, and torque bias ratios. This arrangement allows the torque to be distributed according to sensed vehicle conditions. It can apply more torque to a wheel retaining traction when its opposite wheel slips, and it can apply a larger portion of the torque to wheels bearing more weight or to a faster rotating wheel on an outside of a curve.

Abstract: Structure for and method of driving a motor vehicle including one or more curvilinear drive shafts including a multistrand flexible cable providing primary two wheel drive or permanent or selectively actuable four wheel drive with front or rear mounted power packs oriented North/South or East/West. Torque limiters and clutches are provided between the power pack, drive shafts and wheels and may be selectively actuated in desired sequence. The torque limiters provide torque differentiation between vehicle wheels rather than rotational differentiation and may be utilized for this feature with rigid drive shafts. In different embodiments of the invention, the rear wheels may be driven directly from two separate front to rear drive shafts which may cross each other and the transverse drive shaft may be eliminated. Also, a single curvilinear drive shaft extending over, under or through a vehicle gas tank may be provided between a vehicle power pack and a pinion, ring gear and differential rear axle assembly.

Abstract: A limited-slip differential gear unit has end adjustable slip-limitation according to the operation mode of the adjustable suspension system. A control system for the limited-slip differential gear unit, which controls the slip-limitation is associated with a suspension control system to receive therefrom a suspension mode indicative signal to select one of a plurality of preset characteristics to derive a slip-limit control signal. The limited-slip differential gear unit includes a slip-limit adjusting mechanism which is responsive to the control signal for adjusting the slip-limitation to be generated by the limited-slip differential gear unit.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for selectively drivable wheels of a motor vehicle has, in or on an adjustable bearing axle, telescopic input shafts connected at one end to a direction-changing gear and at the other end to an input shaft for a spur gearing in a swivel housing. A clutch engaging and disengaging in dependence upon relative rotation between the wheels and the input shaft is connected between the spur gearing and the input shaft. This allows catching up of the wheels, while the driving connection to the other wheels is maintained, as well as engine braking.

Abstract: A final reduction gear comprising a pair of bevel gears are provided between a rear drive shaft and a rar axle shaft. A pair of oil hydraulic clutches are provided on both ends of the rear axle shaft for transmitting output of the final reduction gear to rear wheels of a motor vehicle respectively. Pressure of oil appplied to each of the clutches is controlled in accordance with driving conditions of the vehicle thereby controlling transmitting torque capacity of each clutch at cornering.

Abstract: A locking-type differential (5; I, II) is automatically engaged to locked position upon sensing of certain vehicle operating conditions, and unlocked upon sensing other vehicle operating conditions. If the steering wheel is deflected, or transverse acceleration is sensed, the differential is inhibited from locking; likewise, if the brakes are applied, or the engine is operating under idle condition, the locking-type differential is either unlocked or prevented from locking. On the other hand, if a kick-down signal from the accelerator is sensed, or if the difference in speed of driven and rolling wheels exceeds a predetermined amount, thus indicating slippage of the driven wheel, or if a brake applied to the driven wheel is then engaged, and the speed between the wheels coupled to the differential has become essentially uniform (FIG. 2, terminal 17), the differential is controlled to lock.

Abstract: A fluid drive transmission system removably mounted to the axle of a motor vehicle. A power output drum connected to the wheel forms in part a fluid chamber. A power input rotor keyed to the axle extends through the center portion of the drum. Rotor blades and drum blades are positioned in the fluid chamber opposite one another. Bearings and fluid seals are positioned between the drum and the rotor so that the rotor and drum rotate freely relative to one another and the system can be removed as a unit from the axle without breaking the fluid seals.

Abstract: A system for a four-wheel drive vehicle for automatically changing a power transmission system of the engine of the vehicle from four-wheel driving system to two-wheel driving system in accordance with the steering angle during the turning of a corner. The transmission system is provided for transmitting a power from the engine to main driving two-wheel, and a fluid pressure controlled friction clutch is provided for transmitting the power of the engine to two wheels other than the main driving two-wheel. A steering angle sensor is provided for producing a steering angle signal dependent on the steering angle. A control system is provided to respond to the steering angle signal for decreasing the pressure of the pressure oil applied to the clutch thereby to cause the slip of the clutch during the turning of the corner.

Abstract: A multi-axle driving mechanism for agricultural carrier comprising two individual transmissions driven by the same power source, one of the transmissions is secured and connected to a differential disposed between two front half driving axles each provided with a front driving wheel while the other transmission is secured and connected to a continuous rear driving axle provided with a pair of rear driving wheels; a pair of lost motion means disposed between the end of the continuous rear driving axle and the rear driving wheels; and front and rear frames respectively secured on the front and rear driving axles, and connected one with the other by means of a rotatable shaft longitudinally arranged therebetween.

Abstract: A control for a variable displacement motor which utilizes a motor speed sensitive signal for moving the displacement of the motor toward a zero displacement setting position including a device for generating a conditioned variable signal representative of motor speed, circuitry for receiving said signal and upon the signal reaching a predetermined intermediate value applying the signal to the control device for motor displacement for causing reduction in motor displacement and with various devices in the circuit for modifying the variable signal to provide a desired relation between motor speed and motor displacement. Utilization of such controls individually associated with plural variable displacement motors driving vehicle wheels and driven by one pump protects against spin-out of one of the wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to steerable vehicles, particularly fork lift trucks, which include one or more travel drive motors adapted to be controlled in a predetermined manner, and a steerable swivelled wheel assembly. To increase the safety of such vehicle in operation, an electrically controlled drive control system is provided which is simple and free from elements that are susceptible to wear. For this purpose, two speed sensors are provided on opposite sides of the vehicle and cooperate with respective coaxial road wheels and are connected by a comparator to a switching system for controlling the travel drive, e.g., to a travel control signal generator. Elements for applying at least one additional speed-influencing input signal are associated with the comparator.

Abstract: An improved form of three-wheeled vehicle of the type having a front wheel arranged in the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the vehicle and a pair of rear wheels arranged symmetrically with respect to the vehicle plane. The pivot joint interconnecting the front and rear frames of the vehicle has a turning axis offset from the vehicle plane to that side of the vehicle on which the driving rear wheel is arranged and extending in a direction inclined laterally outwardly from rear to front of the vehicle. Such pivot arrangement is highly effective to improve the driving stability of three-wheeled vehicles of the type concerned, without involving any structural complication or increase in cost of production.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system particularly suited for snow blowers includes a main sprocket rotatably carrying a first and second pawl. Each pawl drivably engages a respective sprocket. The first sprocket is fixably mounted to a first axle means such that rotation of the main sprocket causes the first pawl to drivably engage the first sprocket to rotate the first axle means. A second sprocket is fixably engaged to a second axle means such that rotation of said main sprocket causes a second pawl to drivably engage the second sprocket to cause rotation of the second axle means. Friction means supplies sufficient drag to the pawl such that rotation of main sprocket causes each of the pawls to assume an engaging orientation with their respective sprockets. Each of the pawls can be selectively disengaged from a drive orientation by manually advancing the respective axle means, i.e., when an operator maneuvers the vehicle for turning.

Abstract: A tricycle apparatus utilizes a chassis having a housing disposed surrounding the midregions of the rear axle of the tricycle. Each rear wheel is provided having a child carrying seat secured to a fender-like covering therefor. The rear axle is provided having two portions concentrically aligned with one another and each being locked to each other utilizing a removeable locking pin therefor. In a manual mode of operation, both portions of the rear axle, when locked together, are caused to rotate, operating the rear wheels by the conventional pair of bicycle pedals journaled to the tricycle frame. A double output shafted gear head motor, utilizing a pair of slip clutches is coupled individually to each portion of the rear axle so as to enable a battery, carried by the housing, to operate the motor, provided operating power for the tricycle when such motor, slip clutches and battery are added to a mounting within the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward mounted primary gasoline engine operatively engaged with the front axle and its associated wheels. The vehicle also has a rear mounted second motor drivingly engaged with the rear axle which is normally a dead axle. The rear axle is selectively drivingly engageable with the rear wheels which can overrun the rear axle in both the forward and reverse directions. The second motor is preferably an electric motor operable in two directions but alternatively may be a hydraulic pump/motor. The second motor, which may be driven by the primary motor or from an independent power source such as a battery, is manually actuable by the vehicle operator and automatically disengageable upon reaching a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle differential control wherein the two axles and wheels thereon are influential in controlling the differential. Thus, speed sensors are on the two axles and link mechanisms connect the sensors to a valve unit which controls the flow of fluid to the differential and thus controls the operation of the differential and the subsequent speed of the respective axles. Also, the wheels on the axles are steerable wheels, and there is interconnecting mechanism between the wheels and the differential control mechanism so that when the wheels are steered the control mechanism is actuated to again influence the operation of the differential and thus rotate the respective axles accordingly. As such, there is a steering compensated differential controlled device which is both torque and speed sensed, and there is a wheel steering position compensated device which also influences the operation of the differential. The system is such that it assures traction control of all drive wheels at all times.

Abstract: An adjustable ratcheting wheel hub comprising a reversing pawl driven wheel hub, an axle containing a plurality of pin receiving apertures, a bearing cover assembly, and a hub tube. The hub tube operationally connects the axle to the pawl driver and contains a pin receiving aperture such that the hub tube slidably engages the axle and is secured to the axle by means of a locking pin through the hub tube and axle. The axle contains a plurality of pin receiving apertures and the width between the wheels is varied by selecting the pin receiving axle aperture that corresponds to the desired width.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a tractor, having propelling wheels connected by a differential, together with a traction control device for connecting the propelling wheels directly when the differential permits relative motion between the propelling wheels, including a rotatable shaft having friction rollers secured thereon at axially spaced positions to engage the propelling wheels, lever means pivotally mounted on the vehicle chassis and having bearings for supporting the rotatable shaft, and handle means connected with the lever means for moving the friction rollers into contact with the propelling wheels.