Abstract: A wheel-mounting assembly for a utility vehicle includes a chassis and a wheel support assembly mounted to respective outboard ends of first and second telescopic axle assemblies. The first and second telescopic axle assemblies are laterally spaced from one another and are each secured to the chassis. The first and second telescopic axle assemblies each include a respective actuator arranged to control extension and retraction thereof for steering and track-width control.

Abstract: The invention relates to stabilizer bar (10) for use with the suspension of a vehicle such as a truck. The stabilizer bar (10) comprises a shaft (12) supported by bearings (18), cranked parts for example in the form of crank arms (30) being provided at or adjacent each end of the shaft (12), each cranked part having a connection point (32) for connection, in use, to a respective link member (34), wherein each connection point (32) is substantially aligned with a respective one of the bearings (18) relative to the axis of the shaft (12). The invention also relates to a vehicle incorporating such a stabilizer bar (10) and to a roll stabilization method using such a stabilizer bar (10).

Abstract: A half shaft connects to the mounting bracket of the wheel in a splined connection. The straight external spline of the half shaft is modified to a helical or involute external spline, in which the helix angle adopted is small. The mounting bracket of the wheel can be longitudinally advanced by hand assembly only part way onto the half shaft. The rest of the longitudinal advancement during assembly occurs by tightening the nut to completely eliminate the fit clearance between the external spline and its corresponding mating arrangement. Various road tests of vehicles verify that, when using the present invention, the nut does not loosen during use of the vehicle. The invention enables the locking force of the nut to be reduced, and assembly and maintenance are convenient.

Abstract: A pair of wheels coupled together by an adjustable axle mechanism. A right straight-line linkage coupled to a right wheel and a left straight-line linkage coupled to a left wheel. The right straight-line linkage and the left straight-line linkage are connected together and each move independently from each other between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly and a flip tail assembly. The flip tail assembly is pivotally movable with respect to the main tail assembly between a stowed position and an operative position. A flip tail locking assembly is provided for locking the flip tail assembly in its stowed position.

Abstract: An agricultural machine such as a high clearance sprayer is provided with a frame capable of supporting wheels at a variable tread width. The frame includes a first cross member and a second cross member, both of which have slider receivers formed in an outer edge of either side of the frame. The machine also includes a first axle slider for a first side and a second axle slider for a second side. Each axle slider includes a pair of axle slider legs configured to be telescopically inserted into and out of the respective slider receiver, as well as a main slider body extending between the pair of axle slider legs. The axle sliders are configured to support a pair of wheels on either side of the frame. Additionally, actuators are mounted within the cross members that enable the telescopic movement of the axle sliders relative to the cross members.

Abstract: A multi-functional folding cart including a folding cart body with a cloth pocket for containing articles. One end of the folding cart body is movably connected with a handle. A transverse rod and a fixing rod are arranged on the front and rear ends of a bottom of the folding cart body. Two wheels are located on the front end and two wheels are located on the rear end of the bottom of the folding cart body. Each of the wheels is provided with a trundle fixing frame. A stopping part and a rotating shaft are arranged on the top of the trundle fixing frame on the rear end of the bottom of the folding cart body. The rotating shaft connects the trundle fixing frame with the fixing rod. The trundle fixing frame can rotate around the rotating shaft to perform folding.

Abstract: An extendible axle member (146 or 148) is provided for a pivoting axle of an agricultural harvester (100), the extendible axle member (146 or 148) having an elongate telescopic portion (400) with bearing surfaces for being slidably received in an outer axle member (142 or 144), wherein the elongate telescopic portion (400) is formed integral with and abuts a C-frame for supporting a steering knuckle (158 or 160).

Abstract: An agricultural application machine (10) comprising a pair of wheels (11, 12) each having an associated wheel support structure (22) is provided. Each wheel support structure is mounted to the chassis (60) by a transversely extending support shaft (29; 49) which is slidably mounted within a bearing block (50; 80). The provision of bearing blocks allows the transverse separation of the wheels to be varied with minimal sliding friction.

Abstract: A floor conveyor, with a frame on which a drive unit and a load unit are attached, the load unit having a load carrying means adjustable in its height, further with two parallel wheel arms which are adapted to be mounted on the outer sides of the frame, each wheel arm mounting one load wheel, and with means for reducing the distance of the wheel arms from each other, wherein a frame portion or a frame plate is fixedly connected to the frame on each outer side thereof, said frame portion or frame plate having an outer bearing surface and holes which result in a first hole pattern, wherein a wheel arm plate is connected to the wheel arms, which has first through bores resulting in a second hole pattern, and an inner bearing surface.

Abstract: A method for changing the track of a vehicle (100) having first and second wheels (108, 110) disposed on opposing sides of the vehicle (100) along a line generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle, the first and second wheels (108, 110 are supported on first and second wheel supports (114, 116, 204) to permit the track of the first and second wheels (108, 110) to be adjusted, at least one actuator (218, 220) is coupled to at least one wheel of the first and second wheels (108, 110) and is configured to change the toe angle of said first and second wheels (108, 110), and an electronic control unit (402) is coupled to the actuator (218, 220) that is configured to command the actuator (218, 220) to change the toe angle, the method comprising the steps of changing the toe angle of the first and second wheels (108, 110); rolling the vehicle (100) on the first and second wheels (108, 110) over the ground to generate opposing lateral forces on the first and second wheels (108, 110); and applyi

Abstract: A steering axle assembly of a work machine such as an agricultural harvester includes telescoping axles and hub assemblies on the telescoping axles, with front and rear hydraulic cylinders for axially and angularly adjusting positions of the wheel hub assemblies, including steering the hubs to angles sufficient to minimize a width of the steering axle assembly for transport.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester rear axle arrangement for an agricultural harvester (10) having a body (12), the arrangement comprising left and right rear wheels (18, 20); means for supporting the wheels for rotation about a generally vertical steering axis (38, 40, 78, 94) and for supporting the wheels for extension and retraction from the body of the combine (26, 28, 30, 90); actuator means for steering the wheels (38, 40, 70, 72, 94) and for extending and retracting the wheels (34, 36, 70, 72); an electronic controller (50) coupled to the actuator means to steer, extend and retract the wheels.

Abstract: A trailer having retractable wheels. A lock-out mechanism is provided that prevents the trailer from being connected to a vehicle when the wheels are in the retracted position. The lock-out mechanism may also be configured to prevent movement of the wheels to the retracted position when the trailer is connected to a vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable ski track width mechanism allows adjusting the ski track between a narrow ski track width and a wide ski track width. The adjustable ski track width mechanism includes a steering mechanism that provides correct steering geometry and corresponding steering characteristics regardless of the narrow ski track width or the wide ski track width. The adjustable ski track width mechanism can be adjusted by the operator or automatically depending on operator preference or terrain conditions.

Abstract: A multi-position track width sensor for agricultural sprayers wherein a piston rod position sensor is connected to each of the adjustable axle members of the front and rear axle assemblies of the sprayer. A display panel is mounted in the cab of the sprayer and includes LEDs which indicate various positions of the piston rods with respect to the respective cylinder.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the invention is a shaft to transfer torque in a vehicle including a first member having internal splines and a second member having external splines engagable with the internal splines to allow telescopic movement between the first member and the second member and to transfer torque between the first member and the second member. The external spline has a coating to reduce friction during the telescopic movement. Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a suspension system for a vehicle including a biasing device and the above-described shaft.

Abstract: A tractor having a front end and a rear end adaptable for a variety of different environments. Methods related to the conversion of the tractor are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a front wheel assembly that is removably attached to the front end of the tractor to facilitate adaptation of the tractor a various environments. Also, a steering actuator is removably attached to the front wheel assembly and fixedly attached to the chassis of the tractor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis supporting two front axle assemblies and two rear axle assemblies. Each of the front and rear axle assemblies includes an extendible and retractable axle supporting an independently steerable wheel and a steering mechanism. The axles of the respective front and rear axle assemblies are offset from each other. By providing independently steerable wheels, the vehicle is operable in a plurality of steering modes including two-wheel steer, crab steer and coordinated steer. A steering angle for each steering wheel is determined according to a steering angle of an inside front wheel on a turn-by-turn basis.

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 front lifting equipment for an agricultural crawler tractor with considerable offset (D) of the front art relatively to an intermediate girder (1) whereto are fixed the track-layer assemblies (Cg), an axle (4) being provided at the rear. The equipment includes a reinforcing member arranged on each side of the tractor, fixed to the intermediate girder and to the rear axle, and formed by a flank (18g) substantially parallel to the tractor median vertical plane, and whereof the height is arranged to ensure satisfactory mechanical resistance in spite of a reduced thickness such that adjusting the narrow gauge track of the tractor is not hindered. A link (L) between the front part (19g) of the reinforcing flank and a fixing point located towards the tractor front is provided for picking up effort.

Abstract: An adjustable axle-frame connector 10 for mounting an axle 40 to the frame 30 of a vehicle. The adjustable axle-frame connector 10 includes an axle mounting plate 12, an axle hold down bracket 20, and a U-bolt 24a. The axle mounting plate 12 with a first end for positioning on one side of the vehicle frame 30 and a second end having a mounting slot 17 formed therein. The first end is configured to engage the frame 30 when the axle mounting plate 12 is positioned between the frame 30 and the axle 40, the axle 40 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the frame 30. The second end has positioning tabs 18 that are configured to straddle the axle 40 when the axle mounting plate 12 is positioned between the frame 30 and the axle 40. The axle hold down bracket 20 has a proximal end 21 and a distal end, the distal end including a locator flange 22 configured to engage the mounting slot 17 of the axle mounting plate 12 when the proximal end 21 is placed in abutment with the frame 30 of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axle mounting arrangement for mounting an axle assembly to the frame of a vehicle. A plurality of attachment structures are provided on the frame, and at least one support structure is provides for coupling the axle assembly with the attachment structures at different locations along the frame.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjustably securing an axle and a brake carrier to a front monofork of a motorcycle. The axle is received within an eccentric axle carrier and extends through a lower end of the brake carrier. An opposite end of the brake carrier includes an opening through which a carrier mounting device extends. The carrier mounting device is secured to the monofork and guides or aligns the brake carrier relative to the monofork. When the axle carrier is rotated to adjust the attitude of the motorcycle front end, the mounting device moves relative to the brake carrier while the brake carrier is maintained in a relatively fixed relationship to the wheel.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjustably securing an axle and a brake carrier to a front monofork of a motorcycle. The axle is received within an eccentric axle carrier and extends through a lower end of the brake carrier. An opposite end of the brake carrier includes an opening through which a carrier mounting device extends. The carrier mounting device is secured to the monofork and guides or aligns the brake carrier relative to the monofork. When the axle carrier is rotated to adjust the attitude of the motorcycle front end, the mounting device moves relative to the brake carrier while the brake carrier is maintained in a relatively fixed relationship to the wheel.

Abstract: A motorized golf bag cart includes a base frame which extends and retracts telescopically to respectively expand or collapse a battery mounting area. A drive motor supported in the base frame is linked to a drive axle which selectively drives a pair of drive wheel hubs positioned on respective opposite sides of the base frame. The base frame also includes a pair of transversely extending hollow tube which receive respective first and second telescoping support axles such that they are movable between an extended, operative position and a retracted, compact storage position. An articulating handle is designed to be compactly folded. The inventive golf bag cart is thus quickly and easily changeable between an extremely compact storage and transport configuration and a very stable, four wheeled, operative position.

Abstract: A crop sprayer includes a chassis and a differential assembly secured to the chassis. The crop sprayer also includes a hub assembly having a hub support plate with a wheel hub rotatably secured thereto. The crop sprayer further includes a first telescoping support assembly having a first outer tube and a first inner tube which is positioned within the first outer tube. The first inner tube is movable relative to the first outer tube. The crop sprayer moreover includes a second telescoping support assembly having a second outer tube and a second inner tube which is positioned within the second outer tube. The second inner tube is movable relative to the second outer tube. The crop sprayer yet further includes a telescoping drive shaft assembly. Both the first outer tube and the second outer tube are secured to the chassis. Both the first inner tube and the second inner tube are secured to the hub support plate.

Abstract: A track suspension is disclosed including a track, a drive wheel engaged with the track, a wheel support, a drive wheel shaft rotationally engaged with the wheel and a drive wheel shaft support. The wheel support is adjustably securable to the drive wheel shaft support in a plurality of laterally disposed positions and the wheel is slidingly positionable with respect to the length of the drive wheel shaft in correspondence with the adjusted position of the wheel support. Also disclosed is a tracked vehicle including a frame, at least one track suspension including a track, a drive wheel engaged with the track, a wheel support, a drive wheel shaft and a drive wheel shaft support. The wheel support is adjustably securable to the drive wheel shaft support in a plurality of laterally disposed positions and the wheel is slidingly positionable with respect to the length of the drive wheel shaft in correspondence with the adjusted position of the wheel support.

Abstract: For machinery it is often desirable to change the gauge of the track or wheels. Variation of gauge is commonly accomplished by hydraulic cylinders which act through telescopic cross beams (3) to, for example, move tracks (2) of the machinery apart. Apparatus is disclosed to guide movement of the structure to change gauge and to lock the structure in place to prevent relative movement while the machinery is operated. Remote control (30) may be used to control these operations.

Abstract: A vehicle having a pair of front wheels coupled to a wheel assembly is provided. The wheel assembly includes a wheel-spacing mechanism, a pair of spaced-apart spindle assemblies, and a steering mechanism. The wheel-spacing mechanism includes a center axle tube, a pair of axle arms coupled to the center axle tube for axial telescoping movement relative to the center axle tube, and means for extending and retracting the axle arms relative to the center axle tube. Each of the pair of spaced-apart spindle assemblies includes a spindle shaft coupled to the respective axle arm for pivoting movement about a substantially vertical axis. Each wheel is coupled to the respective spindle shaft for rotation about a substantially horizontal wheel axis. The steering mechanism includes a pair of telescoping drive shafts and means for rotating each telescoping drive shaft about a horizontal pivot axis.

Abstract: A self-propelled boom vehicle has an extendible axle and an extendible steering mechanism which has an automatic steering synchronization system. The extendible axle has a hollow central support sleeve and telescopic arm sections. A single hydraulic extension axle is positioned inside the hollow central support sleeve and connects to and drives the telescopic arm sections between their retracted and extended positions. The steering synchronization system includes a pair of steering cylinders in a closed hydraulic circuit working in a master-slave arrangement and which operate inversely with respect to each other. A mechanical check valve is carried by each piston which allows excess hydraulic fluid to flow through the check valve to allow the piston to travel to the end of its stroke to resynchronize the steering.

Abstract: A pair of foot rest and guard members that can be retrofitted on opposite sides of a three or four wheeled vehicle, such as an ATV or all terrain vehicle. Each foot rest and guard is the mirror image of the other and has an enclosing outer rigid lightweight frame structure made up of an inner frame member and an outer frame member which members are joined together by a third side frame member. Each of the rigid frame structures may be directly bolted to the ATV or may have a frame extension joined to its outer frame member that engages a like frame extension member of the other foot rest and guard. Within the enclosing opened frame structure of each foot rest and guard is an inner generally U-shaped foot rest frame member which is fixed to its outer frame member at its bight portion.

Abstract: A forklift truck has a frame, a cab including a roof to protect the driver and a lift support structure connected to the frame. A load-carrying fork is mounted on the lift support structure for vertical movement and the lift support structure, the roof and the frame are all welded together to form a single load-bearing assembly.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate including a sole plate equipped with a line of wheels, and an auxiliary wheel system mounted in the sole plate, wherein the auxiliary wheel system includes two auxiliary wheels, and a control device sliding in a sliding way for controlling the auxiliary wheels between a first position in which the auxiliary wheels are retained closely attached together, and a second position in which the auxiliary wheels are spaced from each other at a space.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having a central structure which includes a rotatable cab and a platform on which an engine is slideably mounted and the location of which is hydraulically controlled.

Abstract: A foot board and brake pedal for a four wheeled all-terrain vehicle of light weight simple structure with an easy braking operation is provided, on which an operator's foot is freely movable during running, by which the operator's foot is protected from mud and water splashed by front wheels. A recessed portion is formed on a foot putting face of the foot board to accommodate the foot stepping portion of the brake pedal below the foot putting face when the braking pedal is stepped down. An opening is formed on a bottom wall of the recessed portion through which the foot stepping portion of the brake pedal can pass at the maximum stepping amount. The foot board is supported on a body frame by an inverted U-shaped bracket covering the arm portion of the brake pedal through a vibration damper member.

Abstract: A collapsible forklift vehicle has three frame sets, namely a main frame, a pair of front wheel frames which can be retracted into the main frame, and a mast frame which runs partly on the main frame and partly on the front wheel frames. The main frame defines a rear space for the rear wheels, and motor and operator platforms, all of which can be retracted into the rear space to shorten the vehicle for transport. The mast, carried by the mast frame, includes intermediate channels running in outer channels using top and bottom rollers, enabling the use of lighter gauge steel for the mast.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator (20) for use in vehicle dynamometer and other types of testing for automotive vehicles. The simulator (20) is made up of a first portion and a second portion detachably connected to the first portion. The first portion preferably is formed from a front module (22) which is adjustable to accommodate various test engines (134) and test front suspensions (152) to accurately simulate a particular specified vehicle design. The second portion is preferably made up of a center module (24) and a detachable rear module (26) which are both adjustable to accommodate various systems associated with the center and rear of particular vehicle designs being simulated. All three of the modules are adjustable for width, length and height to accurately reflect the wheel base, ride height and other important dimensions of the vehicle being simulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foam sound barrier for a machine such as a construction machine having several control levers. The barrier includes acoustic blocks, each of which has a notch between plural projections. Such blocks are made of acoustic material for sound-deadening and define a clearance portion (i.e., a hole) for accommodating the levers. In one embodiment, the blocks are conformably "saw-tooth" shaped for wedge fit against one another and in another embodiment, the blocks are collinear and retain a bellows-like boot around one of the levers. The embodiments can be used alone or together. The barrier reduces sound level by at least about 0.8 decibels and also helps exclude dirt from the machine operator's compartment.

Abstract: A skidsteer loader having an eccentric axle housing which permits the use of common components to construct skidsteer loaders with different wheel base lengths. The eccentric axle housing is constructed such that when it is mounted to the frame of a skidsteer loader in one relationship with respect to the frame, the wheel base of the skidsteer loader will be a first length, and when mounted in another relationship with respect to the frame, the skidsteer loader has a wheel base different from the first length.

Abstract: A tie rod assembly for a steering wheel structure for an agricultural vehicle such as a row crop applicator uses hydraulic cylinders to set the track width of the vehicle. The track width may be modulated between a minimum and a maximum track setting and modified until a desired track width is achieved while the vehicle is in motion and negotiating a turn without affecting toe-in settings. Toe-in settings are maintained by a closed loop series hydraulic system which further has the capability to reinitialize any toe-in setting to a preset condition in the event any hydraulic cylinder experiences cylinder drift.

Abstract: A tie rod extendable and retractable telescopic axle assembly wherein a pair of axle beams are slidably mounted in a box beam integral with a vehicle chassis. Steering linkage and associated wheel assemblies are mounted on the outer ends of the axle beams, and the inner ends of the axle beam within the box beam are telescopically mounted relative to each other which provides an increased wheel base when the axle beam are moved outwardly of the box beam. A hydraulic cylinder and piston rod assembly is mounted between the box beam and wheel assemblies so that the hydraulic cylinder and rod assembly function not only as an actuator for extending and retracting the axle beams but also as a tie rod for the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A mounting for an axle spindle of an agricultural implement is described which is adjustable between a substantially horizontal travel position and a downwardly inclined field working position. The downwardly inclined position is used in order to enhance performance of the agricultural implement, especially dual wing implements.

Abstract: A locking system for locking a tandem wheel assembly of a wheeled vehicle with respect to longitudinally extending members of a trailer body. The locking system includes a plurality of pins mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions. The pins engage within selected openings in the extending members. A spring is operatively associated with each pin for resiliently biasing the pin into the retracted position thereof when in an unstuck condition.

Abstract: Adjustable axle or similar telescoping structure includes an outer frame tube of square section which telescopingly receives an inner tube having a top shim-contacting surface, two parallel side surfaces, and a lower wall of inverted V-shaped section defining two additional downwardly directed shim-contacting surfaces. Three flat plates of a polymer material are supported between the three shim-contacting surfaces and the outer frame tube. One pad is attached to the upper surface on the inside of the outer tube. The remaining two pads are connected to a wedge-shaped steel bar and are oriented upwardly by the bar to contact the two shim-contacting surfaces on the inverted V-shaped section. The bottom wall of the outer frame tube is drilled and nuts are welded onto the outer surface to receive bolts which are screwed into the nuts to contact the bottom of the bar. When the bolts are tightened, they force the inner tube upward so it contacts the upper pad.

Abstract: A rear axle auto-tracking system automatically ensures that the rear axle follows the front axle on an agricultural vehicle having adjustable front and rear track assemblies. With the auto-tracking system energized, the vehicle operator simply adjusts the front track while driving and the rear axle automatically adjusts to stay in line with the front track within about .+-.1/2 inch per side. The system can be turned off to allow independent rear track adjustment. If the system is re-energized while driving, the rear track will quickly adjust to follow the front axle setting. As when adjusting the front track, the vehicle must be moving when adjusting the rear axle track.

Abstract: A trailer for lifting and transporting large loads is constructed of a pair of elongated side trusses, adjustably connected together at their ends by structural frames, and having a plurality of lifter frames rotatably and slidably mounted on the elongated side trusses. A first of the end structural frames is secured to a hitch assembly for pulling the trailer and this first structural frame as well as each of the elongated side trusses is provided with a mechanical lifting device to separately move the same. A pair of chassis having wheels for moving the trailer are connected to the mechanical lifting devices, under the elongated side trusses, and are separately connected to the hitch assembly by tow rods.

Abstract: A heel saving device has a first straight part underlying an accelerator pedal of a vehicle and a second bulbous or circular part that is integral to the first part and which extends out from under the pedal towards the driver. The heel of the driver's shoe rests atop the bulbous second part when the vehicle is being operated, and protects the heel from abrasion by the floorboard. A chemical is added to the bulbous second part to prevent rubbing off of heel coloring, and a double-sided adhesive secures the device into position. In a second embodiment, a first straight part overlies a second straight part and a bulbous first part overlies a bulbous second part that has an adhesive-saving central opening formed in it.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a work vehicle includes first and second roller frame assemblies, one on each side of the vehicle, an idler wheel assembly connected to one end of each roller frame assembly, and a drive wheel connected to the opposite end of each roller frame assembly. An endless elastomeric track belt encircles a respective drive wheel, roller frame assembly, and idler wheel assembly on each side of the vehicle. A rigid support beam connects each roller frame assembly to the main frame of the vehicle. Each idler wheel assembly includes first and second self-aligning mechanisms to provide that the track belt runs true and straight. The roller frame assemblies can be spaced laterally from the vehicle, using various size spacers, to provide various gage settings of the endless track belt. During adjustment of the roller frame assemblies, a supporting arrangement supports one track roller assembly by the other track roller assembly.

Abstract: A self steering axle system for motor coaches and similar commercial vehicles having a truss which hingedly supports an axle beam for pivotal movement between a normal positive caster angle and a negative caster angle when the vehicle is driven in reverse. The pivotal or rocking movement is achieved by a centrally positioned shift actuator acting through a yoke arm assembly and a latch which absorbs brake reaction forces. The system includes a caster lock for rendering the axle non-steerable in the event of a system failure or above predetermined operational speeds.