Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvester composed of a forward bogey having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, but being devoid of an on-board grain bin. A rearward bogey is attached by a joint to the forward bogey and has a powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward bogey grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The disclosed improvement includes the rearward bogey having a powered wheel assembly of a powered stiff axle wheel assembly pivotable for steering the articulated harvester when the joint has articulated by a defined number of degrees. The joint may be connected to the rearward bogey powered stiff axle wheel assembly by a beam that has a second joint disposed ahead of the stiff axle and actuatable to crab the articulated harvester for grain unloading.

Abstract: A method for operating an attachment for harvesting stalk-like crops mounted on a carrier vehicle including a plurality of working tools and at least one stalk-guiding element mounted upstream from the working tools, the method including a step of causing the at least one stalk-guiding element to pivot as a function of the location or position of at least one of the attachment and the carrier vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic driving vehicle comprises front and rear transaxles incorporating respective hydraulic motors, and a pump unit separated from the front and rear transaxles. The pump unit incorporates a hydraulic pump having a pump shaft. A hydraulic circuit is formed by piping between the pump unit and the front and rear transaxles so as to circulate hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motors. A reservoir tank of the hydraulic fluid is connected to the hydraulic circuit by piping. A first cooling fan blowing air away from the pump unit and a second cooling fan blowing air toward the pump unit are disposed oppositely to each other with respect to the pump unit and drivingly connected to the pump shaft. At least a pipe for the piping of the hydraulic circuit and the reservoir tank passes an area blown by each of the first and second cooling fans.

Abstract: A multi-motor drive system for a work machine has a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the work machine. The drive system also has a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device. The drive system may also include a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the work machine. Further, the drive system also includes a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device. Additionally, the drive system has an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system. A first drive motor may operatively connect to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate of the inter-group power-transfer system.

Abstract: A steering system for an articulated vehicle has a microprocessor connected to a proportional solenoid valve which controls the direction, amount and rate of flow of hydraulic fluid to and from hydraulic articulation cylinders, which provide articulation between the frames of the articulated vehicle. A positional feedback sensor measures the angle of articulation between the frames and communicates the angle of articulation to the processor. A gear sensor monitors the gear that the vehicle is in and communicates it to the processor. A user input device allows a user to select the desired level of steering sensitivity and also allows the user to input the size of the tires installed on the vehicle. A steering device allows the operator to provide steering input and communicates electrical steering signals to the processor based on the steering input from the operator.

Abstract: A hydraulic four-wheel driving articulated vehicle comprises: a first frame, on which first axles and a first hydraulic motor driving the first axles are mounted; a second frame, on which second axles and a second hydraulic motor driving the second axles are mounted, wherein the first and second frames are connected to each other so as to be relatively rotatable centering on a vertical axis by a steering operation; a hydraulic pump; a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting the first and second hydraulic motors in series to the hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic circuit includes a passage interposed between the first and second hydraulic motors; and pressure control means for releasing oil from the passage between the first and second hydraulic motors when the first and second frames are relatively rotated by the steering operation of the stationary vehicle and backpressure oil discharged from the first and second hydraulic motors is excessively accumulated in the passage between the first and second hydrauli

Abstract: A steering system for a machine having at least one steerable traction device is disclosed. The steering system may have a steering actuator operatively connected to the at least one steerable traction device, and a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a travel speed of the machine. The steering mechanism may also have an operator input device having a deadzone. The deadzone may vary in response to the signal. The steering system may also have a controller in communication with the steering actuator, the operator input device, and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to affect operation of the steering actuator in response to operation of the operator input device only when the operation of the operator input device deviates from the deadzone.

Abstract: A hydraulic driving vehicle comprises front and rear transaxles incorporating respective hydraulic motors, and a pump unit separated from the front and rear transaxles. The pump unit incorporates a hydraulic pump having a pump shaft. A hydraulic circuit is formed by piping between the pump unit and the front and rear transaxles so as to circulate hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motors. A reservoir tank of the hydraulic fluid is connected to the hydraulic circuit by piping. A first cooling fan blowing air away from the pump unit and a second cooling fan blowing air toward the pump unit are disposed oppositely to each other with respect to the pump unit and drivingly connected to the pump shaft. At least a pipe for the piping of the hydraulic circuit and the reservoir tank passes an area blown by each of the first and second cooling fans.

Abstract: An articulate vehicle comprises a first frame disposed at one of front and rear portions of the vehicle and a second frame disposed at the other of front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus supporting a first axle. The second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus supporting a second axle. Proximal ends of the frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other through a coupling part so that the first and second frames are rotatable relative to each other around a vertical axis according to steering operation. An engine is mounted on the first frame. A first hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the first transaxle apparatus so as to drive the first axle. A working vehicle is equipped at a distal side of the second frame with respect to the vehicle. A second hydraulic motor is integrally assembled in the second transaxle apparatus so as to drive the second axle.

Abstract: A multi-combination vehicle or road-train consisting of a powered prime mover, at least one powered trailer and which may include a number of non-powered trailers. The powered trailer includes a cooling system separated from the engine to provide improved cooling and enabling the road-train to be used in confined areas, such as in underground mines. Preferably, the cooling system is located at the rear of the powered trailer. The engines of the prime mover and powered trailer(s) are preferably controlled either by manual controls in the truck cab.

Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes: a body frame; a swing unit including a power unit, and a rear axle connected to the power unit so as to be driven by the power unit, the swing unit being supported on the body frame for vertical swing motion; a front reduction gear for transmitting power to front wheels; and a front propeller shaft connecting the power unit to the front reduction gear for power transmission.

Abstract: Turning radius is calculated from steering angles of steering-wheels and articulation angles of respective frames, and the steering-wheels are automatically rotated faster than rear-wheels based on the turning radius, the revolution number of the rear-wheels, engine speed of an engine and a speed range of hydraulic motors, so that conventional trouble for manipulating operation lever etc. while turning a motor grader and skill-requiring work for adjusting the revolution number of the steering-wheels in accordance with the revolution number of the rear-wheels can be eliminated, thereby easily and accurately controlling the revolution number of the steering-wheels and securely preventing tight-corner braking phenomenon.

Abstract: A vehicle control system that selectively provides rear-wheel steering to prevent a vehicle-trailer from jackknifing during a back-up maneuver. The system senses a steering angle of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle and a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The system calculates an equilibrium hitch angle that is a steady-state hitch angle position based on the steering angle and the vehicle speed, and a pseudo-equilibrium hitch angle that is a steady-state hitch angle at a maximum rear-wheel steering input based on the steering angle and the vehicle speed. The system then determines whether the rear-wheel steering should be provided based on a predetermined relationship between the sensed hitch angle, the equilibrium hitch angle and the pseudo-equilibrium hitch angle.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shalt receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first and second flames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.

Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes: a body frame; a swing unit including a power unit, and a rear axle connected to the power unit so as to be driven by the power unit, the swing unit being supported on the body frame for vertical swing motion; a front reduction gear for transmitting power to front wheels; and a front propeller shaft connecting the power unit to the front reduction gear for power transmission.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a working device has a first frame having a prime mover mounted thereon and supporting a first transaxle apparatus. The first transaxle apparatus includes an input shalt receiving power from the prime mover, a pair of first axles, and a hydrostatic transmission. The hydrostatic transmission comprises a variable hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump via a fluid passage, and a housing with a port fluidly connected to the fluid passage. The second transaxle apparatus includes a pair of second axles having different lengths and a second hydraulic motor. The second hydraulic motor is fluidly connected to the port. Proximal ends of the first and second frames with respect to the vehicle are coupled to each other so that the first anid second flames are rotatable around a vertical axis relative to each other when steered.

Abstract: An articulated hauler, such as a dumper, is disclosed. The hauler includes a vehicle part housing or carrying the drive engine, and a load-bearing vehicle part. The vehicle parts are pivotably interconnected about a vertical pin. The load-bearing vehicle part is provided with at least one first wheel axle driven by the drive engine via a mechanical transmission is arranged at a first distance from the vertical pin. The vehicle part bearing the drive engine is provided with at least one second wheel axle driven by the drive engine. The second wheel axle is arranged at a second distance from the vertical pin. The second wheel axle on the vehicle part bearing the drive engine is also able to be driven via a hydrostatic transmission.

Abstract: An articulated truck for carrying a load through a plurality of work cycles is disclosed. An embodiment includes a frame assembly, an articulation. joint, a plurality of axles, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, a body, an engine, a transmission and an apparatus for receiving the torque and transferring the torque to a plurality of drive shafts. The apparatus includes a plurality of gears, an inter-axle differential, and a plurality of drive shafts. The inter-axle differential is located such that the front axle may be suspended to allow oscillation.

Abstract: An articulated work machine has a front frame and a rear frame connected for pivotal movement therebetween for steering the machine by an articulation joint. Each of the front and rear frames has two driven wheels, spaced laterally, each having a brake associated therewith. As the machine articulates during steering, one or more of the wheels may lose traction and slip. An electronic traction control system receives measured wheel speed signals and an articulation angle signal, calculates a desired wheel speed responsive to the wheel speed and articulation angle signals, and selectively applies the brakes until the measured wheel speed is equal to the desired wheel speed.

Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a failure of wheel speed sensors, which is capable of properly determining whether or not a wheel speed detection system including the wheel speed sensors has failed, if at least a wheel speed detected by the wheel speed sensors indicates a stopped state of a corresponding wheel. An engine rotational speed is detected, and an input-output rotational speed ratio of a torque converter of an automatic transmission mounted in the vehicle is calculated. A shift range of the automatic transmission is detected. Whether or not the vehicle is traveling is determined based on the engine rotational speed and the input-output rotational speed ratio when the automatic transmission is in a traveling range. It is determined that the wheel speed detection system including the wheel speed sensors has failed, if it is determined that the vehicle is traveling, and at the same time, at least one of wheel speed sensors indicates a stopped state of a corresponding one of the wheels.

Abstract: A high clearance farm tractor is capable of accepting different front attachments to enable it to operate as either a swather or a sprayer. The front and rear sections of the vehicle's chassis are connected by an articulating oscillating joint which permits the vehicle's rear wheels to follow the path of the front wheels while turning thereby reducing damage to crops. The oscillating nature of the joint improves traction by allowing the wheels to always have full contact with the ground. A rear mounted engine counterbalances the weight of a front mounted attachment such as a swather head. The mounting of the cab on the front section of the vehicle away from the engine reduces noise experienced by the operator and permits the operator to have a direct line of sight to the operation of the vehicle. The use of active suspension and chemical application rates permit the vehicle to be transported and operated at higher speeds.

Abstract: A drive system for all-wheel drive vehicles is provided having separate front and rear transaxles powered by a single engine through a power transfer system. The transaxles each include a hydrostatic transmission and an axle, the hydrostatic gearing system within the hydrostatic transmission serving, in conventional manner, to transfer power from the engine to the axle and drive wheel or wheels. Thus, the front and rear transmissions each may include driving shafts, lay shafts, gear wheels, differentials, and/or other drive train entities employed in the art. A single shifting mechanism associated with the gear systems within each hydrostatic transmission is employed to operate the separate hydrostatic transmissions in harmony.

Abstract: A steering system for turning a machine has a plurality of wheels that include a first and second wheel that share a first axis of rotation. The plurality of wheels also includes at least one tether wheel that has a second axis of rotation and may be pivoted relative to the first and second wheels. The first and second axes of rotation define a turning angle. A plurality of drive units include first and second drive units for independently rotating the first and second wheels respectively at variable speeds. A steering input device produces a steering input signal, and a controller receives the steering input signal and produces drive unit request signals to control the drive units. The drive unit request signals may command a turn by rotating the wheels at different speeds thereby altering the turning angle and turning the machine. In this manner, the present invention may steer the machine without articulation cylinders, a transmission, a drive shaft, or a differential.

Abstract: A splitter gearbox for a four wheel drive, hydrostatically driven tractor integrates both the input drive train and the output drive train into a single gearbox. The drive mechanism eliminates the need for a separate mechanical gearbox by establishing pre-set fixed displacement settings that are electronically controlled along with the variable displacement of the hydrostatic motor and hydrostatic pump, to provide a smooth power shift through all ranges without requiring the tractor to stop. The drive mechanism is configured so that essentially all components are individually controlled so that the entire power generated by the tractor engine can be diverted to any one of the traction drive, the PTO mechanism, the auxiliary hydraulic drive or, to a somewhat lesser extent, the tractor hydraulic system. The splitter gearbox is mounted to the rear axle housing to allow the sharing of a common oil sump.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor with four ground contacting suspensions, two front and two rear disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle can be steered such that its front suspension lies behind its rear suspension. The front suspension can pivot about an articulation joint in the vehicle and also about a wheel-end steering joint such that when it is in an extreme left or right turn position, the front suspension cannot be turned about the wheel-end steering joint while holding the articulation joint in an extreme left or right turn position without causing the front suspension to interfere with and contact the rear suspension.

Abstract: The invention is a sliding shield between the cab end and engine end of a bi-directional or articulated tractor. A sliding member is pivotally attached to the flared shield support on the cab end. The sliding member has a slot on which permits it to be slideably attached to the flared end shield. There are a pair of opposing walls perpendicularly affixed to the shield member. One wall has an aperture with a removal door attached. The sliding member covers a pair of universal joints and a connecting transfer shaft. Access to a grease fitting on the transfer shaft may be gained through the door to allow lubrication.

Abstract: An articulated four wheel drive work vehicle is provided with a front axle having a front differential and a rear axle having a rear differential. Both differentials are provided with hydraulically operated differential locks that are coupled to respective solenoid control valves. The solenoid control valves are coupled to a microprocessor. The microprocessor has a manual mode in which the differential locks are controlled by a foot pedal in the operators cab and an automatic mode in which the microprocessor controls the differential locks in response to speed signals from the axles and the transmission. The microprocessor calculates a predicted axle speed based on the transmission output speed signal received by a transmission speed sensor. The microprocessor then compares this signal to the actual axle speed signals received from axle speed sensors and triggers the respective solenoid valve if the difference is greater than a programmed amount.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, magnetic wheeled vehicle having a high pressure spray head for cleaning ferromagnetic surfaces. An articulating CHASSIS supports a variable frequency motor, gear reducers, drive axles, a servo motor steering linkage and multiple, laminated permanent magnet wheels. Resilient bushings and split, spring biased torsion hubs independently support the drive axles and each wheel to accommodate changes in surface contour. An adjustable tool head gantry mounts to either the fore or aft axle to support a rotary, multi-orifice sprayer. Control switches and a passive, magnetic anchor and tether protect the equipment while in use. In a second configuration, a sectional chassis framework surrounds the motor and a pair of drive chains transfer power through geared reducers to each axle. Springs are mounted to the aft frame section to provide a torsion suspension at the aft wheels.

Abstract: A traction control system for a machine having two driven wheels is disclosed. Braking mechanisms controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. Transducers produce an actual speed signal having a value proportional to the rotational velocity of each driven wheel. A microprocessor produces a desired speed signal having a value representative of a desired rotational velocity of each driven wheel, and an error signal representative of the difference between the values of the desired and actual speed signals. The microprocessor additionally multiplies the error signal by a gain value and produces a braking command signal to the braking mechanism to apply braking forces to a slipping wheel. The present invention provides the advantage of modifying the gain value based on machine operating conditions in order to achieve good performance.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an articulation joint between a front section and a rear section. The articulation joint comprises two vertically spaced pivotal support bearings defining a rotational axis of the joint. First and second drive trains extend through the joint for transmitting drive power between the front and rear sections of the vehicle. Steering actuators which are coupled between the front and rear sections for selectively articulating the joint are trunnion-mounted, providing a compact articulation joint. Free volumes are provided adjacent to cap ends of the actuators to allow for pivotal movement of the steering actuators during articulation of the joint. The first drive train extends between an engine in one section of the vehicle and a transmission in the other section for driving the transmission and a first set of wheels, while the second drive train extends from the transmission to the first section of the vehicle for driving a second set of wheels.

Abstract: An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle for agricultural harvesting which reduces damage to fields and can be driven on paved roads at reasonable speeds. The vehicle has front and rear elements, linked by an articulating joint which permits turning and rotation of one element with respect to the other. Each element is motivated by a pair of tracked power units which are hydraulically driven by a heavy duty differential between the units. Each power unit is rotatably mounted solely on a shaft sleeve of the differential and is free to oscillate vertically and independently to absorb irregularities in its path. Each unit includes an endless elastomeric track which has two rows of lugs on its inner surface. A novel drive mechanism engages these lugs to motivate the vehicle. A sealed transmission housing in each power unit protects key drive elements from environmental damage without interfering with operation of the unit.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle for agricultural harvesting which reduces damage to fields and can be driven on paved roads at reasonable speeds. The vehicle has front and rear elements, linked by an articulating joint which permits turning and rotation of one element with respect to the other. Each element is motivated by a pair of tracked power units which are hydraulically driven by a heavy duty differential between the units. Each power unit is rotatably mounted solely on a shaft sleeve of the differential and is free to oscillate vertically and independently to absorb irregularities in its path. Each unit includes an endless elastomeric track which has two rows of lugs on its inner surface. A novel drive mechanism engages these lugs to motivate the vehicle. A sealed transmission housing in each power unit protects key drive elements from environmental damage without interfering with operation of the unit.

Abstract: A fully hydraulic steering system for a vehicle having a front frame and a rear frame coupled to each other by an articulating pin, the steering system coupling a steering unit operated by a wheel to steering cylinders, for turning the vehicle body. The steering system comprises: a sensor to detect a turning angle of the steering wheel; a sensor to detect an articulating angle of the vehicle body; a controller to compare outputs from these two sensors to drive a wheel position correcting solenoid valve according to the difference between the outputs; a pilot-type diverting valve to allow wheel position correcting oil to branch from a switch pump circuit to the wheel position correcting solenoid valve; and a safety valve to close a drain port of the pilot type diverting valve only when the driver performs steering with the wheel so that the pilot-type diverting valve feeds correcting oil to the wheel position correcting solenoid valve.

Abstract: A harvesting machine for nuts and stone fruits including an articulated body with a front part and a back part. A tree shaker head is detachable and couples to the front part of the harvesting machine by a C-frame mount. The articulated body with a low clearance provides necessary maneuverability in an orchard environment, while permitting the harvesting machine with the shaker head detached, to function as a general purpose orchard machine for mowing, spraying, brush clearing and other associated tasks. Specialized machinery for these tasks is no longer necessary.

Abstract: Provided with a wheeled road surface cutter comprising a front section attached thereto with steerable front wheels on both sides thereof, a rear section attached thereto with rear wheels, a pivot joint for coupling the front end of the rear section to the rear end of the front section, and a cutting device attached to the rear section on one side and substantially aligned with one of the front wheels on the same side.

Abstract: A vehicle includes front and rear sections which are pivotally connected to enable the rear section to articulate relative to the front section. A drive train connects a transmission on the front vehicle section to a differential on the rear vehicle section and transmits power between the transmission and the differential while allowing the rear section to articulate relative to the front section. The drive train includes a shaft of fixed length extending from the transmission to a universal joint and includes a shaft of variable length extending from the universal joint to the differential.

Abstract: An offroad agricultural vehicle of the type operable to be used as a crop pesticide sprayer, fertilizer distributor and the like including a first frame having at least one load bearing ground engaging wheel and at least one wheel having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a ground surface, a second frame having at least one load bearing ground engaging wheel and at least one wheel having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a ground engaging surface, a drive which operably effects rotation of at least one of the load bearing ground engaging wheels, a universal pivot bearing positioned between a juncture of the first and second frames which permits relative pivoting motion between the first and second frame, a steering element including an arcuate rack, a pinion gear and an element for maintaining engagement of the pinion gear with the arcuate rack and an element for driving the pinion gear in opposite directions to impart lateral movement of the first frame with respect to the second frame

Abstract: This self-propelled articulation-steered tractor has a positive adjustment system for controlling the orientation (both elevation and lateral tilt) of a transverse implement mounted on either the front or rear assembly of the tractor, and a reactive adjustment system for allowing terrain-responsive orientation of the axle of the other assembly (front or rear) not carrying the transverse implement. The positive adjustment system is operator controlled. The reactive system may comprise a mounting of the axle for the non-implement-carrying assembly so it freely pivots with respect to the frame of that assembly. An articulation joint transverse swivel pivot system is provided for lateral tilt movement between the front and rear assemblies of the articulation-steered tractor.

Abstract: An articulation damping device having a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit 2, connected pivotally at 5 to a front vehicle 3 at a distance y from the longitudinal median plane and on the other side and symmetrically thereto and also at the distance y from the longitudinal median plane a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit 19, is also pivotally connected at 5'. At their other ends the two units 2, and 19, 19' are connected to the outer part 1' of the turntable joint at pivot 4 located in the longitudinal median plane. In this position of the piston-cylinder units the vehicles of the articulated omnibus are aligned in an in-line position for running straight ahead. Dimension x deontes the distance of the points 5 and 5' of articulation from the pivot 4 in the longitudinal median plane. The dimension b.sub.min represents the inner dead center position of the piston-cylinder unit 2, dimension a denotes the radius of the turntable joint, .beta.

Abstract: A control linkage for actuating transmission shifts in an articulated tractor having a transmission and operator controls on opposing sides of the articulation axis is disclosed wherein an offset connecting rod is connected to the shift control arm of the transmission which is located proximate to the articulation axis for the tractor. A push/pull cable is detachably connected to the offset connecting arm at a position remote from the shift control arm such that the connection between the push/pull cable and the offset connecting rod is further from the articulation axis than the shift control arm. The rod portion of the push/pull cable is restrained from non-axial movement relative to the sheath portion of the cable by a bracket affixed to the transmission housing.

Abstract: A damping device for use with an articulation joint of an articulated omnibus. Between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle connected with the outer race ring of a live ring or between the rear vehicle and the front vehicle connected with the inner race ring of the live ring a hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber is arranged so that in the extended, in-line alignment position of the omnibus it is in its inner dead center position. It is connected hydraulically in parallel with a further hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber. The latter is preferably placed slightly obliquely and is spaced from the longitudinal median plane of the articulated omnibus when the omnibus is in the in-line setting, the hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber being pivotally connected at one first end with one of the two vehicles and at a second end to that race ring of the live ring which is connected to the other of the two vehicles.

Abstract: Neutralizer valves are useful in hydraulic steering systems to hydraulically stop the steering motion. However the known neutralizer valve arrangements will not work in load sensing hydrostatic steering systems. The subject load sensing hydrostatic steering system has a limit valve disposed in a load pressure signal signal line to normally communicate a load pressure siganl from a steering valve to a displacement controller of a load sensing variable displacement pump so that the displacement of the pump is regulated to meet the demand for pressurized fluid by the steering valve. When a pair of vehicle members reach a preselected position during a steering maneuver, the limit valve is moved to a position interrupting communication of the load pressure signal to the displacement controller causing the pump to destroke to its minimum output thereby stopping the flow of pressurized fluid to the steering valve and to a pair of steering cylinders.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle includes an articulated frame formed by front and rear frame sections which are pivotally joined. A hydraulic motor is coupled to a front pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the front frame section. An oscillating axle assembly which includes a rear pair of wheels is pivotally mounted to the rear frame section for rotation about an axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal extent of the vehicle. The rear pair of wheels are coupled to the front pair of wheels through a drive assembly. A transverse torsion bar is rotatably mounted to the rear frame section. A pair of torsion arms are rigidly mounted to opposite ends of the torsion bar and extend rearwardly toward the oscillating axle assembly. A pair of links are pivotally coupled to the torsion arms via a pair of pivot mounts. Further pivot mounts pivotally couple opposite ends of the links to opposite ends of the oscillating axle assembly.

Abstract: A powereed riding tractor lawn mower suited to uneven terrain has four fluid motor powered driven wheels and includes a frame comprising front and rear frame sections connected for pivoting about a first axis between the sections and normal to the ground plane. The rear frame section is in turn made up of forward and rearward portions, the rearward portion of which pivots about a second axis which intersects and is perpendicular to the first axis enabling the rear wheels to pivot about both axis. Sterring is accomplished by a steering mechanism which changes the angular relation of the frame sections.

Abstract: A hydrostatic drive vehicle includes an articulated frame formed by forward and rearward transmission cases which are pivotally joined. A first set of wheels is rotatably mounted to the forward transmission case, while a second set of wheels is rotatably mounted to the rearward transmission case. A first hydraulic motor is coupled to the first set of wheels by a chain reduction linkage and limited slip differential which are mounted within the forward transmission case. A second hydraulic motor is coupled to the second set of wheels by a chain reduction linkage and limited slip differential mounted within the rearward transmission case. An engine and hydraulic pump are mounted to the frame. The first and second hydraulic motors are coupled to the hydraulic pump in a series hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for distributing the output of a transmission to front wheels and rear-wheels through a front power train and a rear power train. The output shaft of the transmission is operatively connected to the rear power train. The transfer device has a drive gear rotatably mounted on the output shaft of the transmission and engaged with a driven gear in the front power train, a fluid operated multiple-disk friction clutch having a drive drum and a driven drum. The driven drum is secured to the drive gear and the drive drum is secured to the output shaft. A piston is slidably mounted in a piston chamber and operated by oil supplied to the piston chamber for engaging the drive drum with the driven drum. A centifugal force oil chamber is formed in the fluid operated clutch opposite to the piston chamber, interposing the piston. The oil chamber is supplied with oil through an oil supply passage.

Abstract: A telescoping drive shaft comprising a first drive shaft element which telescopingly receives a second drive shaft element which is provided with lubricating passages. Lubricating grease held in the first drive shaft element can be directed through the lubricating passages to the intermeshed splines of the two drive shaft elements. A non-positive seal at the end of the first drive shaft element is used to exhaust excess lubricating grease from the drive shaft.

Abstract: An anti-spin apparatus for a machine is disclosed. The machine is articulated and has at least one axle set with at least two driven wheels. The anti-spin apparatus includes braking mechanisms which controllably apply braking forces to each of the driven wheels. A controller produces a slip signal having a value responsive to the difference in rotational velocity between the wheels of the axle set. A transducer produces an articulation signal having a value responsive to the angle of articulation of the machine. Further, a microprocessor receives the slip signal and the articulation signal, and produces a braking control signal. One of the braking mechanisms receives the braking control signal and responsively applies the braking forces to the faster rotating wheel.