Abstract: An improved suspension system for a track-driven work vehicle includes a main undercarriage support beam and a rear suspension assembly provided in operative association with the main undercarriage support beam. In one embodiment, the rear suspension assembly includes a rear rocker arm that pivotably couples both a rear idler wheel and a separate rear roller wheel of the system to the main undercarriage support beam.

Abstract: A supporting and levelling group for aerial work platforms includes a support base for supporting a containing cage of an aerial work platform and a support frame hinged to the support base so as to be able to oscillate with respect to an oscillation axis. The supporting and levelling group also includes at least a pair of ground rest elements hinged independently to the support frame, with respect to respective articulation axes parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the oscillation axis, such as to be able to independently vary a height thereof with respect to the support base.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.

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: A suspension system for a machine is disclosed. The suspension system may have a front torsion axle assembly with a first arm connected at a first end to a first shaft, and a first axle connected to a second end of the first arm. The suspension system may also have a rear torsion axle assembly with a second arm connected at a first end to a second shaft, and a second axle connected to a second end of the second arm. The suspension system may further have a frame connected to an end of the first shaft and an end of the second shaft. The second ends of the first and second arms are oriented within common angular quadrants defined by a coordinate system having an axis passing through the first ends of the first and second arms and aligned with a travel direction of the machine.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle and suspension providing frame members that pivot relative to each other and independent of supported track assemblies. Suspension frame sections pivot at supported bearings and torsion couplers. An endless track of each track assembly is trained around a framework having a drive sprocket and sets of idler wheels. The track assemblies independently pivot relative to the vehicle from a track suspension frame and supported sets of idler wheels mounted to torsion biased rocker arms that resist and bias the rocker arms and idler wheels to an equilibrium position and conformally shape the track to the terrain. Improved track drive lug surfaces are shaped to prevent track derailment. The vehicle frame and track assemblies independently rise, fall and pivot as obstacles of differing configurations and types are encountered to stabilize and maintain an operator body substantially parallel to the ground.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle and suspension providing frame members that pivot relative to each other and independent of supported track assemblies. Suspension frame sections pivot at supported bearings and torsion couplers. An endless track of each track assembly is trained around a framework having a drive sprocket and sets of idler wheels. The track assemblies independently pivot relative to the vehicle from a track suspension frame and supported sets of idler wheels mounted to torsion biased rocker arms that resist and bias the rocker arms and idler wheels to an equilibrium position and conformally shape the track to the terrain. Improved track drive lug surfaces are shaped to prevent track derailment. The vehicle frame and track assemblies independently rise, fall and pivot as obstacles of differing configurations and types are encountered to stabilize and maintain an operator body substantially parallel to the ground.

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: A suspension system for a track vehicle, the suspension system comprising: a frame; a track surrounding the frame; a plurality of suspension modules resiliently interconnected between the frame and track to bias the track into engagement with a ground surface upon which the track vehicle sits; and at least one idler over which the track extends. Under a normal load, all weight of the track vehicle is borne by the suspension modules and not by the at least one idler. Under selected conditions the at least one idler bears at least some weight of the track vehicle to rigidify the track vehicle suspension during such selected conditions.

Abstract: An equalizer bar itself serving as a suspension device of a track-type vehicle has spring effects imparted through torsional deformation relative to vertical oscillatory movements of track frames. Arm portions are fixed in directions opposite to each other in two ends of an equalizer bar main body. Free end portions of the arm portions are individually supported in the track frames to be rotatable in directions opposite to each other. The track frames are therefore regulated in the magnitudes of oscillatory movements according to the spring effects of the equalizer bar main body, whereby travel-time oscillations, oscillatory movements, and/or the like of the vehicle body are sufficiently restrained.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers so increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: A cambered surfaced tensioning block is provided that is used in conjunction with the rear suspension of a typical snowmobile when sufficient lateral force is applied. The tensioning block fits within an open ended block housing which is attached to the slide rail components of the rear suspension in a position that is just rearward of the point at which the spring arms are attached. The upper surface of the tensioning block is formed in a curve in a manner so that the radius of that curve lessens as you move rearward thus, creating a cambered surface. The cambered upper surface of the tensioning block is utilized to move the load point of the suspension spring arm closer to the point of force application as the lateral force applied to the suspension increases. Therefore, the use of the present invention provides a rear suspension spring characteristic that grows increasingly stiff as more and more lateral force is applied to it.