Abstract: A load skidding vehicle including a vehicle frame and front and rear wheels on the frame. A grapple mechanism is mounted on the frame and includes a grapple outside of the periphery of the frame for partially lifting a load to be skidded across the ground. A force applying member is carried by the frame for applying a force having a substantial downward component to a load grasped by the grapple at a point spaced from the point of engagement of the load with the grapple and remote from the frame to thereby provide a reactive force tending to equalize the weight distribution on the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, on which a tire is mounted, comprised of two rim portions fixed together by fastening bolts is provided with a means to prevent disassembly of the rim portions while the tire mounted thereon remains inflated. In the preferred embodiment, a cover plate affixed to one of the rim members by a hinge is positionable over the heads of the fastening bolts and retained thereon by an elongated pin having an enlarged head, the pin extending through an aperture in the rim. The locking pin is urged to this locking position while the tire is inflated by pressure in the tire.