Abstract: A machine includes a chassis, a plurality of ground-engaging elements supporting the chassis above a ground surface, a motor for driving at least one of the ground-engaging elements and a plurality of assemblies supporting the chassis on the ground-engaging elements. Each of the assemblies is configured to selectively raise and lower the chassis relative to the ground surface and includes a first attachment component for attaching the assembly to one of the ground-engaging elements, a second attachment component for attaching the assembly to the chassis, an adjustment component for shifting the first attachment component between a plurality of operating positions relative to the second attachment component. A control system allows an operator to remotely control the adjustment components of each of the assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle air-conditioning system and, more particularly, to a vehicle air-conditioning system in which an air-conditioning module consisting of an air-conditioning case and a blowing apparatus is disposed at a side of an engine room with respect to a dash panel, and a distribution duct for distributing cold and hot air discharged from the air-conditioning case into the inside of a vehicle is disposed on the indoor side of the vehicle with respect to the dash panel. The vehicle air-conditioning system may prevent a reverse flow of outdoor air into a cold air discharge port and a hot air discharge port due to the wind pressure when driving by forming a shielding means at the sides of the cold air discharge port and the hot air discharge port, which discharge the cold and hot air of the air-conditioning case to the outside, thereby improving the cooling and heating performance by smoothly discharging heat through the cold air discharge port and the hot air discharge port.

Abstract: A self-aligning driveshaft coupler includes a receiving clutch having a spiral channel around its neck, and a locking clutch assembly with a first ring shaped member and a second ring shaped member that rotate together. A locking pin extends radially from the second ring shaped member and into the spiral channel and pulls the locking clutch assembly toward the receiving clutch as the receiving clutch rotates. A plurality of drive pins extend axially from the first ring shaped member and engage the receiving clutch when the locking pin is at the end of the spiral channel.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a ballast insert assembly and a method of control. The ballast insert assembly may have an inflatable bladder that may be disposed in a cavity. The volume of lubricant in the cavity may be greater when the inflatable bladder is deflated than when the inflatable bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A differential transmission for a motor vehicle comprising a driving gear wherein the driver gear introduces torque to the transmission; a first output element and a second output element wherein the first and second output elements output torque from the transmission; a differential cage designed for transmitting torque from the driving gear to the first output element, wherein the differential cage is non-rotatably connected to the driving gear, and the first output element is rotationally arranged to the differential cage; a sliding sleeve wherein the sliding sleeve is arranged between the differential cage and the first output element, wherein the sliding sleeve has a lubricating recess which extends in a spiral shape in the circumferential direction and is operatively arranged to provide a lubricating film.

Abstract: A bogie axle assembly having a housing, a spindle, a drive sprocket unit, and a planetary gear set. The drive sprocket unit may be fixedly disposed on a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set. The spindle may be fixedly disposed on the housing. The drive sprocket unit may be rotatably supported by at least one roller bearing assembly that may be disposed between the spindle and the drive sprocket unit.

Abstract: An axle assembly is provided and includes an axle component, a pinion nut, and a retainer. The axle component has a recess that defines a wall portion. The pinion nut is received within the recess. The retainer is received within the recess and is disposed between the pinion nut and the wall portion. The retainer is movable between a compressed state and a first expanded state, whereby the compressed state permits movement of the retainer relative to the pinion nut and the first expanded state engages the pinion nut and the wall portion to restrict movement of the retainer relative to the pinion nut and the wall portion.

Abstract: A variable track width vehicle axle has an outer axle casing (12) which supports two drive shafts (13) which are driven at their inner ends by drive means (23) and carry wheel attachment means (13a) at their outer ends. Each drive shaft including first and second parts (13a,13b) which are in screw-threaded engagement with each other so that rotation of one part relative to the other changes the effective length of each shaft and thus the track width of the axle. A clutch means (16) is also provided which in a first position connects the two parts (13a, 13b) of each shaft to prevent relative rotation and in a second position disconnects the two parts of each shaft to allow relative rotation therebetween and rotates one of the screw threaded parts relative to the other part (13b) via the drive means (23) to change the effective length of each drive shaft.

Abstract: A drive axle for an agricultural or industrial vehicle includes a central box-shaped body for containing a differential; two fixed tubular arms fixed by opposite parts to the box-shaped body; two tubular movable arms, each slidingly inserted in a respective fixed arm; two hubs, each connected to a respective movable arm to support respective wheels; two adjustment actuators, each active between a respective fixed arm and the corresponding movable arm to change the distance between hubs between a minimum distance configuration and a maximum distance configuration; an antirotation device active between each fixed arm and each movable arm; the antirotation device being active on opposite sides of fixed arms and movable arms.

Abstract: A windrower having an adjustable axle to vary a width of steerable caster-mounted rear wheels operably connected by right and left steering cylinders mounted to right and left reaction arms pivoted to respective rods coupled to steering arms fixed to respective spindles mounted within a cylindrical receptacle at outer ends of the adjustable axle. One embodiment each reaction arm has a bracket coupled to a fixed portion of the rear axle when telescopic end sections of the axle are in a narrow width position, and selectively mounted to outer ends of the telescopic end sections of the axle when in a wide width position. A second embodiment has the reaction arms mounted to spindle receptacles at outer ends of the axle sections to provide the reaction arms with an infinite number of angular positions about the spindle receptacles for different tread widths of the steered rear wheels.

Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural application machine (10) comprising a chassis (100) which carries a storage tank (15) for the material to be applied is provided. The chassis (100) comprises a central longitudinal beam (110) from which at least a pair of wheels (12, 14) are suspended. The narrow chassis (100) allows steerable wheels to be positioned at tolerable track widths whilst permitting a large steering angle and thus small turning radii.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable width drive axle including: a main axle body including a telescoping portion disposed at each end of the main axle body; a sprocket affixed to each end of the main axle body, the sprocket designed to engage a drive unit; a first spacer removably affixed to the sprocket, the first spacer disposed around the telescoping portion of the main axle body; and a hub removably affixed to an end of the first spacer opposite the sprocket, wherein one or more additional spacers may be interposed between the first spacer and the hub or between the sprocket and the first spacer to adjust the width of the axle.

Abstract: An adjustable track tractor formed by a control and slave drive unit connected together at their front and rear ends with respective front and rear cross beams pivoted at each end thereto. Each drive unit is converted from a conventional tractor to have only a single front and rear wheel. When the cross beams are pivoted by rotary hydraulic actuators, the drive units are moved together or apart to change the wheel track.

Abstract: Linearly adjustable torque transmission systems and methods for a power driven machine are provided. The system can include a first wheel adapted to be rotatably driven. The system can further include a second wheel positioned proximate the first wheel that can engage the first wheel such that rotational movement of the first wheel can impart rotational movement to the second wheel. The second wheel can be coupled to a shaft with bearings between the second wheel and the shaft such that the second wheel is movable along the shaft in a lateral direction while the second wheel is coupled to the shaft wherein rotational movement of the second wheel rotationally moves the shaft.

Abstract: A four-wheel vehicle for traveling on an irregular road that is superior in weight balance and traveling stability. A rotating section (radial center line L3) of a torque converter T and a drive shaft (longitudinal center line L2) which transmits a driving force from a transmission mechanism M to front or rear wheels, are distributed right and left in an opposed relationship to each other with respect to a longitudinal center line (L1) of a vehicle body.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission for agricultural vehicles of adjustable track width has gear cases disposed vertically to elevate a chassis height of vehicle above a plantation, rear axles provided for wheels of the machine and mounted to the gear cases, first gears and second gears located in the gear cases and coupling the axles and also being interconnected with one another, a differential to which torque is transmitted from the axles through the second gears which are upper gears, a cross tube, the gear cases having substantially first horizontal extensions which are fitted on the cross tube so as to allow sliding outwards or inwards of the extensions in order to modify a machine track width, the differential having two second extensions, grooved shafts which are fixedly connected to the second gears, first tube bushings which are connected with the gear cases and in which the grooved shafts are fitted, second bushings having internal grooves and surrounding the grooved shafts, tubes which are fixed to the gear

Abstract: A self-propelled chemical applicator with adjustable rear wheel tread includes two rear fore-and-aft spaced cross tubes which are cantilevered from the main frame. A pair of roller mechanisms are supported between the tubes on opposite sides of the centerline of the vehicle. Each mechanism includes a roller frame supporting eight rollers, two transversely spaced on each of the upper and lower sides of each tube. The roller frames, contained between and rollable along the tubes, are connected to the upper ends of corresponding drop assemblies which mount hydraulically driven wheels. A transversely extending hydraulic cylinder is connected between each roller frame and the main frame to roll the drop assembly in or out to change wheel spacing. Each drop assembly is releasibly clamped in position by a simple mechanism which includes a fore-and-aft extending bolt which pulls the spaced cross tubes towards each other to clamp the roller frame tightly between the tubes.

Abstract: A wheel mounting apparatus includes a frame attached to an axle suspension of a vehicle. A riser extends downward from the frame. A universal joint attaches to an existing wheel hub of the vehicle. An axle extension extends from the universal joint. The axle extension is journaled in the frame. Journaled in the riser is a short axle. A drive means transfers torque between the axle extension and the short axle. A second wheel hub attaches to the short axle. A truck tire attaches to the second wheel hub. The wheel mounting apparatus, which must be used in sets of four, can be attached without any modification to the vehicle.