Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle that has a frame, a driving track assembly, and a pair of secondary driving assemblies mounted on opposing lateral sides of the track assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle that has one or more counterbalance structures for offsetting longitudinally off-center loads carried on the frame of such a vehicle.
Abstract: A vehicle with a driving track assembly and a pair of secondary driving and steering assemblies disposed on opposing lateral sides of the track. Each secondary driving and steering structure includes a ground engaging driving and steering structure that is preferably a ground engaging wheel. The driving track assembly includes an endless ground engaging track that drives the vehicle. The flanking driving and steering structures also engage the ground and are rotated to impart force to the vehicle. A steering device is operatively connected to the secondary driving and steering assemblies. the steering device control operation of the secondary driving and steering assemblies so as to affect a vehicle steering operation wherein the ground engaging driving and steering structures are operated to turn said vehicle with respect to said vehicle driving and steering direction.
Abstract: A vehicle is provided including a main frame structure, a track assembly mounted to the main frame structure and having an single, endless ground-engaging track extending in a longitudinal direction. A pair of steerable ground-engaging wheels flank the track, constructed and arranged to exert a ground bearing pressure sufficient to change a direction of travel of the track in response to turning of the wheels to steer the vehicle. Steering structure is operatively associated with the wheels to turn the wheels. Power drive structure is mounted with respect to the main frame structure and is constructed and arranged to drive the wheels and the track simultaneously so as to move the vehicle along the ground. The wheels are constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the main frame structure so as to change a position thereof with respect to the main frame structure, thereby permitting driving, steering and ground pressure of the vehicle to be adjusted in accordance with ground conditions.