Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The fuel tank arrangement includes a fuel tank having an interior cavity defined by an uppermost wall, a lowermost wall, and a series of side walls extending therebetween. The interior cavity includes an expansion space defined upwardly in the vertical direction above a maximum fill line. The arrangement further includes a fill neck extending from the uppermost wall to receive the supply of fuel. The fill neck includes an uppermost end opposite a lowermost end that defines the maximum fill line. A bridge that defines a passage therethrough interconnects the fill neck and the expansion space of the fuel tank. A lowermost end of the passage is horizontally aligned at the lowermost end of the fill neck, and the passage extends upwardly in the vertically direction therefrom.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: A fuel tank arrangement for a vehicular agricultural applicator is provided. The fuel tank arrangement includes a fuel tank having an interior cavity defined by an uppermost wall, a lowermost wall, and a series of side walls extending therebetween. The interior cavity includes an expansion space defined upwardly in the vertical direction above a maximum fill line. The arrangement further includes a fill neck extending from the uppermost wall to receive the supply of fuel. The fill neck includes an uppermost end opposite a lowermost end that defines the maximum fill line. A bridge that defines a passage therethrough interconnects the fill neck and the expansion space of the fuel tank. A lowermost end of the passage is horizontally aligned at the lowermost end of the fill neck, and the passage extends upwardly in the vertically direction therefrom.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an enclosure assembly configured to enhance accessibility to a drive unit of an agricultural applicator. The enclosure assembly generally includes a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected to the enclosure assembly and moveable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the first panel is positioned in general alignment with the second panel. The enclosure assembly also accommodates an exhaust outlet extending upward from the drive unit. The forward end of the first panel includes a first cutout portion and the rearward end of the second panel includes a second cutout portion each configured in the closed position to receive the exhaust outlet. From the closed position, the first panel pivots in a rearward direction and the second panel pivots in a forward direction, relative to the forward direction of travel, to access the drive unit.

Abstract: A traction control and active suspension for land vehicles of the type having ground-engaging wheels and a fluid motor for each wheel, located on a wheel mount movable with respect to a vehicle frame, wherein a suspension spring and fluid cylinder are interposed between the wheel mount and the frame, and fluid pressure applied to the wheel motor is also applied to the cylinder such that when traction is lost, the fluid pressure drops in the cylinder, allowing the spring to extend the wheel mount towards the ground to regain traction. A fluid valve is provided to flush the fluid cylinder when the vehicle transmission is in a neutral condition in one embodiment, while an alternative embodiment uses a pair of diverter valves to accomplish flushing of the fluid cylinders.

Abstract: A method of mining includes striking the surface of friable to brittle, essentially homogeneous mineral materials with a plurality of concave-faced cutting tools rotating about a longitudinal axis disposed substantially parallel with the surface of the mineral material. Segments of the mineral material are cleaved by the cutting tools as the tools strike the surface and then pass along a predetermined path completely through the mineral material.

Abstract: A rotary cutter having a plurality of flighting segments which have a tool holder receiving pocket extending radially inwardly from an outer surface of the flighting segments. Cutting tool holders are retained in the pocket by a wedge disposed adjacent the trailing edge of the tool holder and a bolt extending radially inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the rotary cutter. The bolt extends through the wedge and an opening in the flighting segment and engages a nut disposed in a passageway extending transversely through the flighting segment.

Abstract: A sensor measuring support strut pressure on a cold planer provides a signal for controlling extension of the struts to maintain contact between the ground and the strut in the event of a kickback. Rotation of the planing cylinder is also interrupted in response to the signal, and resumption of vehicle operation is prevented until the support strut pressure is sufficient to enable the operator to control movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a road planer in which the mechanical drive components are selectively and sequentially controlled in response to operator inputs and to sensed operating conditions. The control also responds to the occurrence of predefined fault events and internal system failures by controlling the operation of one or more of the mechanical drive line components in a preselected order. Suitable time delays are provided between the execution of selected commands to prevent undesirable wear or loads on components of the drive train.