Abstract: A snowmobile has a rear suspension assembly including at least one slide rail, a plurality of idler wheels, a front suspension arm having first upper and lower ends, and a rear suspension arm having second upper and lower ends. The first upper end is connected to a tunnel of the snowmobile. The first lower end is selectively connected to the at least one slide rail. The first lower end is connectable to the at least one slide rail at first and second positions. The first position of the first lower end is vertically higher from a bottom surface of the at least one slide rail than the second position of the first lower end. The second upper end is connected to the tunnel.

Abstract: A skid-steer delivery autonomous ground vehicle has a drive train and suspension that aids in maneuverability. The AGV has six wheels, each of which is powered by its own motor. The AGV has features that diminish the dragging effect on the wheels, either by choice of wheel features or by taking weight off the front wheels during turning.

Abstract: A system for supplying fluid within a work vehicle may generally include a track drive box including first and second inlet ports and an outlet port. The system may also include a first supply conduit in fluid communication with the first inlet port and a second supply conduit in fluid communication with the second inlet port. The first supply conduit may be configured to supply a working fluid to the track drive box and the second supply conduit may be configured to supply a pressurized fluid to the track drive box, wherein the pressurized fluid serves to pressurize an interior of the track drive box, Additionally, the system may include an evacuation conduit in fluid communication with the outlet port that is configured to receive the working fluid as it is expelled from the outlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crane having an undercarriage with a swivel connection and having a superstructure rotatably supported thereon via the swivel connection and comprising at least one boom system arranged at said superstructure and luffable about a luffing axis or a self-climbing tower slewing crane rotatably supported thereon via the swivel connection. In accordance with the invention, the undercarriage has a pot as a central component which, on the one hand, receives the swivel connection. Furthermore, however, the pivotable supports can also be pivotally connected to it. Side members are present at mutually oppositely disposed sides and at least one traveling gear can respectively connected to them with at least one degree of freedom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, a recycler or a surface miner, comprising a machine frame 1 supported by a chassis 2 which comprises front and rear running gear 3, 4. A working device 5 is arranged on the machine frame 1 and comprises a working roller 17 for working the ground. Lifting devices 15, 16 are associated with the individual running gears 3, 4 and can each be retracted or extended for raising or lowering the running gears with respect to the machine frame. In addition, the construction machine comprises a control unit 20 for actuating the lifting devices 15, 16, which control unit comprises a lifting position measuring device 22 for detecting the lifting position of the lifting devices and a tilt detection device 23 for detecting the tilt of the machine frame 1 transversely to the working direction A of the construction machine.

Abstract: A work vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a work implement, a track frame, a sprocket, an idler, a plurality of small track rollers, and first and second large track rollers. The track frame comprises opposite first and second end sections, and opposite upper and lower sections. The sprocket and idler are rotatably mounted to the first and second end sections, respectively, to movably support an endless track. The small and large track rollers are rotatably mounted to the lower section between the sprocket and idler and are unmovable in vertical and horizontal directions of the track frame. The small track rollers are all disposed between the first and second large track rollers. Each small track roller defines a respective small track rolling surface having a respective first tread diameter and each large track roller defines a respective large track rolling surface having a respective second tread diameter greater than each respective first tread diameter.

Abstract: A suspension system for cold planer with four tracks is disclosed. The suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder for each track, an additional bypass valve for each hydraulic cylinder and an additional bypass valve that bypasses the operation of the front control valves that control the elevation of the front tracks during a cutting operation. During transport or roading of the cold planer, the bypass valves are energized by a controller and the energized bypass valves provide communication between the head ends of the left side cylinders and the head ends of the right side cylinders. During roading, the energized bypass valves also provide communication between the rod ends of the front cylinders and between the rod ends of the rear cylinders.

Abstract: A tracked mobility device includes: a) a frame supporting a seat; b) a pair of track drives connected to the frame, with each track drive including a powered center drive wheel, a front roller, a rear roller, and a flexible track, with the center drive wheel having a diameter that is at least 50% greater than the diameter of either the front roller or the rear roller, and c) a rear wheel assembly connected to the frame, with the rear wheel assembly having three wheels sharing a common axle, with the diameter of the center rear wheel being at least 10% larger than the diameter of the two outer rear wheels; d) a source of power to power said center drive wheels; and e) a controller effective for controlling the speed and direction of rotation of each of the track drives.

Abstract: A tractor configuration includes a mainframe structure, a control station having a means of controlling the tractor, an undercarriage system having one left side and one right side track assembly, a wheel mechanism containing one or more wheels located forward of the track assemblies, a power train for forcing both track assemblies to travel at the same or different speeds, a controller responsible for exerting force to transfer vertical load back and forth between the front portion of the track assemblies and the wheel mechanism and controlling the amount of weight carried by the wheel mechanism. The controller causes or allows the wheel or wheels of the wheel mechanism to follow the tractor's curved path caused by track speed difference.

Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a minimum tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the minimum tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine has a forward direction of travel and includes a frame, at least one lift arm, a first torsion axle assembly, an undercarriage, and an endless track. The lift arm is pivotally attached to the frame. The first torsion axle assembly is attached to the frame and includes a first torsion arm, a first torsion shaft, and a first axle, with the first torsion shaft and the first axle extending from the first torsion arm. The undercarriage is attached to the first torsion axle assembly and the endless track encircles the undercarriage. One of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the frame and the other of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the undercarriage. The first torsion arm extends upward from the frame at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crawler crane comprising two crawler supports (9) with rotating crawlers (8). Both crawler supports (9) are connected by a transversal bridge (10). A superstructure (3) of the crawler crane comprises at least one crane jib that can pivot about a vertical axis and is connected to the transversal bridge (10). A pivotable articulation connects the transversal bridge (19) in a pivotable manner to the crane superstructure (3). At least one of the crawler supports (9) is connected to the transversal bridge (10) by means of a double link (11). A lower link (12) of the double link (11) is articulated on the crawler support (9) by means of a crawler support lower pivotable axis (13) and on the transversal bridge (10) by means of a transversal bridge lower pivotable axis (14).

Abstract: A front suspension system for a track-type tractor includes a suspension saddle having first and second suspension arms pinned to the suspension saddle, the first and second suspension arms being connected to the machine tracks via first and second front idler respectively. Respective first and second hydraulic suspension assemblies support the first and second suspension arms, and a hydraulic suspension circuit fluidly links the first hydraulic suspension assembly to the second hydraulic suspension assembly such that a movement of either the first or the second hydraulic suspension assemblies causes an opposite movement of substantially the same magnitude in the other of the first and second hydraulic suspension assemblies, thereby allowing the first track and the second track of the track-type tractor to oscillate relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose ground vehicle (10) that may serve as a platform (12) for carrying a payload (14). The vehicle has a chassis (16) and a suspension (18) mounted to the chassis (16) for varying ride height and for influencing a response of the chassis (16) to underlying terrain. Track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) are associated for the suspension. These modules (22, 24, 26, 28) can be reoriented independently of each other. Preferably, at least some of the track modules (22, 24, 26, 28) include a band track (38) that circumscribe one or more wheels (30, 32) that are associated with a given track module (22, 24, 26, 28).

Abstract: A drilling device, comprising a chassis, two undercarriage units which are arranged laterally on the chassis and supported in a pivotable manner, two oscillating cylinders for pivoting the undercarriage units relative to the chassis, with an oscillating cylinder being assigned to each undercarriage unit, and hydraulic lines which are arranged on the oscillating cylinders for actuation of the oscillating cylinders, wherein the hydraulic lines of the two oscillating cylinders are connected to one another in order to pivot the undercarriage units in opposite directions. A safety device to be provided for line breakage safety on at least one hydraulic line for each oscillating cylinder, with each safety device having at least one remote-controlled stop valve for blocking the respective hydraulic line in the case of line breakage, and in that a remote-control device is provided for simultaneously opening the stop valves during normal operation.

Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to dynamically apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration when the suspension is actuated. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A suspension system for cold planer with four tracks is disclosed. The suspension system includes a hydraulic cylinder for each track, an additional bypass valve for each hydraulic cylinder and an additional bypass valve that bypasses the operation of the front control valves that control the elevation of the front tracks during a cutting operation. During transport or roading of the cold planer, the bypass valves are energized by a controller and the energized bypass valves provide communication between the head ends of the left side cylinders and the head ends of the right side cylinders. During roading, the energized bypass valves also provide communication between the rod ends of the front cylinders and between the rod ends of the rear cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems (14, 14?) that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles (10). A preferred embodiment of the track system (14, 14?) includes a frame (60, 182) having a reinforcing enclosure (150, 230), a plurality of track engaging rollers (82-86, 202-206), a sprocket (102, 214), and an endless track (76, 198) operatively connected to the frame (60, 182). Tension on the endless track (76, 198) is maintained with two tensioning members (170, 244) operatively connected to the forwardmost roller (82, 202). The track system (14, 14?) preferably includes a limiting apparatus (300) that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame (60, 182) relative to a vehicle axle (16) to which it is attached.

Abstract: A tracked mobility device includes: a) a pair of independent, self-supported track drives defining a planar ground contact area; b) a multi-directional wheel having a raised position above the plane of the ground contact area, and a lowered position below the plane of the ground contact area; and c) an actuator for moving the multi-directional wheel to either its raised or its lowered position. When the actuator lowers the multi-directional wheel, part of the planar ground contact area is raised from the ground without raising all of the planar ground contact area from the ground. Each track drive functions independently so that bumps along one track may be traversed without tilting the entire vehicle. Each track drive may be attached to the vehicle body with flexible mounts that allow each track drive to independently tilt upward or downward as the device moves on its tracks.

Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being substantially proportional to an endless belt drive force applied to the endless belt to move the vehicle. A vehicle and a method about the same are also provided.

Abstract: A ski slope snow groomer having a frame; two wheel assemblies on opposite sides of the frame; two tracks wound respectively about the two wheel assemblies; a variable-configuration shock absorber assembly connected to the wheel assemblies and the frame and configured to adjust the wheel assemblies; and a control assembly configured to acquire a signal indicating an operating state of the snow groomer, and to adjust the shock absorber assembly as a function of the operating state signal.

Abstract: A retainer cap assembly for attaching a track assembly to a vehicle includes a housing and at least two latch plates disposed in the housing, pivotable about a common pivot axis, between a locked and an unlocked position. A lock bar is rotatably supported on the housing, wherein the lock bar rotates about an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the latch plates, so as to be selectively engaged with both of the latch plates to prevent the latch plates from rotating on the pivot axis when the latch plates are in a locked position and disengaged with both of the latch plates to allow the latch plates to rotate on the pivot axis when the latch plates are in an unlocked position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed, for construction and operation of an all terrain polymorphic tracked vehicle. This invention extends and improves on the prior art disclosed in USPTO patent pending “A polymorphic tracked vehicle”, filed August 2009, USPTO application Ser. No. 12/540,391. The improvement concerns a mechanism and method of operation by which a track mechanism can be polymorphic, but can also distribute the weight of the vehicle over multiple supporting wheels. In contrast, in most configurations of the mechanism disclosed in application Ser. No. 12/540,391, the weight of the vehicle rests on just two wheels per track (i.e. on four wheels if the vehicles possesses a left track and a right track).

Abstract: Theme To provide a small-sized crawler device that can stably ride over bumps or steps or stairs. Means to Solve The crawler device includes a device body (1) having main crawlers (20) on its left and right and auxiliary crawlers (30) provided as auxiliary members at one end portion of the device body. Before the crawler device ascends a step or stairs with the auxiliary crawler (30) positioned backward, the controller (65) brings the auxiliary crawler (30) into a preparatory state in which the auxiliary crawler (30) is freely rotatable with respect to the main crawler (20) or the auxiliary crawler (30) is maintained in a position above a line extending longitudinally from the main crawler by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to an undercarriage for a tracked vehicle. The undercarriage includes a main frame including a frame body and an equalizer bar extending laterally on either side of a pivot connection with the frame body, a first track frame and a second track frame. A first front spherical bearing connects a first end of the equalizer bar and the front end of the first track frame. A second front spherical bearing connects a second end of the equalizer bar and the front end of the second track frame. A first rear spherical bearing connects the rear end of the main frame to the rear end of the first track frame. A second rear spherical bearing connects the rear end of the main frame to the rear end of the second track frame.

Abstract: A crawler travel gear that can be applied to a crawler-mounted crane. The crawler travel gear includes a crawler carrier, rollers arranged at the crawler carrier and a crawler chain, with a respective adjustment mechanism provided in the front region and rear region of the crawler carrier for selectively adjusting the contact surface of the crawler carrier relative to an underlying surface.

Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine has a forward direction of travel and includes a frame, at least one lift arm, a first torsion axle assembly, an undercarriage, and an endless track. The lift arm is pivotally attached to the frame. The first torsion axle assembly is attached to the frame and includes a first torsion arm, a first torsion shaft, and a first axle, with the first torsion shaft and the first axle extending from the first torsion arm. The undercarriage is attached to the first torsion axle assembly and the endless track encircles the undercarriage. One of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the frame and the other of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the undercarriage. The first torsion arm extends upward from the frame at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing vibrational effects of track chain assembly catenary hang is disclosed. A work machine includes a pair of track roller assemblies one positioned on each side of the work machine. The vibration reducing apparatus and method includes repositioning undercarriage components to vary the catenary hang from one side of the work machine to the other.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a vehicle having an endless drive track is disclosed. The suspension assembly has a slide frame assembly and a rail extension assembly pivotably connected to a rear portion of the slide frame assembly and pivots about a first axis. The rail extension assembly is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the slide frame assembly. A spring biases the rail extension assembly toward the lowered position. The magnitude of the biasing force of the spring is adjustable. The rail extension assembly can be prevented from pivoting from the lowered position to the raised position independently of the magnitude of the biasing force.

Abstract: An in-arm suspension (12) is provided for actively controlling a suspension arm (20) mounted to a vehicle frame (14). The suspension arm (20) has a housing (60) in which the a compressible fluid strut (32) and a fluid control section (90) are enclosed. The compressible fluid strut (32) includes a cylinder (134) and a piston rod (136) which is urged to extend from within the cylinder (134) in response to fluid pressure applied to compressible fluid disposed within the cylinder (134). A damper piston (174) is mounted to an interior portion of the piston rod (136), and moves with the piston rod (136) to pass the compressible fluid through the damper piston 174 and attenuate bounce and rebound of the piston rod (136) within the cylinder (134). A damper lock (210) is mounted to the piston rod (136) for selectively preventing the flow of compressible fluid through the damper piston (174).

Abstract: Theme To provide a small-sized crawler device that can stably ride over bumps or steps or stairs. Means to Solve The crawler device includes a device body (1) having main crawlers (20) on its left and right and auxiliary crawlers (30) provided as auxiliary members at one end portion of the device body. Before the crawler device ascends a step or stairs with the auxiliary crawler (30) positioned backward, the controller (65) brings the auxiliary crawler (30) into a preparatory state in which the auxiliary crawler (30) is freely rotatable with respect to the main crawler (20) or the auxiliary crawler (30) is maintained in a position above a line extending longitudinally from the main crawler by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The blade ratio of an articulated work vehicle with multiple tracks is adjusted by shifting a load from the weight of the vehicle toward the front or rear of one or more of the tracks. The load may be shifted through the actuation of a hydraulic cylinder that applies a biasing load between a frame on which a track frame is mounted and a front or rear portion of the track frame.

Abstract: Track frame assemblies wherein one assembly provides a multi-section sub-frame that supports a series of idler wheel suspensions. Each section is mounted to pivot laterally from stub axles longitudinally secured to a drive frame. In another assembly, resilient bushings support idler wheel suspension axles to the track frame. The track frame also supports a detachable track tensioner containing idler wheels that facilitate track removal and replacement. A detachable hub at a track drive sprocket/drum further enhances frame mounting. Elastomer shim and air bag assemblies also torsionally control and limit rotation of the track assemblies.

Abstract: An equalizer bar for a tracked vehicle is connected to the track roller frames via an arrangement comprising a pin which is swivel ably mounted to the equalizer bar and held rigidly by the track roller frame. The pin is positively held by the track roller frame, for example by channels in which the pin sits such that the side load is at least partially absorbed by the channel walls rather than the fasteners. The fasteners are located such that they experience minimal side load and aid a positive location of the pin in the channels.

Abstract: Concrete machine which is mainly composed of a chassis and of caterpillar drives, upon which the chassis is provided via arms, which arms can be adjusted in height, characterized in that the concrete machine is provided with a system for adjusting the chassis in height in relation to the arms.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a frame, a tower that is supported by the frame, two tracks for movement over the ground, at least four yokes that interconnect the frame and the two tracks, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. The tower includes a drill string. Each yoke is connected to the frame and one of the tracks. Each hydraulic cylinder is movable in response to a control signal and connected to the frame and a yoke. Each sensor senses a parameter indicative of force and generates an output signal that represents the force. The controller receives the output signals from the sensors, determines a center of gravity of the drilling machine, and generates the control signals for the hydraulic cylinders based on the center of gravity. Each hydraulic cylinder is controlled to move to maintain the center of gravity within a boundary area.

Abstract: A rear track suspension for a snowmobile having a single resilient element for biasing both the front and rear arms. The slide rail is permitted to pitch between first and second pitching constraints in response to terrain obstacles in a gradual manner as the motion constraints are approached. This reduces jarring of the rider when the pitching constraints are met. Suspension compression exhibits an initial falling rate motion ratio, followed by a constant rate motion ratio, followed by a rising rate motion ratio. This U-shaped motion ratio profile advantageously provides cushioning upon landing along with a resistance to bottoming out of the suspension upon full compression. The result is an improved ride without sacrificing suspension performance.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a frame, two tracks, and a plurality of yokes interconnecting the frame and the tracks. Each yoke is pivotable with respect to the frame by the extension and retraction of a hydraulic cylinder. Each of a plurality of sensors senses a parameter indicative of force and generates a signal representing the force. A controller receives the force signals, and generates control signals to extend or retract the hydraulic cylinders when an associated force deviation for a hydraulic cylinder exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A work machine, and a work machine idler mounting assembly is provided, including a frame, a mounting member proximate an end of the frame, an idler support block adjacent the mounting member. At least one removeable spacer is positionable between the idler support block and the frame to adjust relative positions thereof.

Abstract: A track tensioning assembly for a track laying vehicle. The track tensioning assembly includes an idler plate assembly coupled to a hydraulic actuator at a first end and coupled to a front idler assembly at a second end. The hydraulic actuator is configured to apply a pressure on the front idler assembly with the idler plate assembly to achieve a desired tautness. The track tensioning assembly also includes a removable cross pin positioned to prevent loosening of track while in a first location or configured to allow removal of tracks while in a second location.

Abstract: A chassis is described which is constructed of two lower side frames which at each end are provided with a wheel or caterpillar track. On each of the two lower side members, there is a horizontal bearing. Each of these bearings are connected to an upper vertical side member which at their upper end is connected to two parallel cross members through horizontal bearings for the development of a parallelogram connection. Between the lower and upper side members, there are two double-acting hydraulic cylinders. These can be connected in parallel in order to make a weight distribution possible. By means of a regulation valve between pressure side and suction side, respectively, on the double-acting hydraulic cylinders the upper part of the chassis can swing back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the side members.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus of a multi-axle vehicle capable of realizing high traveling stability is provided. For this purpose, the suspension apparatus forms a quadric link structure (31) by a vehicle body (9), a front link (21) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion being in a vicinity of a front axle, a rear link (22) with an upper end portion being connected to the vehicle body with a pin and a lower end portion located in a vicinity of a rear axle, and a connecting link (1) for connecting portions in vicinities of respective lower end portions of the front and rear links, and a side length at a side of the connecting link is made shorter than a side length at a vehicle body side.

Abstract: A crawler running gear, particularly for a construction machine, having a central section and two crawler supports with in each case one crawler track. The crawler supports are arranged along a longitudinal direction on both longitudinal sides of the central section and are fixed to cross members, which are in each case displaceably mounted in a displacement direction on the central section by means of at least one guide. For the purpose of a stable connection at least one clamping element is provided with which a cross member can be braced at right angles to the displacement direction relative to its guide.

Abstract: An axle mount device for mounting an axle to a snowmobile track suspension frame has a base portion and an adjuster portion. The base portion has an axis and a bore coincident with the axis. The adjuster portion is secured to the base portion asymmetrically with respect to the axis, and engages an opening in the frame. The axle mount may be moved between first and second positions to vary a position of the axle with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An axle mount device for mounting an axle to a snowmobile track suspension frame has a base portion and an adjuster portion. The base portion has an axis and a bore coincident with the axis. The adjuster portion is secured to the base portion asymmetrically with respect to the axis, and engages an opening in the frame. The axle mount may be moved between first and second positions to vary a position of the axle with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A combination bulldozer and pipelayer includes a front mounted blade, or scoop, and a side mounted pipelayer attachment. When operated as a bulldozer, a pair of endless track roller frames are free to oscillate up and down about a horizontal axis passing through the bulldozer's main frame for improved traction and grading characteristics, reduced stress on the tractor structure, and a more comfortable ride for the operator. When operated in the pipelayer mode, the track roller frames are locked in fixed position to the vehicle's main frame to provide a stable platform for lifting and transporting a heavy load such as sections of pipe. The side mounted pipelayer attachment includes a folding boom which can be stowed in a retracted position or extended to the use position by the operator using only the boom and load controls.

Abstract: An extended movement rear suspension for a snowmobile. The suspension includes at least two elongated members of a substantially constant length coupled to the snowmobile frame and to an endless track guide rail assembly. The suspension configures the endless track into a generally triangular shape.

Abstract: A track drive device for all terrain vehicle comprises a frame (14) able to be mounted on the side of a chassis (C) of a vehicle and carrying two main wheels (38, 42) and support wheels (40A, B, 40E) around which is wound a track (12). The frame (14) comprises a rear part (16) able to be fixed to the chassis (C) of the vehicle and carrying one (38) of the main wheels, and a front part in the form of an approximately horizontal oscillating beam (18) carrying the other main wheel (42) and at least one (40D, 40E) of the support wheels and mounted pivoting about a first transverse pivot (20) located at a lower level. The device also comprises an approximately horizontal suspension arm (52) arranged above the oscillating beam (18), linked to the latter by a connecting rod (64) and mounted pivoting around a second transverse pivot (24) arranged at an upper level approximately at the height of the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus as an after-market, upgrade kit constructed and arranged to be installed onto an coupled snowmobile suspension system that, when installed, provides for quick and easily accessible coupling adjustment. Specifically, the upgrade kit of the present invention is configured to be installed onto the Polaris® line of snowmobiles. The upgrade kit includes a shaft having an axis of rotation, a pair of coupling blocks, and an indexer plate. The coupling blocks are adapted to be fixedly connected relative to the axis of rotation at each end of the shaft so that a torque in the shaft will be transmitted to the coupling blocks. The coupling blocks have a plurality of sides corresponding to a plurality of positions of the coupling blocks, each of the sides being located at a different distance from the axis of the shaft when the coupling blocks are connected to the shaft. The indexer plate is adapted to engage one of the coupling blocks at a selected positions of the coupling blocks.

Abstract: To enable a rider to control in real time the type of ride he desires, a snowmobile is equipped with a suspension system that includes at least one fluid actuated device which can be adjusted in real time to control the relative distance between the body of the snowmobile onto which the rider sits and the frame, or the slide tracks about which the drive belt is mounted. By setting a constant predetermined desirable distance between the body and the slide tracks, or the frame, of the snowmobile, an optimal cushioned ride for the rider is obtained. The control of the fluid actuated device(s) may be effected at any time manually by the rider, or be effected by a feedback system. The snowmobile is also equipped with an ABS system for enhancing the traction of the drive belt on snow and therefore the control of the snowmobile by the rider.