Abstract: A triangular track suspension system includes a drive sprocket, a track frame having idler wheels mounted on its ends, and a track draped about the drive sprocket and idler wheels. One of the idler wheels is mounted for fore and aft movement relative to the track frame. A take up mechanism is provided that moves the idler wheel in a forward direction as the track frame rocks to maintain a substantially constant circumference around the idler wheels and drive sprocket.

Abstract: A four track vehicle especially adapted for logging on steep slopes includes a running unit and an upper unit. The upper unit is articulated relative to the lower unit to maintain a center of gravity within the four tracked pods upon which the running unit is mounted. Sensing systems are utilized to alert the operator when the machine is in an incipient tipping condition. Moreover, a unique suspension system combining a torsion frame and swingable pod mounting arms are employed. The pods are locked in position when the vehicle is in an operating mode and are unlocked when the vehicle is in a travel mode.

Abstract: A four track vehicle especially adapted for logging on steep slopes includes a running unit and an upper unit. The upper unit is articulated relative to the lower unit to maintain a center of gravity within the four tracked pods upon which the running unit is mounted. Sensing systems are utilized to alert the operator when the machine is in an anticipitated tipping condition. Moreover, a unique suspension system combining a torsion frame and swingable pod mounting arms are employed. The pods are locked in position when the vehicle is in an operating mode and are unlocked when the vehicle is in a travel mode.

Abstract: A cable hauling system includes a drive shaft, a haulback shaft with a haulback drum mounted thereon, and a main shaft with a main drum mounted thereon. A first pair of gears operatively associated with the drive shaft and the main shaft includes a positively acting clutch for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the main shaft in driving relationship through the first pair of gears. Second and third pairs of gears are operatively associated with the drive shaft and the haulback shaft. An energy-dissipating, power transfer device is associated with both the second and third pairs of gears to selectively couple one or the other of the second and third pairs of gears in driving relationship with the haulback shaft.

Abstract: A cable hauling system includes a drive shaft, a haulback shaft with a haulback drum mounted thereon, and a main shaft with a main drum mounted thereon. A first pair of gears operatively associated with the drive shaft and the main shaft includes a positively acting clutch for selectively coupling the drive shaft to the main shaft in driving relationship through the first pair of gears. Second and third pairs of gears are operatively associated with the drive shaft and the haulback shaft. An energy-dissipating, power transfer device is associated with both the second and third pairs of gears to selectively couple one or the other of the second and third pairs of gears in driving relationship with the haulback shaft.

Abstract: A system for guying a tower on which a force is exerted in a direction transverse to the elongate dimension thereof includes a plurality of guys interconnected between the tower and respective anchors. The guys are placed under a tension load to oppose the force exerted on the tower. An extensible device, such as a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly, is serially interconnected with the guys at a location between the tower and the anchor. Before a force is exerted on the tower, the piston and cylinder assemblies are pre-pressurized with hydraulic fluid so as to retract the pistons and thus reduce the effective length of the guys. When the load on the guy bearing the greatest tension load reaches a predetermined value, hydraulic fluid is relieved from its associated piston and cylinder assembly, allowing the assembly to extend and increase the effective length of that guy.