Abstract: A work vehicle includes a hydraulic actuator that changes an actual steering angle, an actual steering angle detecting part, an operating unit that performs a steering operation, a position adjusting control part that controls the position adjusting part based on the actual steering angle, and a steering control part that controls the hydraulic actuator. The operating unit includes a support part, a rotating part supported rotatably by the support part, an operating part supported rotatably by the support part or the rotating part, a biasing part that biases the operating part to a predetermined position with respect to the rotating part, and a position adjusting part that adjusts a rotation angle of the rotating part with respect to the support part. The biasing part may produce various counterforces and may increase or reduce an increasing rate of a counterforce with respect to the relative angle.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle including a plurality of wheels, a steering device, and a direction indication system. The steering device is configured to steer the wheels at least either to such a first steering angle that the vehicle travels straight in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction or to such a second steering angle that the vehicle rotates around a vertical axis passing through a central portion of the vehicle body. The direction indication system is configured to, when the steering device steers the wheels to either the first steering angle or the second steering angle, indicate toward the outside of the vehicle body that the vehicle is going to travel straight in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction or that the vehicle is going to rotate around the vertical axis passing through the central portion of the vehicle body.

Abstract: Each zero turning radius mower steering lever module includes a one-piece plastic housing independently mounted on a grass mowing machine frame member. A central passage extends through each housing, and a steering arm bracket may be positioned in the central passage and pivotably mounted on a horizontal pivot axis. A steering arm may be attached to an upper end of the steering arm bracket, and a hydrostatic transmission linkage and a damper linkage attached to a lower end of the bracket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: Disclosed devices, systems, and methods allow an operator to maintain the speed of a vehicle's propulsion devices at selected speeds, and allow the operator to make adjustments to the selected speeds during or prior to operation of the vehicle. Disclosed embodiments can comprise adjustable limiters that are coupled to the control portion of the vehicle adjacent to or on the speed control levers. This allows the operator to hold the levers against a new limiting surface to keep the vehicle moving at a speed that is less than full speed with minimal aberration and less effort needed by the operator. The device can be adjustable to a range of positions corresponding to different speeds. The devices can also be selectively pivoted or moved out of the way of the speed control levers at any time to allow the levers to have their full range of motion.

Abstract: The present invention intends to allow a good layout of and an easy maintenance of parts disposed around a rear portion of the motor. A working machine includes a machine body; a motor mounted on the machine body; an output shaft protruding from a rear portion of the motor; a rear attachment portion disposed on the rear portion of the motor, the rear attachment portion facing backward; and a mount member configured to support the motor to suppress vibration of the motor, the mount member including: a first support member having an opposite attachment portion, the opposite attachment portion being attached opposite to the rear attachment portion; an elastic member attached to the first support member; and a second support member disposed on the machine body, the second support member being configured to support the elastic member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: A steering apparatus of an in-wheel motor-driven electric vehicle capable of steering the vehicle by controlling torques applied to in-wheel motors mounted in road wheels. The steering apparatus of an in-wheel motor-driven vehicle includes a rigid tie rod having both ends rotatably connected to the in-wheel motors of the left and right wheels through hinge pins; a steering information detecting sensor for detecting a steering operation angle and torque according to user's steering operation; and a controller for calculating torque outputs to be applied to the in-wheel motor of the left wheel and the in-wheel motor of the right wheel based on information on the steering operation angle and torque detected by the steering information detecting sensor and vehicle speed information and controlling operation of the in-wheel motor of the left wheel and the in-wheel motor of the right wheel.

Abstract: A steering system for a differential steered self-propelled agricultural windrower, windrower speed and direction controlled by adjusting the pivotal position of rotatable pintel arms to control the output of a pair of tandem-mounted hydraulic drive pumps and provide motive power for the windrower. A control input shaft that is both rotatable and axially moveable manages the relative positioning of the pintel arms. A hydraulic steering motor is operably connected to the input shaft. Rotation of the hydraulic steering motor is managed by a steering control valve attached to a cab-mounted windrower steering wheel.

Abstract: A tractor mower with an enhanced turning radius comprising steerable left and right front wheels; left and right rear wheels; an engine for providing power to drive said rear wheels; an independent rear braking system capable of applying a braking force to said left and right rear wheels independently of one another; and a steering system coupled to said front steerable wheels and said independent rear braking system. The steering and braking systems may be configured such that when the tractor mower is steered in a first direction the front wheels are turned to the right and a braking force is applied on the right rear wheel. Alternatively, when the tractor mower is steered in a second direction the front wheels are turned to the left and a braking force is applied on the left rear wheel.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for an engine driven vehicle having two continuously variable transmissions serving to drive left and right hand vehicle wheels at separately variable drive ratios. Each transmission incorporates a variator of the type in which a net torque applied to the variator through its input and output is referred to a ratio control part, which may be formed as a control lever, whose position governs the transmission's drive ratio. The control parts of the variators are each operatively coupled to a driver's speed control, such that the speed control determines a mean position of the two control parts. However they are both also able to move relative to the mean position, under the influence of the torque they react. Additionally the control parts are coupled to each other such that any displacement of one control part from the mean position is accompanied by an opposite displacement of the other control part.

Abstract: A stand on mower includes a left foot pedal and a right foot pedal. Each foot pedal is spaced from the other and is dimensioned to support one of the operator's feet. Each foot pedal is biased to a neutral position generally parallel to a horizontal surface of a foot platform located generally between or behind a pair of traction drive wheels. The left foot pedal and the right foot pedal pivot independently forwardly and rearwardly to forward and reverse traction drive positions, and are connected to a pair of wheel motors respectively that rotate each of the traction drive wheels in either forward or reverse based on the traction drive positions of the foot pedals.

Abstract: An automatic torque compensating drive system for a hydrostatic transmission, having a torque compensating control mechanism adjusting the swash plate of the hydraulic motor, the swash plate being spring biased to a low-torque, high-speed position and rotatable through a range of positions to a high-torque, low-speed position in response to increasing hydraulic system pressure. When used with a pair of transmissions, a linkage may join the control mechanisms of each transmission to synchronize their torque adjustments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to powered vehicles (e.g., lawn mowers) and, more particularly, to a control system for use with such a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine and one or more drive control levers incrementally movable between a neutral position and a maximum velocity position. The system may also include a velocity profile control system having an adjustment member that permits altering a ratio between control lever movement and velocity of an associated drive member or wheel. Thus, the system may alter a maximum potential velocity of the vehicle while the drive control lever(s) are positioned in the maximum velocity position without varying an output level of the power source.

Abstract: A steering mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having a ground link, a coupler link, and a pair of follower links. The ground link may be connected to a vehicle having a wheel defining a wheel centerline. The coupler link may be connected to the wheel and may be located aft of the ground link. The pair of follower links may pivotally connect the ground link to the coupler link. The follower links may extend aftwardly from the ground link at converging angles and may define a steering axis located aft of the wheel centerline.

Abstract: A speed control system for an earth working apparatus. The speed control system includes a steering structure and a speed control lever movably coupled to the steering structure. The speed control lever may be operatively coupled to a self propel system of the earth working apparatus. The speed control lever is at rest in a neutral position, is actuable in a first direction for forward movement of the apparatus, and may be actuable in a second direction for rearward movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A dual-path hydrostatic drive arrangement for driving ground wheels at the opposite sides of the front of a self-propelled windrower is controlled for effecting steering and ground speed changes by a control mechanism including a gear train defined by a steering input gear and idler gear and steering output gears carried by a gear support member mounted for pivoting about a fixed axis of rotation of the input gear. The output gear is coupled for transmitting movement to first and second pump displacement control rods and steering is effected by turning a steering wheel which is coupled for rotating the input gear so as to impart rotation to the output gear which rotates so as to cause the control rods to move different amounts or in different directions. Speed changes are effected by a speed control device that is coupled for selectively swinging the speed/direction control arm.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which can be used to provide rotation motion to a driving wheel by the application of lateral motion by the user. It consists of axial track plate having a plurality of track paths with said guide paths having a plurality of slope sections. Additionally the caliper element can enable movement of a wheelchair's wheel from a first position to a second position. The caliper element is responsive to slope sections such that the slope sections can engage or disengage the caliper element. The caliper element's broad face is parallel to the track plate's broad face. The broad face is perpendicularly connected to each other via cylindrical pegs along the guide paths. The caliper element has a mating surface enabled to rotate a sprocket which is concentrically connected to a wheel hub where wheel rotates at the same angular velocity as the sprocket while the sprocket is in the engaged mode.

Abstract: A dual steering system for zero turning radius lawn mowers is provided which enables those without effective use of their arms to drive and steer such lawn mowers. The system hereof may include respective left and right control pedals which are shiftably mounted to respective pedal supports coupled to the mower for use by the operator's legs, and respective linkages which operatively connect the pedals to left and right control levers operatively connected to the mower's drive wheels for causing the drive wheels to move in forward or rearward drive directions. By operating the control pedals alone or in combination with the control levers, the operator may move the zero turning radius mower forward, rearward, or steer it in a desired manner.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method are disclosed for driving and steering an engine driven vehicle of the type m which left and right hand wheels 120L, 120R are respectively driven from the engine through left and right hand transmissions 122L, 122R and a steering effect is exerted by changing the ratio of one transmission relative to the other. According to the invention a follower is operatively coupled to at least one of the transmissions and is movable circumferentially about an axis by means of a driver actuable steering control to change the relative speeds of the two driven wheels and radially with respect to the axis by means of a driver actuable speed control to increase/decrease the speeds of the two driven wheels in unison.

Abstract: A return to neutral control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower is disclosed. The return to neutral control mechanism includes a pair of control levers pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions. A brake pedal is moveable between a disengaged position to an engaged position. In response to engagement of the brake pedal, a control pivot attached to each control lever moves each control lever to the neutral position. The return to neutral control mechanism may include a cam that rotates in response to engagement of the brake pedal, and a control pivot that follows the cam during engagement of the brake pedal.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: Dual lever steering controls with control stops are provided for a zero turning radius mower. Each control arm is mounted to a neutral position lever that is pivotable between a full forward drive position and a full reverse drive position. Each control stop is mounted to block the control arm and neutral position lever from pivoting to a position under a minimum forward speed. Each control stop may be biased to the minimum forward speed position, and also may be pivotable between an operating position and a non-operating position.

Abstract: A ZTR vehicle includes true or proper ZTR steering in the forward and reverse directions. The vehicle has independently driven locomotive drives that drive the wheels to provide mobility and steering to the vehicle. A steering wheel is included that pivots one of two steering input members that rotate to independently shift the drive units. A speed and direction pedal is also included, which is communicated to provide direction and magnitude input to the drive units. The steering input and speed and direction inputs coordinate propelling the vehicle such the vehicle turns in the same direction when traveling forward as well as in reverse.

Abstract: A steering system for tracked vehicles having two brake circuits which is activated after a failure of the primary steering mechanism. The steering system includes a steering switch (L) that can be controlled by a steering axle which, in the event of primary steering system failure, acts upon the brakes of the vehicle in such a manner that rotation of the steering axle results in a braking action upon a track on the inside of a curve.

Abstract: A drive-steering control system suitable for off-road land and amphibious vehicles. The system includes first and second steering input levers, each operable to rotate in forward and rearward pivotal directions. A coupling mechanism converts and transmits rotation of the first steering input lever in the forward pivotal direction into rotation of the second steering input lever in the rearward pivotal direction, and vice-versa. A reducing mechanism operates to selectively reduce the propulsion outputs of first and second propulsion devices, and a converting mechanism operates to convert the rotations of the steering input levers into inputs to the reducing mechanism. Depending on the directions the steering input levers are rotated, the reducing mechanism reduces the propulsion output of either the first or second propulsion device, which causes either the lefthand or righthand side of the vehicle to travel at a lower speed and thereby turn the vehicle either left or right.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a wheel of a vehicle defining a wheel centerline comprises a four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage includes a ground link, a coupler link and a spaced pair of follower links. The ground link is connected to the vehicle. The coupler link is connected to the wheel and is located aft of the ground link. The follower links pivotally interconnect the ground link to the coupler link. Each of the follower links defines a link axis. The follower links extend aftwardly from the ground link at diverging angles such that the link axes intersect one another at a steering axis which is positioned forward of the wheel centerline. The steering mechanism may be fitted to a motorcycle having front and rear wheels wherein the four-bar linkage is housed within a wheel hub of the front wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a steering operation device, a pair of running-driving wheels, which differentially drive when the steering operation device is manipulated, a pair of steerable running wheels interlocking with the steering operation device, and a steering mechanism interposed between the steering operation device and the pair of running-driving wheels. The steering mechanism includes a pair of drive gears interlocking with the steering operation device and a pair of follower gears interlocking with the respective steerable running wheels. The drive gears mesh with the respective follower gears so as to control lateral turning of the respective steerable running wheels. A gear radius of the drive gear may be greater than that of the follower gear meshing with it. A gear ratio between the mutually meshing drive and follower gears may be variable.

Abstract: A universal linkage assembly for a power machine is disclosed. The universal linkage is adaptable for different control configurations or patterns. For example, in embodiments disclosed, the linkage assembly includes a first control interface connectable to one of a first or second joysticks to operate one of a left or right drive motor or other function and a second control interface connectable to either the first or second joystick to operate the other of the left or right drive motor or other function with separate joysticks or the same joystick depending upon the control pattern desired.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven vehicle is disclosed which is moved or turned by driving left and right hydraulic transmissions with one engine and driving left and right drive wheels with these hydraulic transmissions. The vehicle includes a gear-shifting mechanism for converting the actions of an operator and transmitting the result to the hydraulic transmissions, which mechanism is comprised of a first swinging member that is swung by a vehicle speed cable, and left and right second swinging members that are placed on the first swinging member, that are swung by left and right steering cables, and that push and pull push-pull rods.

Abstract: A method and system are described for calibrating speed controls for a vehicle having a pair of drive means on opposite sides of the vehicle driven by independent speed controls and where relative speed of the drive means is used to direct the vehicle. In one aspect, angular motion of the vehicle is detected using at least one of a gyroscopic angular sensor and a pair of accelerometers to determine a rate of yaw; a speed control output for controlling the relative speed is adjusted so that the rate of yaw is lower than a threshold when speed control inputs for controlling the relative speed are equal; and one or more speed control adjustment parameters are determined and stored for use during operation for controlling the relative speed of the drive means. A microcontroller may be used to receive sensor outputs (e.g. from the gyroscope and/or accelerometers) and speed control inputs and to determine the speed control adjustment.

Abstract: Steering control apparatuses and methods for a vehicle are provided. A steering control apparatus can include a steering shaft drivingly linked to a pair of front wheels of a vehicle. A movable steering handle can also be provided and disposed about the steering shaft, with the steering handle being capable of selectively turning the pair of front wheels to direct the movement of the vehicle. A first and second brake clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging first and second drive wheels, respectively, can be provided. First and second brake clutch control levers can selectively control the first and second brake clutch mechanism, respectively, to engage and disengage the first and second drive wheels. The steering handle can include a coupling base.

Abstract: A ZTR vehicle includes true or proper ZTR steering in the forward and reverse directions. The vehicle has independently driven locomotive drives that drive the wheels to provide mobility and steering to the vehicle. A steering wheel is included that pivots one of two steering input members that rotate to independently shift the drive units. A speed and direction pedal is also included, which is communicated to provide direction and magnitude input to the drive units. The steering input and speed and direction inputs coordinate propelling the vehicle such the vehicle turns in the same direction when traveling forward as well as in reverse.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle, comprises: a transaxle casing; a pair of left and right axles disposed in the transaxle casing; a pair of hydraulic motors for driving the respective axles; and a pair of left and right steerable drive wheels disposed on left and right outsides of the transaxle casing so as to be drivingly connected to the respective axles. The hydraulic motors are disposed in the housing so as to be fluidly connected to a common hydraulic pressure source in parallel to each other. One of the hydraulic motors is a fixed displacement hydraulic motor, and the other is a variable displacement hydraulic motor. Displacement of the variable displacement hydraulic motor is changed according to change of steered angles of the drive wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a steering operation device, a pair of running-driving wheels, which differentially drive when the steering operation device is manipulated, a pair of steerable running wheels interlocking with the steering operation device, and a steering mechanism interposed between the steering operation device and the pair of running-driving wheels. The steering mechanism includes a pair of drive gears interlocking with the steering operation device and a pair of follower gears interlocking with the respective steerable running wheels. The drive gears mesh with the respective follower gears so as to control lateral turning of the respective steerable running wheels. A gear radius of the drive gear may be greater than that of the follower gear meshing with it. A gear ratio between the mutually meshing drive and follower gears may be variable.

Abstract: A crawler tractor comprises steering mechanisms (44) (45) for rotating a machine body by causing right and left crawler belts (9) to move differentially. The tractor is characterized in that the steering mechanism (44) is connected to a drive system located behind a reverser mechanism (21) that moves the machine body forward and back. Even when the machine body movement direction is changed from forward to back, the direction of the steering wheel (18) and the direction of the rotation of the machine body are kept the same, so that a reversed steering phenomenon is prevented from occurring, and an appropriate operation in forward or back movement is enabled with a simple structure that does not require an additional mechanism such as a reverse-steering preventions mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the movement of a zero turning radius power mower includes a single control arm movable in a forward direction and a rearward direction, and pivotable in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction. The control arm is connected via a pair of control linkages to a right hydraulic pump and to a left hydraulic pump such that when the control arm is moved in a forward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels forward, and when the control arm is moved in a rearward direction the two hydraulic pumps power the drive wheels rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a clockwise direction the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel forward and the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel rearward. When the control arm is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction the right hydraulic pump powers the right drive wheel forward and the left hydraulic pump powers the left drive wheel rearward.

Abstract: A dual lever steering control mechanism for a mounting a control lever or stick to a mower is disclosed. The mechanism includes a housing with an opening, a forward/reverse lever insertable through the opening and pivoting on a first axis, and a neutral position lever pivotably attached to the forward/reverse lever to pivot on a second axis transverse to the first axis. The control lever may be attached to the neutral position lever at a plurality of different height and fore/aft settings.

Abstract: Working-machine steering apparatus includes an assist mechanism for reducing a force necessary for operating any one of left and right operating members. First and second cord members, connected to the left and right operating members, are wound on first and second pulleys in a U shape with given pre-slack. As a human operator operates any one of the left and right operating members, the corresponding left or right cord member is brought into close contact with the first or second pulley, so that rotation of a drive source is transmitted to the first or second pulley via a rotation shaft. The necessary operating force of the left and right operating members can be reduced using the rotation of the drive source via the assist mechanism.

Abstract: An assist mechanism of a steering apparatus for a working machine includes right and left operational arm members for selectively engaging and disengaging right and left clutches. Right and left cam grooves are formed in the right and left operational arm members, respectively. A bar-shaped member has opposite ends disposed within the right cam groove and the left cam groove, respectively. A compression spring is disposed along a central axis of the bar-shaped member for urging the right and left operational arm members in directions away from each other.

Abstract: A crawler tractor comprises steering mechanisms (44) (45) for rotating a machine body by causing right and left crawler belts (9) to move differentially. The tractor is characterized in that the steering mechanism (44) is connected to a drive system located behind a reverser mechanism (21) that moves the machine body forward and back. Even when the machine body movement direction is changed from forward to back, the direction of the steering wheel (18) and the direction of the rotation of the machine body are kept the same, so that a reversed steering phenomenon is prevented from occurring, and an appropriate operation in forward or back movement is enabled with a simple structure that does not require an additional mechanism such as a reverse-steering preventions mechanism.

Abstract: A working vehicle such as a mobile agricultural machine is designed such that it has an improved working efficiency if any spinning turn is not required, and has an improved running property in a wet farm. The vehicle has a pair of right and left crawlers (2), a speed change apparatus (25) for imparting traction force to the crawlers, a speed change lever (73) operable to control the speed change apparatus so as to alter running speed of the vehicle in a step-less manner. The vehicle further has a steering apparatus (28) and a steering wheel (19) operable to control the steering apparatus so as to alter difference in the running speeds between the crawlers (2). The running speed generally determined for each crawler by the speed change lever (73) can be decreased voluntarily and proportionally to an operated angle of the steering wheel (19).

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle particularly for making turns with tight turning radii, comprising a chassis provided with two driving wheels forming at least one driving portion, and which supports a motor kinematically connected to a motion distribution shaft. A functional connection is provided between the motion distribution shaft and each one of the driving wheels and is individually activatable or deactivatable on command for independent actuation of the driving wheels. A steering adapted to act on the functional connection, the latter comprising, between the motion distribution shaft and at least one of the driving wheels, a respective clutch coupling, activatable or deactivatable by the steering device.

Abstract: A dual lever steering control mechanism for a mounting a control lever or stick to a mower is disclosed. The mechanism includes a housing with an opening, a forward/reverse lever insertable through the opening and pivoting on a first axis, and a neutral position lever pivotably attached to the forward/reverse lever to pivot on a second axis transverse to the first axis. The control lever may be attached to the neutral position lever at a plurality of different height and fore/aft settings.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven vehicle is disclosed which is moved or turned by driving left and right hydraulic transmissions with one engine and driving left and right drive wheels with these hydraulic transmissions. The vehicle includes a gear-shifting mechanism for converting the actions of an operator and transmitting the result to the hydraulic transmissions, which mechanism is comprised of a first swinging member that is swung by a vehicle speed cable, and left and right second swinging members that are placed on the first swinging member, that are swung by left and right steering cables, and that push and pull push-pull rods.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrostatic control system that adjusts in length to locate mutual neutral locations while transmitting the necessary torque through mating sliding spines.

Abstract: A vehicle operating apparatus which accelerates, decelerates and steers a vehicle in accordance with the operation of the operating lever is provided with a reaction force generating means which generates a reaction force opposing the operating lever, a current sensor which senses failure of the reaction force, and an electric control apparatus which decreases the responsiveness of driving control to the operating lever when a failure is sensed. A steering control apparatus provides driving control equal to that of the state prior to the sensing of a failure when the operating speed of the operating lever at the time of the failure exceeds a prescribed value. Additionally, at the time of detection of a failure, an electric control apparatus reduces vehicle speed by an engine control apparatus.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive work vehicle includes an engine, a pair of right and left steerable wheels rotatably driven by receiving power from the engine via a differential mechanism, a pair of right and left non-steerable wheels rotatably driven by receiving power from the engine via right and left side clutches and a pivotal cam mechanism for operating a clutch operating member for controlling the side clutch based on a steered displacement of the steerable wheels. The pivotal cam mechanism includes a cam member which is displaced based on the steered displacement and a cam follower member operably associated with the cam member.