Abstract: A utility vehicle, cab ventilation system which includes a fan and a main filter located in the cab roof section with an upstream pre-filter mounted on the exterior of the cab roof. The pre-filter rotates about an axis parallel to air flow and centrifugally forces matter outward, effectively reducing material build up and frequency of service to the main filter within the roof section. The pre-filter can be built into a new cab ventilation system or provided in a module, for adding to existing cab ventilation systems.

Abstract: A multi-ratio PTO drive system is provided and having a first shaft drivingly coupled to a second shaft between an engine output and a splined PTO output stub by a plurality of selectable gear sets. Each gear set delivers a different input-to-output drive ratio and comprises at least a pair of gears drivingly coupled to one another. A first gear of each gear set is keyed on the first shaft and a second gear is selectively engageable with the second shaft by a respective selector mechanism. Each selector mechanism is hydraulically activated by pressurized fluid conveyed through respective fluid conveyance bores in the second shaft. The selector mechanisms may comprise respective coupling gears that are slidable on the second shaft between non-engaged and engaged positions. The coupling gears may serve as pistons within a chamber that can be pressurized wherein the pressurized fluid acts thereupon.

Abstract: A variable track width vehicle axle has an outer axle casing (12) which supports two drive shafts (13) which are driven at their inner ends by drive means (23) and carry wheel attachment means (13a) at their outer ends. Each drive shaft including first and second parts (13a,13b) which are in screw-threaded engagement with each other so that rotation of one part relative to the other changes the effective length of each shaft and thus the track width of the axle. A clutch means (16) is also provided which in a first position connects the two parts (13a, 13b) of each shaft to prevent relative rotation and in a second position disconnects the two parts of each shaft to allow relative rotation therebetween and rotates one of the screw threaded parts relative to the other part (13b) via the drive means (23) to change the effective length of each drive shaft.

Abstract: A continuously variable power-split transmission is provided and comprises an epicyclic module (14) having an input shaft (38) drivingly coupled to a primary motor (20). Three compound planets (52, 60, 62) are supported on a common planet carrier (54) and each engage respective sun gears (50, 56, 58). The transmission further comprises a continuously variable drive connection (16) between the primary motor and the planet carrier. A first sun gear (50) of the epicyclic module is disposed on the input shaft. A first power split output (80) is provided by an output side of the continuously variable drive connection. The second and third sun gears (56, 58) are connected to second and third power split outputs (64, 66) respectively. A downstream torque consumer (18) derives power selectively from one of the first, second and third outputs.

Abstract: A power-split transmission for a vehicle comprises a forward-reverse transmission module, an epicyclic module and a secondary power branch. The forward-reverse power shuttle module (12) comprises an input shaft (22) coupled to a primary motor (20) and an output shaft (38). Also included, first and second clutches (30,48) are alternatively engageable to close respective forward and reverse drive paths between the input shaft and output shaft. Engagement of the first clutch couples the input shaft directly to the output shaft. Engagement of the second clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft via first and second gear sets (32, 34, 36, 42, 44) which each comprise a plurality of meshed gears. One of the gear sets (32, 34, 36) comprises an odd number of gears and the other gear set (42, 44) comprises an even number of gears.

Abstract: A continuously variable power-split transmission is provided and comprises an epicyclic module (14) having an input shaft (38) drivingly coupled to a primary motor (20). Three compound planets (52, 60, 62) are supported on a common planet carrier (54) and each engage respective sun gears (50, 56, 58). The transmission further comprises a continuously variable drive connection (16) between the primary motor and the planet carrier. A first sun gear (50) of the epicyclic module is disposed on the input shaft. A first power split output (80) is provided by an output side of the continuously variable drive connection. The second and third sun gears (56, 58) are connected to second and third power split outputs (64, 66) respectively. A downstream torque consumer (18) derives power selectively from one of the first, second and third outputs.

Abstract: There is provided transmission module (10) for a tractor which is selectively configurable between a CVT arrangement and a multi-ratio powershift transmission arrangement. The module comprises an epicyclic unit (13) in which a first gear element of the epicyclic is driven mechanically from the input shaft (11) and a second gear element of the epicyclic acts as an output of the transmission module. By simply connecting either a CVT unit (24) or a pair of clutches (80) between the input shaft and a third gear element the module (10) can be converted to the desired transmission arrangement. This delivers benefits in a factory for example whereby a large proportion of the assembly can be completed before tailoring the transmission to a customers requirements, thus reducing lead times on delivery.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a utility vehicle (1) which operates with an internal combustion engine (12) and an electrical generator (80), motor (86) and storage means (84). Auxiliary hydraulic functions (93,94) may be powered by the electric motor (86). An output of the engine (12) is mechanically coupled to a multi-ratio transmission (10) which has a hydrostatic driveline (24) and an output which is mechanically coupled to propulsion means. With the engine switched off, the electric motor powers a hydraulic pump (91) which generates pressurized fluid to operate auxiliary functions. In addition, the pressurized fluid may be exploited in a secondary propulsion mode to drive a hydraulic motor (92) in the hydrostatic transmission to propel the vehicle in a low emission, low noise output mode.

Abstract: A power-split transmission for a vehicle comprises a forward-reverse transmission module, an epicyclic module and a secondary power branch. The forward-reverse power shuttle module (12) comprises an input shaft (22) coupled to a primary motor (20) and an output shaft (38). Also included, first and second clutches (30,48) are alternatively engageable to close respective forward and reverse drive paths between the input shaft and output shaft. Engagement of the first clutch couples the input shaft directly to the output shaft. Engagement of the second clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft via first and second gear sets (32, 34, 36, 42, 44) which each comprise a plurality of meshed gears. One of the gear sets (32, 34, 36) comprises an odd number of gears and the other gear set (42, 44) comprises an even number of gears.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission (10) comprises first and second main torque transfer paths between a driven input (22) and a differential gear (24). Each main torque transfer path respectively comprises an in-line clutch (C1,C2), a synchromesh unit (94,112) and a plurality of alternative torque transfer sub-paths being selectable by operation of the synchromesh unit. The first main torque transfer path includes a continuously variable non-mechanical drive connection (16) and the second main torque transfer path is mechanical throughout.

Abstract: A tractor has an engine which drives the tractor via a transmission whose operative ratio is controlled electronically. The tractor also has an auxiliary hydraulic fluid supply system with an engine driven hydraulic pump which provides pressurized fluid to one or more auxiliary outlets on the tractor. A driver operated control means is provided for selecting the oil flow rate to be delivered to the outlets, and a control system adjusts the speed of the engine to the minimum required to provide the selected oil flow rate and changes the operative ratio of the tractor transmission so that the speed of the tractor remains substantially unchanged despite any change in engine speed required to deliver the selected oil flow rate. The transmission may be a CVT or powershift transmission.

Abstract: A continuously variable power-split transmission (10) for transferring torque from a primary motor (20) to a differential gear (24) is provided. The transmission comprises an epicyclic module (14), a continuously variable drive connection (16) and a direct shift transmission module (18). The epicyclic module comprises a first input (38) drivingly coupled to the primary motor, a second input (54) and first and second outputs (64, 66). The continuously variable drive connection (16) is drivingly coupled between the primary motor and second input (54) of the epicyclic module. The first and second epicyclic outputs are alternatively coupled to the differential gear (24) via respective torque transfer paths provided by the direct shift transmission module. Each path includes a clutch (C2, C3) and a synchromesh unit (112, 94) which allows selection of one of a plurality of torque transfer sub-paths. Each clutch comprises an input side and an output side.

Abstract: A driver interface module (14) is fitted inside a utility vehicle cab. The module is located alongside a driver's seat (12), attached thereto, and comprises a console (24) having plurality of driver interface devices disposed thereon. A display attachment bar (26) is mounted to the console, wherein at least one display device (28) is clamped to the display attachment bar.

Abstract: A seat (10) for a utility vehicle comprising a base (12) and a back support (14) is provided. The back support has an asymmetric profile (18) which includes a cut-away portion (20) at a position corresponding to a user's first shoulder, and a mounting point (25) corresponding to a point located above the user's second shoulder for attachment of a three-point harness (22, 24). Provision of the cut-away portion on one upper corner of the seat maintains a portion on the opposite side of the seat for location of the three-point harness thus delivering increased freedom of movement for the operator whilst incorporating safety requirements.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a utility vehicle (1) which operates with an internal combustion engine (12) and an electrical generator (80), motor (86) and storage means (84). Auxiliary hydraulic functions (93,94) may be powered by the electric motor (86). An output of the engine (12) is mechanically coupled to a multi-ratio transmission (10) which has a hydrostatic driveline (24) and an output which is mechanically coupled to propulsion means. With the engine switched off, the electric motor powers a hydraulic pump (91) which generates pressurised fluid to operate auxiliary functions. In addition, the pressurised fluid may be exploited in a secondary propulsion mode to drive a hydraulic motor (92) in the hydrostatic transmission to propel the vehicle in a low emission, low noise output mode.

Abstract: A tractor cab 10 is provided which has a wall portion 16 formed as a double skinned polyethene plastics moulding. The cab also has a tubular ROPS 12 on which the double skinned plastics wall portion is secured. The wall portion includes the wheel arch and fenders of the cab with inner and outer skins 16a, 16b, the inner skin forming the finished inside surface of the region of the cab. The plastics moulding includes moulded channels 16c for receiving part 14 of the tubular cab ROPS. The ROPS is secured to the double skinned plastics moulding with spacers 18, 18a between the inner and outer skins at the points of securement to the ROPS. The inner skin includes moulded formations 21 which form storage receptacles or boxes or mounts for instrumentation or controls and a rear portion of the moulding includes recesses 22, 23 to receive cab lights or control buttons.

Abstract: A vehicle oil-cooled brake comprising has an oil-containing chamber housing one or more rotatable brake discs (22,23) connected a with driveline shaft (150 and a brake applying means to bring the brake disc or disc onto frictional contact with non rotatable structure to brake the shaft. The housing has an inlet (27) into the chamber through which cooling oil may enter the chamber and a closure member (28) for closing off the inlet. The closure member is moveable between open and closed positions by an actuator (40). The chamber has an outlet for allowing cooling oil to leave the chamber and a control means (50) is provided for activating the actuator (40) to move the closure member (28) to close the inlet when the associated vehicle achieves one or more vehicle predetermined operating conditions so that the rotating brake disc or discs or a component rotating therewith can pump oil from the chamber and hence reduce the viscous drag caused by the rotation of the brake disc or discs within the chamber.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly (20) comprising a steering wheel (22) rotatably mounted to a support body (24) is provided. The support body, or console unit, is rotatable about an axis which is substantially transverse between a steering position for steering the vehicle and a table position in which one upward facing surface (28) of the support body provides a table. Advantageously, a surface of the support body to which the steering wheel is mounted is exploited to provide an additional surface for the driver (35) when the vehicle is not in operation.

Abstract: A tractor has an engine (11) which drives the tractor via a transmission (14) whose operative ratio is controlled electronically. The tractor also has an auxiliary hydraulic fluid supply system with an engine driven hydraulic pump (17) which provides pressurised fluid to one or more auxiliary outlets (18-21) on the tractor. A driver operated control means (22, 23) is provided for selecting the oil flow rate to be delivered to the outlets, and a control system (25) adjusts the speed of the engine to the minimum required to provide the selected oil flow rate and changes the operative ratio of the tractor transmission so that the speed of the tractor remains substantially unchanged despite any change in engine speed required to deliver the selected oil flow rate. The transmission may be a CVT or powershift transmission.

Abstract: A driver interface assembly (10) is provided comprising a controller element (15) mounted to a body (16) which forms an integral part of an armrest (11) associated with a driver's seat (12). The body is rotatable with respect to the armrest between two positions: (a) an operating position, in which the controller element is exposed for operation thereof, and (b) a stowed position in which the controller element is concealed from use. The body remains substantially within the profile of the armrest when in both the operating position and the stowed position. The volume occupied by the armrest (11) can therefore be exploited to mount and stow a controller element (15). This is particularly advantageous in a working environment where space is at a premium.