Abstract: A telescoping axle arrangement is provided for an agricultural applicator having a frame supported above a ground surface by a ground engaging wheel operatively connected to the frame by the telescoping axle arrangement. First and second slidingly engaging axle elements adapted for operative connection between the frame and the wheel, provide extension and retraction of the axle along a longitudinal axis of the axle. The second axle element includes a longitudinally extending closed-ended retention track. An axle retention element is fixedly attachable to and protrudes from the first axle element into operative engagement with the closed-ended retention track in the second axle element in such a manner that the axle retention element contacts the closed end of the retention track at a maximum permissible extension of the telescoping axle arrangement to thereby preclude further sliding extension of the second axle element with respect to the first axle element.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, an axle assembly carrying the chassis, a plurality of hub assemblies including a first hub assembly and a second hub assembly, the hub assemblies coupled to a corresponding end of the axle assembly, and a plurality of ground engaging devices each being coupled to a corresponding hub assemblies. The ground engaging devices support the axle assembly and the chassis. The axle assembly includes an extendable/retractable axle for altering a distance between the ground engaging devices that are coupled to the hub assemblies, and a connecting rod extending/retracting from a central portion of the axle assembly, the connecting rod also coupled to a portion of the first hub assembly. The connecting rod is generally vertically displaced from the extendable/retractable axle.

Abstract: A tractor includes a motor, transmission, drive shaft and rear differential for driving the rear axles mounted on a main tubular frame of a variable configuration. Forwardly extendable telescoping tubular frame members are actuated by respective rams to selectively increase the wheel base between the front and rear wheels. The front and rear telescoping tubes supporting each of the wheels are selectively extendable to significantly increase the wheel width of the tractor; the axles for the rear wheels are commensurately extendable. A toolbar dependingly supported from the main frame in front of the cab permits the operator to view the operation of attached implements while driving. The toolbar may include a row guide causing the toolbar to move laterally as necessary to follow a row and the toolbar is connected to the steering mechanism to control the direction of travel of the tractor.

Abstract: An axle mounting assembly including a steerable axle having a pair of opposing steerable wheels pivotally connected to the respective transverse ends of said steerable axle for pivotal movement relative thereto about respective wheel pivot axes. An axle support. A substantially rigid connecting member extending between and attachable to the axle support and a steerable element of the steerable axle. The steerable axle being attached to the axle support by first, second and third flexible coupling. Each coupling providing for three planes of movement, the first flexible coupling attaching the axle to the axle support rearward of said axle, the second flexible coupling attaching the axle to a first end of a link forward of said axle and the third flexible coupling attaching a second end of said link to said axle support upwardly of said axle.

Abstract: A steering system and method of a mowing vehicle comprise Left and right rear wheels rotating about a king pin for steering the vehicle, an Ackermann steering mechanism for steering these left and right rear wheels and a rear axle housing swingably connected with the vehicle about a yawing axis in a horizontal plane by use of a hydraulic cylinder. When the vehicle makes a U-turn for example to the right during the mowing work, the rear axle housing is fully swung to the left in the horizontal plane by a specified angle and fixed therein while the left and right rear wheels are held at the neutral position. After the rear axle housing is fixed at that angle, the left and right rear wheels are rotated about the king pin to the left and then the vehicle makes a U-turn to the right.