Abstract: The blade ratio of an articulated work vehicle with multiple tracks is adjusted by shifting a load from the weight of the vehicle toward the front or rear of one or more of the tracks. The load may be shifted through the actuation of a hydraulic cylinder that applies a biasing load between a frame on which a track frame is mounted and a front or rear portion of the track frame.

Abstract: An articulated dozer with a four point independent suspension system between a chassis and two support frames is described. The chassis includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion connected by an articulation joint. The vehicle is compactly arrange so that the chassis and the two support frames fit between the track systems supporting and propelling the vehicle. Additionally, the engine is arranged near the articulation joint and lower than the top of the track systems for improved view and visibility. The cab is arranged over the track systems at the front of the vehicle for an optimal view of the blade.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and two A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The invention includes a suspension lockout feature to, effectively lockout the suspension system, i.e., render it rigid. One or more valves may are used to prevent hydraulic flow from and two the hydraulic suspension cylinders.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and corresponding A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The tracks are independently suspended. The C-frame and blade are mounted to the first A-frame while the controlling cylinders are mounted to the front chassis portion. This allows the blade to follow the tracks or ground and yet stabilize its motion.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and two A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The A-frames are of approximate equal length along the axis of the vehicle and the ball joints are located as close as practical to the articulation joint. Thus, any vertical forces at the ball joints due to variations in tractive efforts for the vehicle tend to be equal and opposite in direction and to, therefore, minimize any chassis height variations.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis, two A-frames, and four track assemblies. A narrow portion each of the A-frames faces a narrow portion of the other A-frame. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The chassis of the vehicle is suspended above the first and second A-frames. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The bulk of the load from the blade, i.e., the blade load, is transferred directly to the tracks via the first and second Aframes; the first and second ball joints and pivot connections between the first and second A-frames and the track frames for each track assembly.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and two A-frames. The points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by independently driven tracks. The invention includes a feature to limit the motion of the suspension system based on the load applied to the suspension cylinders, i.e., the pressure experienced by the head end of the suspension cylinders. This is accomplished via pilot operated check valves.

Abstract: A tractor having a cargo box and an axle mounted hitch ball in which the hitch ball projects upward through an opening in the cargo box floor. This arrangement enables the ball to be used when the cargo box is mounted to the tractor. Furthermore, since the ball is mounted to the axle and not the cargo box, greater load carrying capacity is achieved and the hitch can be used when the box removed from the tractor.

Abstract: A tractor having a cargo box and an axle mounted hitch ball in which the hitch ball projects upward through an opening in the cargo box floor. This arrangement enables the ball to be used when the cargo box is mounted to the tractor.Furthermore, since the ball is mounted to the axle and not the cargo box, greater load carrying capacity is achieved and the hitch can be used when the box removed from the tractor.

Abstract: A suspension linkage for an axle has hard mechanical oscillation stops that move relative to the vehicle frame as the axle travels vertically. The linkage uses thrust bearings to eliminate sideways movement of the axle that causes bounce steer. The linkage is a scissors linkage, having an upper link and a lower link joined together at a center pivot. The hard mechanical oscillation stops are carried by the linkage, as opposed to the vehicle frame, and thus move vertically with the axle.

Abstract: A tractor having a cargo box and an axle mounted hitch ball in which the hitch ball projects upward through an opening in the cargo box floor. This arrangement enables the ball to be used when the cargo box is mounted to the tractor. Furthermore, since the ball is mounted to the axle and not the cargo box, greater load carrying capacity is achieved and the hitch can be used when the box removed from the tractor.