Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a tree feeding system for use with tree handling equipment, the tree feeding system including: a housing having a frame and at least one arm; a plurality of tree feeding wheels arranged with at least one wheel on the frame and at least one wheel on the at least one arm; and a hydraulic circuit for driving the tree feeding wheels, wherein the hydraulic circuit is configured such that wheels on the frame are driven in series and wheels on the arm are driven in series. In another embodiment, the hydraulic circuit is configured such that wheels on one side (e.g. left hand side) of the housing are driven in series and wheels on an opposite side (e.g. right hand side) of the housing are driven in series but wheels on the frame are mechanically connected by a universal joint.

Abstract: A thrust washer and a differential containing a thrust washer. The differential has a housing, a spider with a plurality of spider arms, and one or more spider gears. The thrust washer includes a body comprising an annular shape having a width configured to approximately match a width of the one or more spider gears and further configured to a have a slope along the width configured to conform with an inner diameter of the housing and at least one engagement mechanism to engage with at least two of the plurality of spider arms to engage the thrust washer with the spider to approximately prevent the thrust washer from rotating relative to the housing when the thrust washer is installed in the differential.

Abstract: A thrust washer and a differential containing a thrust washer. The differential has a housing, a spider and one or more spider gears. The thrust washer includes a body having an annular shape and a width configured to approximately match with a width of the one or more spider gears. The thrust washer is further configured to engage with the spider to prevent or reduce the thrust washer from rotating relative to the housing when the thrust washer is installed in the differential.

Abstract: A thrust washer and a differential containing a thrust washer. The differential has a housing, a spider and one or more spider gears. The thrust washer includes a body having an annular shape and a width configured to approximately match with a width of the one or more spider gears. The thrust washer is further configured to engage with the spider to prevent or reduce the thrust washer from rotating relative to the housing when the thrust washer is installed in the differential.

Abstract: A drive system and method includes a gearbox system, a first hydraulic motor driving a first input shaft, a second hydraulic motor driving a second input shaft, a drive pump driving the first and second hydraulic motors, and a system control for controlling the drive pump, the clutch assembly, and the first and second hydraulic motors. The gearbox system includes the first input shaft having a first input gear driving a first output gear on an output shaft, the second input shaft having a second input gear driving a second output gear disengageable from the output shaft, and a clutch assembly for engaging the second output gear with the output shaft. The clutch assembly includes a clutch to engage the second output gear with the output shaft, and a fluid access channel through a rotary manifold to provide pressurized fluid to activate the clutch.

Abstract: A drive system and method includes a gearbox system, a first hydraulic motor driving a first input shaft, a second hydraulic motor driving a second input shaft, a drive pump driving the first and second hydraulic motors, and a system control for controlling the drive pump, the clutch assembly, and the first and second hydraulic motors. The gearbox system includes the first input shaft having a first input gear driving a first output gear on an output shaft, the second input shaft having a second input gear driving a second output gear disengageable from the output shaft, and a clutch assembly for engaging the second output gear with the output shaft. The clutch assembly includes a clutch to engage the second output gear with the output shaft, and a fluid access channel through a rotary manifold to provide pressurized fluid to activate the clutch.