Abstract: A fairlead and implement hitch for off-highway vehicles, particularly log skidders used in site preparation work, in which the implement is normally hitched to the vehicle, but remains attached to the cable such that when the vehicle looses traction in soft ground, the implement may be unhitched by paying out the fairlead cable leaving it behind until the vehicle regains firm ground and thereafter winching in the implement which is again hitched to the vehicle in a manner to relieve the cable of any towing forces.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle which is provided with an automatic track tensioning assembly of the type adapted to control the pressure in the hydraulic cylinders tensioning the endless track. This track tensioning assembly distinctively includes a main control circuit and a pilot control circuit which are hydraulically isolated from each other with the main control circuit being operatively closed and isolated from the supply pump to more freely optimize the distinct functions of these circuits such as the response of the main control circuit. This track tensioning assembly includes a pilot valve for each hydraulic cylinder, an accumulator, and a relief valve in the main control circuit for release of pressure from the cylinders to the accumulaotr through the relief valve. The pilot valves are selectively operable by control valves in the pilot control circuit.