Abstract: A structure for mounting a differential carrier having a plurality of bearing supports on a banjo type axle housing is provided for minimizing the amount of deflection of such bearing supports during use. The axle housing has a rim plate attached thereto including an opening which receives the carrier and the differential. A plurality of tabs are formed about the circumference of the rim plate, each extending within the axle housing. When the carrier is assembled to the rim plate and the axle housing, the bearing supports thereof are inserted within the opening formed through the rim plate. As the carrier is inserted, the bearing supports formed thereon are guided by the tabs formed on the rim plate. When the carrier is secured to the rim plate and the axle housing, the rim plate tabs engage and support the bearing supports. As a result, torque loads generated by operation of the differential are transferred to the axle housing, and deflection of the bearing supports is minimized.

Abstract: A driveshaft for a motor vehicle has an approximately constant wall thickness and a changing outer diameter which extends analogously to the amplitude of the second basic vibration of the natural bending frequency. In this way it is possible to achieve a distribution of cross-sectional area which is functionally optimized and meets the respective strength requirements. At the same time, torsional stiffness values may be set as required and natural resonance frequency values may be varied. With help of this design it is possible to move the natural resonance frequency of the tubular shaft into a speed range of minimum external excitation energy.

Abstract: An output shaft is a hollow shaft and passes through a gearbox. Holes for mounting also pass through the gearbox. The holes are located at the vertexes of a square or rectangle. And the output shaft, which is displaced (offset) relative to the square's (or rectangle's) center, is located on one diagonal of the square. This structure provides a variety of possibilities of assembling the gear device with a big motor, and the amount of projection of the faces of the gearbox from the output shaft can be kept as small as possible.

Abstract: A torque fuse for a vehicle driveline has a sleeve splined at one end to the vehicle power transmission output shaft with the other end clip-splined to the driveshaft yoke. An intermediate pre-weakened frangible area of the sleeve is designed to rupture at a torque level less than the critical torque level of the driveshaft. A washer swaged into the sleeve enables the sleeve to be bolted to the end of the transmission output shaft. An auxiliary tailstick bolted to the transmission case has an auxiliary bearing to support transverse loads on the sleeve at the yoke end thereof.

Abstract: A noise muffling assembly, particularly for use with toothed wheel gear units having a partitioned housing (1), within which moving machine elements (2) are positioned, the shafts (3, 4) of which are supported in the housing, whereby only one housing part (6) is, by the attachment bases (7, 7'), attached to a base (8). At least the housing part (6) which is connected by the attachment base (7, 7') to the base (8) supports the shafts (3, 4) and includes, between its shafts (3, 4) and the attachment bases (7, 7'), a plurality of separation points (10, 10') lying at a distance from one another in such a manner that a long sound route (S) results. The separation points (10, 10') each consist of noise muffling elements (11, 12) which are constructed independently of one another, and are joined together by connecting parts (19, 20, 21) and whereby the noise muffling element (12) lying at the greatest distance from the housing (1), has the attachment bases (7, 7').

Abstract: A rear transmission device of a vehicle with four driven wheels includes a box for transmitting power to the rear wheels, mechanically coupled to a power unit having an axis transverse to the vehicle body, a rear differential and a longitudinal linkage joining the two boxes. The box for transmitting power to the rear wheels is mounted to oscillate about a transverse axis parallel to the axis of the power unit and is joined to the housing of the rear differential by a rigid tube containing a transmission shaft. This assembly is thus integral with and articulated on the power unit. This arrangement constitutes a comparatively simple transmission device which is compact and can be fabricated at a low production cost.

Abstract: An oil-sealing structure of a motor including a bearing supporting a motor shaft, and an oil seal provided in the space between the motor shaft and a bracket and positioned close to one end of the motor shaft while separated by a predetermined distance from the bearing. An outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft faces, within the space, an inner peripheral surface of the bracket. Steps are formed on the motor-shaft outer peripheral surface and positioned between the bearing and the oil seal, with their diameter increasing in a stepped manner toward the bearing. A stepped groove is formed on the bracket inner peripheral surface and positioned between the bearing and the oil seal, with its diameter decreasing in a stepped manner toward the bearing. An oil outlet is also formed on the bracket inner peripheral surface for discharging oil which has penetrated beyond the oil seal. The structure is capable of highly secure prevention of oil penetration into the motor.

Abstract: A drive assembly for motor vehicles comprises a front power unit which is elastically supported at the vehicle body and which is rigidly connected with a rear drive unit by means of a center tube through which a drive shaft extends. The front area of the center tube has a low bending stress and is connected to the power unit. This front area of the center tube has at least one longitudinal slot which is axially limited in its length and which is arranged in a vertical longitudinal center plane of the center tube. The slot causes a reduction of the torsional rigidity while, at the same time, the bending rigidity of the center tube is maintained. As a result, the torsional natural frequency of the assembly is reduced so that torsional resonance and vibrations at the transmission line are avoided during the driving operation.

Abstract: A differential adapter is provided for adapting a typically standard axle assembly to use in a railroad track vehicle. Such an axle assembly has a spur gear, a differential case with a plurality of radially extending openings, connected to the spur gear, and has two axle sections each with a splined inner end. The adapter is dimensioned to fit within the differential case and comprises a body with two axially extending, axially aligned splined openings therein which are dimensioned to mate with respective splined inner ends the axle sections. The adapter also comprises a plurality of lugs extending radially outward from the body, and dimensioned and spaced apart thereon so as to snugly fit within respective radially extending openings in the differential case when the openings in the body mate with the respective inner ends of the axle sections. A differential and axle assembly which preferably utilizes such an adapter is also provided.

Abstract: An automobile has a final reduction gear unit including an orthogonal converter gear train, a speed reducer gear train, and a differential gear train which are mounted on one side of the engine of the automobile. The orthogonal converter gear unit includes a drive bevel gear coupled to a first rotatable shaft for rotation about the axis thereof, and a driven bevel gear mounted on a second rotatable shaft normal to the first rotatable shaft and rotatable about the axis of the second rotatable shaft. The speed reducer gear train includes a drive cylindrical gear mounted on the second rotatable shaft, and a driven cylindrical gear held in mesh with the drive cylindrical gear and mounted on a third shaft for rotation thereabout, the third rotatable shaft lying parallel to the second rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A venting mechanism for a drive axle assembly is mounted on a side wall of a housing for a differential. The venting mechanism includes a deflector vane which is pivotally mounted on a vent tube inside the housing. The deflector vane allows air to be vented from the housing through the vent tube without lubricant being able to escape.

Abstract: A unitized engine transaxle combination preferably having a variable speed transmission such as a hydrostatic or continuous variable transmission for utilization in a work vehicle, the combination including a specific arrangement of components parts inside the transaxle housing and the connection of the engine thereto to provide the engine transaxle combination unit. In the preferred embodiment, a hydrostatic pump is connected to the engine and the hydrostatic motor is positioned inside the transaxle housing on the same side thereof in relation to the left or right side of the combination. In close proximity to the hydrostatic motor, a speed reduction unit is also housed inside the transaxle housing. The other end of the transaxle housing houses a differential unit. The hydrostatic pump is driven by a cam gear mechanism which is contained within the engine housing and interconnects with the engine crankshaft and the hydrostatic pump input shaft so that the hydrostatic pump is driven thereby.

Abstract: A differential housing support assembly includes a pivot pin which projects from an end of the housing and is pivotally received in an annual ring of a support bracket which is bolted to a vehicle frame member. A cover plate is bolted to an end fact of the ring and includes a central portion which is directly engageable with an end of the pivot pin. Free play between the pivot pin and the cover plate is adjusted by controlling the number of annular shims placed between the annular ring and the cover plate.

Abstract: An axle drive mechanism comprises an input shaft rotatably mounted in a housing having bearings for supporting the input shaft at opposite ends of the housing. The input shaft includes a pinion gear in meshed engagement with a driven gear coaxially secured about the longitudinal axis of two axle shafts which extend outwardly from the housing. The housing also includes openings at each end of the housing through which the end portions of the input shaft are exposed exteriorly of the housing so that either or both ends of the input shaft can be coupled to a drive line. The axle drive also includes a closure cap adapted to be received in the opening at one end of the housing for enclosing the housing and protecting the unused shaft end.

Abstract: A rear axlecase is manufactured by casting the differential gear housings and the axle housings into an integral body from nodular graphite cast iron, and ensuring good ductility therefor by reducing the hardness as a whole on one hand, and ensuring toughness to bear up under the stress acting on the axles by performing hardening treatment on the root parts of the endtubes of the axle housing.

Abstract: A modified fast fade rear axle housing of rectangular cross-section having a shortened neck shape to maximize the torsional strength of the housing in the expanded annular section where the transition zone joins the center differential receiving portion and the beam arms of the axle. Two U sections are welded after being bent to provide parallel legs joined to a web by arcuate corner sections. The axially extending curvature of the corner sections and the web are respectively convexly defined by a first radius R.sub.1 measured from a true origin at the vertical axis of the differential receiving portion where it intersects the longitudinal axis of the axle and a second eccentric radius R.sub.2 measured from a displaced origin and concavely by blending radii R.sub.4 and R.sub.3 which are substantially less than corresponding blending radii in drive axle housings in which the convex curvature is concentric with the true origin.

Abstract: In a trans-axle casing having an open end closed by a removable cover member secured thereto, a differential gear unit is rotatably supported at its side-journals by a pair of tapered roller bearings which are removably coupled within each cylindrical bore in a pair of axially spaced carrier portions of the casing. The carrier portions each are formed with a radial slit which extends inwardly from an upright seating face of the casing and opens into an annular groove in the cylindrical bore. A shim plate of substantially rectangular shape is inserted into each of the carrier portions through the radial slit and engaged at a semi-circular inner end thereof with the annular groove to retain each of the bearings in place by engagement therewith, the shim plate being formed in a predetermined length to be retained in place by engagement with the cover member of the casing at its outer end when it has been fully engaged at its inner end with the annular groove.

Abstract: A one-piece marine gear casing includes a cross-shaped slot therein as seen in a plan view. The cross-shaped slot permits lowering a bull gear with its attached shafts into the gear casing. The slot is transversely braced after installation of the bull gear to reduce the possibility of vibration of the housing. The cross-shaped slot is enlarged at its lower extremity to permit the installation of upper bearing halves in opposition to lower bearing halves in the gear casing. The upper and lower bearing halves provide rotatable support for the shafts of the bull gear. Upper surfaces of the gear casing provide support for additional lower bearing halves for the shafts of gears and pinions employed to transmit torque from one or more input shafts to the bull gear.

Abstract: A one-piece axle housing contains an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, a differential gear assembly, and a pair of coaxially arranged axle shafts, all of which are aligned parallel to one another. The housing accommodates either a spur or helical gear system, preferably for small off-highway vehicles such as golf cars. In a preferred form, the unitary housing is die cast of aluminum and machined according to predetermined specifications. The input shaft is inserted through a motor side of the housing, and is retained by a snap ring. The intermediate shaft is next installed from the bottom of the housing, and the differential and axle shafts are lastly inserted into the housing, which is then closed by a steel cover. The input shaft, the intermediate shaft, and the axle shafts are maintained parallel to one another by the unitary housing which includes sets of aligned bores.

Abstract: A torque-proportioning differential of the helical pinion type includes a housing having a body section to one end of which is removably connected a cover section, the one body section end being machined to define a central longitudinal bore and a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal pinion cavities each having a pair of cavity portions in longitudinal communication with each other and with the central bore, respectively. The pinion cavity portions are of equal depth, thereby to receive corresponding longitudinally offset helical pinions, respectively, each provided with a hub extension that extends longitudinally of the associated pinion bore for engagement with a corresponding end thrust surface on the housing body section or the housing cover section, respectively.

Abstract: A transversely mounted transmission has a torque converter housing portion, a gear housing portion, and differential housing portion each having a centerline noncoincidental with the others. The torque converter housing portion has a mounting face adapted to be secured to an engine at an engine mounting plane. The differential housing portion has a substantially cylindrical section disposed on the engine side of the mounting plane. At least part of the differential housing is disposed within a cylindrical extension defined by the outer periphery of the torque converter housing portion.

Abstract: A differential locking mechanism for a final reduction gear is disclosed. Sleeve-like shaft support portions are formed fixedly at both sides of a differential case in a differential carrier and rotatably supported by the differential carrier. Rotating side gear shafts are connected to the side gears in the differential case and extend through the shaft support portions of the differential case to the outside of the differential carrier. The locking mechanism has a case independent of the differential carrier fixed to the outer side portion of the differential carrier to define an auxiliary chamber. A cylindrical intermediate shaft is mounted to an outer circumference of the rotating side gear shaft on the auxiliary chamber side in such a manner as to be coaxial with the rotating side gear shaft. One end of the intermediate shaft is connected to an inner circumference of the shaft support portion of the differential case so as to rotate therewith, while the other end is positioned in the auxiliary chamber.

Abstract: A final drive and differential unit for a motor vehicle comprises a differential carrier integrally formed with a cylindrical support structure, a differential gear unit rotatably mounted within the carrier and provided thereon with a ring gear, and a drive pinion shaft supported by a pair of axially spaced outside and inside bearings within the support structure, the pinion shaft extending outwardly through an annular oil seal member mounted within the outer end portion of the support structure and being provided at its inner end with a pinion in mesh with the ring gear.

Abstract: A gear differential is disclosed for supplying driving torque from an input shaft to a pair of aligned axially spaced output shafts, including a carrier housing driven by the input shaft and having a center section and a pair of end cover sections, a pair of side gears journalled in opposite ends of the center section for splined connection with the output shafts, respectively, and pairs of differential helical pinions having threads of opposite hands, respectively, the helical pinions of each pair being mounted with a running fit in longitudinal bores contained in opposite ends of the center section for threaded engagement with the side gears, respectively, the adjacent ends of the helical pinions being in overlapping enmeshing threaded engagement, characterized by the provision of a spacer cross pin member having a cylindrical shank portion extending transversely between, and for contiguous engagement by, the adjacent ends of the output shafts.

Abstract: Outside of the oil seal attached to the side gear shaft position in the final reduction gear apparatus, a guide member is installed which has an inner diameter slightly larger than that of the main lip of the oil seal and has a guide surface concentric to the main lip; the side gear shaft is pushed along the guide surface of said guide member, whereby the interference between the side gear shaft and the main lip of the oil seal can be minimized, thus preventing damage to the main lip and assuring the normal function of the oil seal to prevent oil leakage; and the assembling of the side gear shaft is facilitated through exact and easy centering of the side gear shaft.

Abstract: A cover for an automotive gearcase includes a mounting section contoured to match a sealing surface circumscribing the cavity to be sealed, a closure section to retain lubricant within the gearcase. The interior flange provides additional sealing capability for the cover, which is ideally made of plastic sheet molding compound.

Abstract: A torque-proportioning differential of the helical pinion type includes a housing having a body section to one end of which is removably connected a cover section, the one body section end being machined to define a central longitudinal bore and a plurality of circumferentially spaced pairs of longitudinal pinion cavities in longitudinal communication with each other and with the central bore, respectively. The pinion cavities of each pair are of unequal depth, thereby to receive corresponding longitudinally offset helical pinions, respectively. In order to maintain the pinion of the cavity of greater depth adjacent the bottom wall of the cavity, a hub extension is provided on the other end of that pinion which extends the length of the pinion for engagement at its free end with a thrust surface carried by the housing cover section.

Abstract: Limited slip differential mechanisms and assembly techniques therefore are disclosed providing enhanced strength and durability without increase in over all size. Positioning the parting plane of a two part differential mechanism case outside the chain of elements transmitting the torque through the differential mechanism while at the same time increasing the size of side and pinion gears within the case and modifying both the case interior machining technique and the technique for assembling the components within the case yields the strength and durability advantages.

Abstract: Vehicle steering differential have heretofore had a number of assembly, disassembly and serviceability disadvantages or have not been compact enough. The instant differential drive assembly overcomes these deficiencies by including a differential steering mechanism having first and second input gears and a plurality of cooperatively associated planetary gear elements driven thereby, and a mounting structure for rotatably supporting the input gears and the planetary gear elements along a central axis and for modularly positioning the differential steering mechanism in a protected location within the opening of a vehicle case. The mounting structure includes a one-piece carrier body defining a mounting face that is adapted to engage another mounting face of the case.

Abstract: A wheel drive structure for an agricultural tractor comprising a drive case housing a differential mechanism and reduction mechanisms to transmit power from said differential mechanism to wheels. The drive case comprises first and second case portions and said first case portion is made of a structural steel pipe.

Abstract: In a banjo type axle casing comprising an enlarged center case portion for housing a differential gear and a pair of sleeve-like case portions outwardly extending from opposite ends of said center case portion for housing an axle shaft, an oil deflector for covering the axle shaft is provided, wherein said oil deflector is formed of a thin sheet wound into a cylindrical form, only one end of said oil deflector is restrained, the other unrestrained end of said oil deflector is inserted into and engaged with the inner peripheral surface of said sleeve-like case portions as an outer end which is freely deformable along the inner peripheral surface of said sleeve-like case portions, and the restrained end is spaced apart at a predetermined interval from the differential gear as an inner end.

Abstract: A vehicle steering differential (10) includes a case (12) defining a chamber (76), an opening (78) on a transverse axis (36) communicating therewith, and a mounting surface (80) about the opening (78). An input pinion gear (14) and a bevel gear (18) driven by the pinion gear (14) are rotatably connected within case (12) in right angle intermeshing relationship by a body (20) releasably secured to the mounting surface (80). A radial opening (82) is defined in the case (12), and a steering motor (16) has a shaft (88) that extends through the radial opening (82) into driving engagement with the pinion gear (14), with the body (20) supporting the steering motor (16). The body (20) includes an arm (110) and a collar (122) releasably secured to the arm (110) for supporting the steering motor (16).

Abstract: A bearing support of a differential gear in an undivided axis housing with two substantially coaxial roller bearings arranged at approximately the same distance to and on different sides of the plane of the axes of rotation of differential bevel gears; each of the roller bearings supports a bearing neck of the differential gear housing within a bearing opening of the axle housing, whereby at least one of the roller bearings includes an outer race which is inserted directly into its bearing opening and is enlarged in its outer diameter, with respect to the corresponding standard diameter.

Abstract: A differential gearing assembly including a differential case 10 that mounts axle drive gears 22 rotatably engaged with axles 20 and transfer gearing 50 for cross coupling the axle drive gears. The axle ends are secured to the differential assembly by lock rings 32 received by lock ring grooves formed on the axle ends. A thrust spacer maintains the predetermined spaced apart position of the axle ends and in one embodiment 26 comprises elements 26a 26b which when joined together by a fastener 28 capture the lock rings in their installed positions on the axle ends. The transfer gearing includes transfer gears 50 rotatably coupled to each other by intermediate gearing 54. In an alternate embodiment, a thrust spacer 70 is bisected along a line defined by stepped confronting surfaces 74a, 74b, 74c to define interfitting halves 72a, 72b. Each half is configured and sized to facilitate removal through an opening defined between the intermediate gears.

Abstract: A final gear train includes a differential case rotatably mounted within a bell shaped portion of a transmission case between it and a bearing retainer attached to the transmission case by means of two bearings, one bearing being disposed at the bottom of the bell shaped portion, the other bearing disposed around a portion of the bearing retainer to rotatably support a final gear attachment portion of the differential case. The final gear attachment portion is in the form of an axially extending annular portion axially extending from a main body portion of the differential case. This bearing arrangement provides a strong radial rigidity to the final gear attachment portion and prevents deformation of the final gear attachment portion during the transmission of torque.

Abstract: A differential case has a spider assembly within the case. The spider assembly has a plurality of shafts with each carrying a pinion. The end of each shaft is aligned with a port in the periphery of the case. A rigid retaining band is mounted to the case, and it surrounds the case and covers each of the ports. The band prevents a shaft in the spider assembly from leaving the case whenever the shaft breaks from the assembly.

Abstract: Disc brakes have heretofore not received wide utilization on fork lift trucks because of the problems of space and lubrication. A lift truck has a very small, central hub area which greatly limits the size and type of brake and the ways of lubricating the brake. The disc brake actuator (7) of the present invention meets the problem of incorporating disc brakes (10) into the limited space of the wheel drive assembly (22) of a fork lift truck by mechanically applying the disc brakes (10) through axial rotation of the actuator (37,50) about the jack shafts (18). The difficulty of lubricating the disc brakes (10) is overcome either by utilizing the brake actuator (37) as a conduit for lube oil from the differential (11) or sealing off the lube oil from the differential (11) with a seal (58) in the brake actuator (50) so that the disc brakes (10) can be independently lubricated.

Abstract: A breather plug assembly for a gear box utilized in an automobile or other machine. The breather plug has a deflector member of tubular shape, having a cylindrical portion contacting the flow of lubricant formed along the inner surface of the gear box. The cylindrical portion is provided with at least one hole located downstream of the flow. Said hole allows ventilation of the interior of the box to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A transaxle is provided especially for small riding vehicles, such as lawn mowers. The transaxle has multiple forward speeds in a compact housing by virtue of a unique gear train arrangement in which shafts serve multiple functions. A driven bevel gear in the transaxle housing is carried on an intermediate portion of a shaft and is backed up by a structurally-integral rib or flange in the housing. This support minimizes lateral deflection of the shaft on which the bevel gear is mounted, when the transmission is under load.

Abstract: A truss assembly is provided for the drive axle of an automotive vehicle in which the drive axle includes a differential having a pair of axle housings extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of the differential and in which a drive wheel is connected to the free end of the axle mounted in each axle housing. The truss assembly comprises a first truss member which is rigidly secured to one of the axle housings and, similarly, a second truss member which is rigidly secured to the other axle housing. One end of each truss member is positioned adjacent the axle differential. An elongated bar is rigidly secured at one end to one of the truss members at its end adjacent the differential and extends toward the other truss member underneath the axle differential and so that a mid portion of the bar abuts along the bottom of the differential. The opposite end of the bar is externally threaded and positioned through an opening in the other truss member at its end adjacent the differential.

Abstract: An axle housing assembly including a cup-shaped center housing having flattened portions which are diametrically opposed from each other. Tubular housing members, each having an end face which is circular in cross section, are connected to the flattened portions of the cup-shaped center housing by a friction weld. The tubular housing members include a connecting portion extending axially from the end face, a first frustroconical portion interconnecting an intermediate portion to the connecting portion and a second frustroconical portion extends axially from the intermediate portion. The cross-sectional area of the connecting portion is thicker than the first frustroconical portion which gradually decreases in thickness toward the intermediate portion. The cup-shaped center housing defines a cavity having an opening thereto and includes a flange portion extending inwardly about the periphery of the opening and a cover plate is mounted on the inwardly extending flange portion.

Abstract: A transaxle is provided, especially for small riding vehicles, such as lawn mowers. The transaxle is exceptionally shallow, with the gear shift lever entering the housing on about the same level as the rear axles. The transaxle has six forward speeds in a compact housing by virtue of a unique gear train arrangement in which shafts serve multiple functions. A driven bevel gear in the transaxle housing is also backed-up by a structurally-integral rib or flange in the housing. A unique bearing design provides effective lubrication for the output shafts or axles of the transaxle. A compact differential of the transaxle also rotates within a cavity without any axle.

Abstract: A differential features an inexpensive lightweight housing formed of sheet material the rugged construction of which makes it extremely resistant to damage and distortion in use. The embodiment illustrated comprises a housing the peripheral wall of which is defined by a tube segment having a generally rectangular configuration. Each end of the tube segment is capped by a plate centrally contoured about a central aperture to form thereon a cup-like projection the configuration of which is that of a conically tapered, outwardly and axially directed shell the apex of which is truncated. In the case of each end plate the conically tapered shell-like projection seats and nests therein a complementarily shaped sleeve type bearing set in place by offsets of that portion of the plate which defines its base. The respective end plates and their contained bearings, as so paired, each accommodate the projection therethrough of one of the differential shafts.

Abstract: This invention provides a torque tube or coupling housing which is adapted to join a power transmitting member to a power driven member. A rectangular or square metal tube provides this torque tube which has two parallel, spaced-apart outer surfaces. In these spaced-apart surfaces and preferably near their central portions are formed aligned pilot holes. Using these pilot holes as an axis appropriate mounting holes are formed in each of the planar surfaces. The torque tube is then bolted in place to provide a fixed coupling of the power members. As a method, this torque tube provides the steps for joining a power output to a power receiving device wherein the coupling is drilled to provide mounting holes measured from the to be mounted component.

Abstract: A vertical crankshaft engine is the power source of a snowblower. Two horizontal drive belts extend from a double pulley arrangement on the engine crankshaft. One drive belt extends to the vertical input shaft of the traction gear case to power the snowblower wheels. The other belt extends to the vertical input shaft of a right angle gearbox at one axial end of the collector assembly to transmit rotary motion to the collector assembly. A horizontally pivotal idler pulley selectively tensions the belt providing the motive power for the collector assembly and a clutch assembly is associated with the traction axle assembly to selectively power the snowblower wheels.The right angle gearbox housing is made in two complementary pieces which are held together by a type of snap ring and when assembled is bolted to one end of the housing of the collector assembly.

Abstract: A differential axle embodying a differential assembly mounted in a housing arrangement formed of, preferably, die cast aluminum parts and consisting of a central housing portion in which a differential is mounted and tubular portions connected to the sides thereof and extending laterally therefrom and within which the drive axles rotate. The differential unit forming a portion of the assembly consists of a differential carrier which is divided into two parts, with one part having the ring gear of the differential integral therewith and with each part of the differential carrier having hub portions which are heat treated and form the inner races of antifriction bearings which rotatably support the differential carrier within the centrl housing portions.

Abstract: In a housing, for instance, for a final drive assembly for a tractor, a large open space is created when the housing is enlarged, for instance, to accommodate a wider gauge set of tracks. The large open space is substantially filled with a bladder or other bulk member to prevent excess accumulation of oil, or the like, in the open space when the vehicle is tilted as when it is operating on a side slope.

Abstract: A banjo-shaped axle casing including a differential housing and a pair of axle housings. The axle casing has at least a pair of mounting members disposed opposite each other on the inside surface of the axle casing. At least one pair of flexible partitions are inserted into the axle casing such that they engage with the mounting members and partition the axle housings from the differential housing.

Abstract: Construction for uniting by welding a brake case cover, a rear wheel axle case and a terminal speed reduction unit case which are all made of sheet metal. The rear wheel axle case has at its opposite ends precisely circular tubular portions fitting in the brake case cover and in the terminal speed reduction unit case to connect them together. The united parts are joined together by automatic welding. The rear wheel axle case has a flat tubular intermediate portion for mounting a fender or the like thereon. The flat tubular portion has a smaller sectional area than the opposite end tubular portions so as to be substantially flexible and to thereby absorb concentric loads on the weld joints.