Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the direction of travel of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle having a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of a direction of travel of the implement. The implement may also include an actuator configured to adjust the direction of travel of the implement, with the actuator being fluidly coupled to the valve such that the valve is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The implement may further include an implement-based controller configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the direction of travel of the implement.

Abstract: A walking beam assembly mounts onto the main frame of an agricultural trailer in place of a single axle assembly. The walking beam assembly has a main axle beam serving as the only connection to the main frame. Two walking beams, with a pair of wheels on each, are supported at opposing ends of the main axle beam. Two hubs are pivotally supported on the main axle beam at respective hub locations spaced inward axially of the main axle beam relative to the ends of the main axle beam. A pair of brace members are coupled between each hub and the respective walking beam at diametrically opposing sides of the walking beam pivot. The hubs and the brace members are pivotal relative to the main axle beam about the same walking beam axis as the walking beams.

Abstract: An individual wheel suspension system for scale vehicles, and more specifically motorized scale vehicles comprises at least two individual wheel suspension elements on each side of the vehicle. Each individual wheel suspension element utilizes a road wheel axle that is attached to the lower end of a swing arm allowing forces from the ground to be transferred from the road wheel axle to a swing arm bolt or shaft that is also attached to the upper end of the swing arm. The swing arm bolt extends through the frame of the suspension system and then transfers the force into a spring that is fixedly attached to a tension plate that is secured to the frame of the suspension system.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided having a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly may include a front axle assembly, and the rear wheel assembly may include a rear axle assembly. The vehicle may include a braking system configured to transfer front axle braking torque to the rear axle assembly when the vehicle is positioned on a slope.

Abstract: A tie-plate comprising a lower mounting flange that is removably attachable to a first frame hanger and to a second frame hanger, wherein the lower mounting flange includes a first set of attachment holes that correspond to a set of attachment holes at the first frame hanger, wherein the lower mounting flange includes a second set of attachment holes that correspond to a set of attachment holes at the second frame hanger, an extending member having a first end that extends at an angle from the lower mounting flange; and an upper mounting flange extending from a second end of the extending member, wherein the upper mounting flange has one or more mounting holes adapted for attachment of the tie-plate to an undercarriage of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension including a spring module and a spring mount positioned within an opening in the spring module with two shear springs on either side of the spring mount, wherein the spring mount includes an inboard part and an outboard part, and a through-hole positioned in the inboard or outboard part to allow passage of a threaded connecting rod therethrough that has been tightened to draw the inboard part of the first spring mount together with the outboard part of the first spring mount, and to compress the first shear spring between a first side wall of the spring mount and a first side wall of the opening, and also to compress a second shear spring between a second side wall of the spring mount and a second side wall of the opening.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two elastomeric shear springs, an elastomeric progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.

Abstract: A machine (100) includes a frame that is pivotally connected to a tandem drive arrangement. The tandem drive arrangement includes a beam (120) and a first motor (128) having a first stator portion (202) connected to a first end of the beam (120). The first motor (128) also includes a first rotor portion (204) connected to a first drive wheel (118). A load sharing arrangement (412) is associated with the tandem drive arrangement and includes a first collar (414) rotatably disposed around the first stator portion (202) and a second collar (426) rotatably disposed around a portion of the beam (120). A first linkage (424) is pivotally connected between the first and second collars such that the load sharing arrangement (412) balances unbalanced loading in the tandem drive arrangement by transferring the unbalanced loading to the frame.

Abstract: An earthmoving scraping device has a bowl-shaped frame with walls and a frame floor that define an interior for transporting material and a walking beam system for the rear wheels thereof that includes a suspension arm pivotally connected between the back end of the frame and a beam, the beam having first and second axles disposed in parallel orientation on separate sides of the beam. The scraping device may have two walking beams independently connected to the rear end of the frame, each having a cylinder connecting the back of the frame and the suspension arm. The first axles of the beam may extend outward to position the outer tires closest to the frame, the inner axles and associated tires being positioned furthest from the frame between the two walking beams.

Abstract: An expanding independent load suspension system that incorporates a square walking beam, unique bushings, and multiple expanding sliding units to spread the load bearing tires evenly over the surface instead of grouping them close together. With the weight of the vehicle having the ability to pivot over three separate axes, it maintains an equal pressure on all the tires no matter what the surface conditions. Additional benefits are derived by the separation of the tires with the new design of the square walking beam causing less damage to the roadways. The vehicle has been designed to operate on the highways in the conventional ten-foot width, and then expand to a maximum of twenty feet to move large loads with the permits required.

Abstract: A tandem axle suspension assembly includes a pair of walking beams disposed substantially parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis supporting first and second axles. A link plate is pivotally attached to each of the walking beams and is pivotal about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first and a second link include pivotal connections between the link plate and a vehicle frame member. Vertical movement of the walking beams causes a corresponding rotation of the link plate to compensate for longitudinal displacement of the pivotal links with the first and second links and minimize longitudinal displacement of the walking beams.

Abstract: A walking beam assembly includes a pair of axles in parallel spaced relation. At least one of the pair of axles being a drop axles having end portions and an intermediate portion that extends between the end portions. The intermediate portion drops down and has a secondary axis which is offset from and substantially parallel to a primary axis provided by the end portions. A pair of walking beams extend in parallel spaced relation between the pair of axles. Each walking beam has opposed ends, a central transverse pivot axis intermediate the opposed ends, and a longitudinal pivot axis. The opposed ends of each walking beam are secured via connectors on top of the intermediate portion of the at least one drop axle adjacent one of the end portions. Each of the connectors allow limited pivotal movement about the longitudinal pivot axis of the walking beam.

Abstract: A mobile silvicultural apparatus for use in a land of trees comprising mature trees and immature trees. The apparatus includes a steerable wheeled support frame, an articulated boom, a motor system, and a control system. The steerable wheeled support frame has a horizontally extending ground-clearing section, and first and second opposite vertical side sections. The ground-clearing and side sections define a tunnel-shaped passage through which the immature trees are allowed to pass as the support frame travels thereover. The articulated boom is mounted to the support frame for selectively manipulating the mature trees. The motor system is used for imparting motion to the support frame and the control system is used for controlling the steerable support frame, the motor system, and the articulated boom.

Abstract: A walking beam assembly includes a pair of axles in parallel spaced relation. At least one of the pair of axles being a drop axles having end portions and an intermediate portion that extends between the end portions. The intermediate portion: drops down and has a secondary axis which is offset from: and substantially parallel to a primary axis provided by the end portions. A pair of walking beams extend in parallel spaced relation between the pair of axles. Each walking beam has opposed ends, a central transverse pivot axis intermediate the opposed ends, and a longitudinal pivot axis. The opposed ends of each walking beam are secured via connectors on top of the intermediate portion of the at least one drop axle adjacent one of the end portions. Each of the connectors allow limited pivotal movement about the longitudinal pivot axis of the walking beam.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a first equalizing beam, a first pair of axle housings each having a lower portion operably connected to opposite ends of the first equalizing beam, a pair of first linkage arms operably connected to an upper portion of each of the first axle housings and with a vehicle frame, and a first air cylinder operably connected to the first beam at a point located between the ends of the beam and with the vehicle frame. The system also includes a second equalizing beam, a second pair of axle housing, each having a lower portion operably connected to opposite ends of the second equalizing beam, a pair of second linkage arms operably connected to an upper portion of each of the second axle housings and with the vehicle frame, and a second air cylinder operably connected to the second beam at a point located between the ends of the second beam and with the frame vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension system provides a pair of walking beams mounted parallel to a longitudinal main frame of a vehicle subframe. The walking beams support tandem axles. The walking beams are mounted to lower outboard brackets extending from each axle. A spherical joint extending from each longitudinal end of each walking beam engages the lower outboard brackets. Each walking beam is constrained against fore-aft movement through a pair of watts linkages. The watts linkages are separated by a lateral torsion tube. Each walking beam is connected to its respective watts linkages through a revolute joint and pivot relative to the torque tube. A pair of tie-rods are attached between each watts linkages and a fixed support. The tie rods include spherical joints at each end. Each axle is further restrained by a V-rod attached to an upper bracket extending from each axle.

Abstract: A half-track vehicle includes a frame, first and second beams having forward and rearward wheels attached thereto, and first and second suspension systems. The frame includes a first side and a second side, and the first suspension system suspends the first beam from the frame adjacent the first side of the frame and the second suspension system suspends the second beam from the frame adjacent the second side of the frame. Each suspension system includes at least one element, such as a trailing arm, and A-arm, and a transverse suspension member, that is attached to one of frame and an associated one of the first and second beams in a manner that permits three degrees of rotational movement and that transmits motive force from the first and second beams to the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle, which can be used in particular as an agricultural vehicle and/or for construction purposes, has a vehicle frame, a drive and an undercarriage. The undercarriage (4, 4a) includes on both sides wheels (12, 13) having tires, and/or chain wheels (70a, 71a) having crawler tracks/chains (72a), which are arranged one behind another in the running direction and as wheel groups (11, 11a), and also can be steered in each case as a wheel group (11, 11a) about a vertical Z-axis (21), and can be pivoted about a transverse Y-axis (19) arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal X-axis (20) of the vehicle (1, 1a).

Abstract: A half-track multi-use vehicle having an independent suspension system that reduces body roll during operation in rough or sloping terrain. The vehicle includes a frame, a pair of beams that each holds mid and rear wheels, and a suspension system extending between the each beam and the frame. The suspension system includes a plurality of cushions and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is secured to each beam at a predetermined position between the mid and rear wheels. The predetermined position is selected such that each wheel's wheel rate, which is the combined spring rate contributed by an associated cushion and the stabilizer bar, is equal.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension for connecting a vehicle frame rail to a first vehicle axle and for connecting the vehicle frame rail to a second vehicle axle includes a fabricated equalizing beam connected to the first and second vehicle axles, a split bolster spring assembly connected to the equalizing beam, a fabricated saddle connected to the split bolster spring assembly, and a modular shear plate connected to the saddle and to the vehicle frame rail. The modular shear plate permits use of a universal saddle for mounting to a variety of vehicle frame configurations.

Abstract: A high clearance vehicle includes a walking beam frame and an independent suspension. The frame consists of a main frame, A-shaped frames, a main truss, leg braces, and an axle. Pins which are used to join each A-shaped frame and leg braces to the main truss act as pivot points, as does the pin that attaches the axle to the main frame. Each leg brace may connect to each A-shaped frame by an elastic member to provide the independent suspension. Legs are at each corner of the frame. At the bottom of each leg is a wheel hub mount with a wheel drive assembly operably connected to a wheel for propelling the vehicle. At the top of the front legs are tapered kingpins which carry segmented thrust washers having a knob and receiving portion. A boom having extension arms and spray nozzles may also be attached. The walking beam frame may include a crab steering device which shifts the rear axle off-center so that the vehicle dog legs.

Abstract: In a tandem axle suspension a system for connecting the end of a rectangular axle housing to bushing in the eye at the adjacent end of a walking beam. The system comprises an axle bracket mounted on the bushing in the walking beam eye. The axle bracket has a platform on which the end of the axle housing is supported on a pair of lower axle housing corner engaging clamps. The upper corners of the axle housing are engaged by a pair of upper axle housing corner clamps which may be identical with the lower clamps. Bolts are used to clamp the assembly of four axle housing corner clamps to the four corners of the axle housing and to the platform on the axle bracket. The clamping force applied to each corner of the axle housing is equal and opposite to the clamping force applied to the diagonally opposite corner.

Abstract: A vocational vehicle (i.e. truck or trailer intended for off-road operation) comprising a chassis mounted on a tandem axle suspension and having lateral stability in addition to roll and fore-and-aft stability. Roll and fore-and-aft stability are provided by a suspension sub-assembly comprising the stabilizer or cross tube of the suspension and a crank arm fixedly mounted on each end of the stabilizer tube with its distal end pivotally attached to the adjacent side of the chassis. Lateral stability is provided by a transverse torque rod interconnected between the rear axle and the chassis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vehicle drive/suspension system that has a chassis having a front and rear portion and a pair of sides. A drive axle has opposed end portions and extends between the sides. Each side has a pivotally mounted elongated rocker arm that is connected to the corresponding end portion of the drive axle. Pivot mounts and pivot plates are used for this attachment. The rocker arms have sprockets mounted to each end. These sprockets are chain driven by drive sprockets located at each end of the drive axle. Tension sprockets are slidably mounted onto each rocker arm. Also associated with each rocker arm is a damper, and a rubber stop member. It is preferred that the pivot location of each pivot mount is away from the center point of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A spray cart with pivoting suspension assemblies that include articulating trailing wheels with a hitch arrangement that can vary the amount of weight of the spray cart that can be transferred either to a towing vehicle or to an implement towed by the spray cart. The advantage of this variable weight transfer includes reducing soil compaction by the spray cart wheels by shifting weight to the tractor or by shifting weight to a towed disc, the disc is more effective. The spray cart has means of attachment to a towed disc or plow that effectively creates a single unit out of the spray cart and the towed disc or plow. This combined with the articulating trailing wheels reduces side loads on the wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle adapted to traverse uneven terrain, comprising a chassis and a plurality of wheel assemblies. The wheel assemblies each comprise a forward wheel and a rear wheel mounted on a common support structure. The support structure is supported for free pivotal movement on the chassis about a pivot axis located between the forward and rear wheels and is constructed and arranged such that the forward wheel of each wheel assembly supports less weight of the vehicle than the rear wheel of the respective wheel assembly. A stopper arrangement, which can take a variety of forms, is provided for limiting the pivotal movement of the support structures of each wheel assembly about the pivot axis. The stopper arrangement is adjustable for changing a range of free pivotal movement of the respective support structure. The vehicle can be a towed trailer-type vehicle with a wheel assembly on both sides, or a self-propelled vehicle with a wheel assembly located at each corner of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer vehicle for distributing a fertilizing manure slurry to a field which includes a slurry distribution assembly mounted to the tear of the vehicle having four slurry distribution units, each with three plow teeth and a slurry distribution nozzle associated with the teeth for feeding the slurry at root level in the soil. The distribution assembly includes an elongated manifold with four flexible conduits extending from the manifold to each nozzle on the distribution units- The manifold communicates with the slurry tank. The trailer vehicle can also have a special suspension to maintain the tank relatively level. The trailer has three sets of wheels which are articulated in tandem, and the rear wheels of the trailer can be steered in the arc traced by the motive vehicle pulling the trailer.

Abstract: Soft low pressure type trailer wheels are supported on inverted V-shaped wheel tandem-type support members. Each of the wheel support members is pivotally supported on a side of the trailer and arranged such that the front wheels are supported about twice as far ahead of the pivot axis as the rear wheels are supported behind the axis. The pivot axis is arranged in the vicinity of the pivot point of the trailer. With this arrangement the front wheels may readily ascend a slope while "cranking" the rear wheels downwardly using the mechanical advantage provided by the longer forward support portions of the wheel support members. This tends to maintain the trailer relatively level. The arches provided by the inverted V-shaped wheel support members also provide sufficient ground clearance that the tops of the soft walled levees or the like type of undulations over which the trailer is towed, are not damaged to any extent.

Abstract: Apparatus providing a pivot axis for rear wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a chassis, an arm pivotally attached to the chassis and four rear wheels divided into two forward wheels and two rearward wheels. The apparatus of the present invention has two halves, wherein each half includes a rocking member and a ground directing member. The rocking member is pivotally attached to the arm at a central location on the rocking member and rotatably connected to one forward and one rearward wheel at front and back locations, respectively, of the rocking member. The ground directing unit is pivotally attached to the arm and to the rocking member near the rearward wheel. Accordingly, the ground directing unit provides a force to the rearward wheel while no force is provided to the forward wheel.

Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle suspension is provided which, in variant embodiments, employs one or two torque beams each supporting an axle of a tandem axle vehicle and each pivotally connected to a load compensator where a single elastomer spring is mounted between each torque beam and compensator and is subjected to both compression and shear forces during over-the-road operation.

Abstract: The invention is a walking beam for a tandem wheel set having a continuous rack wrapped around tires on the set. The set's wheels are mounted on shoes which slide on bars forward or backward relative to the vehicle having the wheel set. A carriage member is linked to the shoes such that translation of the carriage member moves the shoes together or apart. Translation of the carriage member is effected by a rod rotatably mounted to the walking beam and threadingly engaged with the carriage member. Moving the shoes together reduces tension on the track whereas moving the shoes apart increases tension the track.

Abstract: This invention defines a suspension arrangement for off-highway vehicle that comprises a front pair or walking beams, a rear pair of walking beams, each beam pivoted to the vehicle underframe, articulated joints connecting the rear end of the front beam to the front end of the rear beam to allow up-and-down relative pivoting between the front beams and the rear beams, wheel axles and wheels at the outer end of each beam and at the articulated joints to form a three-axle arrangement, one pair of walking beams being extendible and retractable in length for allowing pivoting of the pairs of walking beams relative to the vehicle chassis, the pivot for one pair of walking beams being preferably positioned higher than the other to accommodate endless tracks of constant length around the wheels on the opposite sides of the vehicle, irrespective of the pivoted positions of the beams, and the transverse pivots for the walking beams have outer end portions projecting a predetermined length from the underframe to carry

Abstract: A suspension system for tandem axle vehicles includes: A pair of walking beams with opposite ends connected to tandem axles and with a transverse beam extending through said walking beams. A spring assembly located on each side of vehicle frame. Two vertical members, each one located between tandem tires with lower ends connecting opposite ends of said transverse beam and upper ends engaging said spring assemblies.

Abstract: A wheel arrangement includes a retainer mechanism with a spring-loaded pin mounted on the walking beam of a support wheel assembly on a folding implement. A mating retainer supported on the wheel support tube is normally offset from the pin when the implement is in the lowered field-working position. As the implement is raised toward the transport position and the angle of the beam changes relative to the support tube, the pin settles in a central notch in the retainer. The retainer mechanism maintains a preselected angle between the beam and the support tube as the outrigger is moved upwardly and the outrigger wheels are raised from the ground, thereby preventing unwanted rocking of the walking beam during transport and maintaining the wheels in a noninterfering relationship with other portions of the implement.

Abstract: A hinge pin of segmented form with its components in threaded connection with one another. The components of the pin include tool receiving surfaces engageable by a wrenching tool for applying torque during assembly and disassembly of the pin. The components are provided with male and female threads.

Abstract: A common carrier for a feller-buncher, forwarder, or skidder comprising a self-propelled vehicle including a chassis and a bogie on either side of the chassis. The bogie includes a walking beam with pneumatic wheels on either end of the walking beam. A first arm extends upwardly from the walking beam and is connected by links to a rocking beam mounted in a horizontal plane on the top of the chassis and pivoting about a vertical axis. The rocking beam is mounted on a sliding pad adapted to slide in a track along a longitudinal axis of the chassis. Hydraulic piston and cylinder means are provided for giving a limited longitudinal adjustment or displacement to the mounting pad.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided which maintains a substantially constant weight, and therefore traction, on all wheels, despite one wheel moving considerably higher or lower than the others, while avoiding a very soft spring suspension. The vehicle includes a chassis or body to be supported and a pair of side suspensions at either side of the body. In a six wheel vehicle, each side suspension includes a middle wheel, and front and rear linkages repectively coupling the front and rear wheels to the middle wheel. A body link pivotally connects the front and rear linkages together, with the middle of the body link rising or falling by only a fraction of the rise or fall of any of the three wheels. The body link pivotally supports the middle of the length of the body.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for straddle carriers wherein a pair of axle mount plates are positioned on each side of the rear end of the carrier frame and each being swingably mounted on a transverse axis trunnion secured to a depending box beam on the straddle carrier frame. Rear wheel axle assemblies for pairs of tandem rear wheels are carried by the medial portions of the axle mount plates. Air springs and shock absorbers are interconnected bewteen the axle mount plates and the carrier frame.

Abstract: An axle-to-beam connection for a vehicle having a beam type suspension system is disclosed. The beam-to-axle connection includes an axle connection, a beam connection and a resilient member located therebetween. The resilient member forms a continuous path between the axle connection and the beam connection such that the axle connection and the beam connection do not directly interface at any point. The axle connection includes a saddle plate, which retains the axle, and a pair of extension plates which are connectable to the saddle plate and extend down along both sides of the beam. The resilient member is of a non-uniform shape and thickness and includes a continuum of loci which is designed and shaped so that each locus assumes its fair share, but not more, of the torsional, vertical and horizontal forces exerted on the resilient member during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer having a variable configuration for carrying heavy loads, including: a main frame, a main suspension system supporting the rear of the main frame, coupling mechanism for coupling the main frame to a power unit with or without an auxiliary trailer and for supporting the front of the frame. Mechanisms for coupling on a variety of auxiliary frames are provided, for the purpose of distributing the weight of the payload and the weight of the trailer itself according to legal requirements and requirements of safety. These mechanisms generally include a front suspension arm joining the main suspension to the auxiliary frame, a main pivot between the main frame and the auxiliary frame, and an additional connecting link between main and auxiliary frames.

Abstract: A compaction and support apparatus for packing the ground immediately after tillage includes a frame and a wheel support gang movably mounted adjacent a rearward end of the frame. A plurality of tillers are supported in spaced relation from the frame, and a plurality of compaction and support wheels are rotatably mounted on the wheel support gang. Adjacent wheels are staggered longitudinally to track spaced apart substantially parallel paths on the ground. The path of each wheel is aligned behind one of the tillers mounted on the frame and the wheel is mounted on the wheel support gang so that the wheel substantially follows the contour of the ground while supporting the frame for transport and operation. The frame height is adjustable relative to the wheel support gang for controlling the extent of tiller penetration into the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to load bearing beams, and has for its object the provision of such beam of high strength and hence high load carrying capacity with relatively low weight, such as would be suitable for use in vehicles. The objective is met by a construction comprising a beam-like member formed by two spaced plate-like members, each of which has an outwardly directed flange to one side and an inwardly directed flange to the other side, to be of generally Z-shaped cross-section, said two plate-like members being secured to and spaced by internal cross-members. Thus, with the outwardly and inwardly directed flanges respectively being to the same side of the plate-like members an effective box-like structure is formed within which lie the spacing internal cross-members.

Abstract: The background disclosure is of a somewhat typical tandem-axle vehicle suspension, especially for motor trucks, made up of a pair of spring-supported, fore-and-aft walking beams and a pair of transverse rear axles. The improvement resides in structure interconnecting the axle housing and walking beams to provide for fore-and-aft adjustment of the axle housing relative to each other and to the walking beams so as to assure or at least approach parallelism of the axle housing with respect to each other and perpendicularity thereof to the vehicle fore-and-aft centerline. Each end of each walking beam is connected to its associated axle housing portion by a pair of relatively angularly cooperative members of circular configuration but having eccentric axes so that when one member is turned relative to the other, the fore-and-aft relationship of the adjusted axle housing changes.

Abstract: A trailer assembly comprises a main frame, main axles carrying laterally spaced wheels for supporting the main frame, a suspension system connecting the main axles to the main frame, a kingpin for coupling the main frame to a power unit, a secondary frame, one or more booster axles carrying wheels for supporting the secondary frame, a suspension system connecting the booster axle or axles to the secondary frame, and a booster axle connection system between the main frame and secondary frame for proportionately distributing weight or force between the main axles to the one or more booster axles. The booster axle connection system includes a lever arm extending forward from the secondary frame, a support arm extending rearward from the main frame, and a variably positionable pivot connection between the support arm and the lever arm providing a fulcrum for movement of the lever arm.

Abstract: A trailer to be towed by a tractor is provided with structure for raising or lowering wheels relative to the trailer bed in accordance with the type of terrain to be traversed. Structure also is provided for shifting the wheels toward and away from one another transversely of the trailer bed and generally axially of the wheels to provide greater or lesser lateral stability in accordance with the roadway or terrain to be traversed.

Abstract: Incorporation of a spacing member in an axle supported bolster pivot assembly provides wear compensation means and allows the utilization of interchangable inboard and outboard thrust bushings and wiper seals.

Abstract: A tandem wheel suspension unit contained in a wheel well on a trailer. A frame is supported by a precompressed coil spring on the trunion shaft of a walking beam assembly, the walking beams having stops engaging said frame to normally prevent oscillation of the beams. The precompression of the supporting spring prevents one wheel from dropping into a highway chuckhole while permitting each wheel to rise in response to the impact shock upon striking an obstruction on the road.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting farm implements and the like is disclosed. The trailer bed is longitudinally shiftable from a horizontal load transporting position mounted on a wheeled chassis to a horizontal loading position on the ground adjacent the chassis by means of a slide assembly pivotable relative to the wheel axle. After loading, the trailer bed is urged up the inclined slide assembly by backing the pulling vehicle, such as a pickup truck. Shifting of the trailer bed on the slide assembly is facilitated by cooperating rollers mounted both on the trailer bed frame and on the slide assembly.

Abstract: A tractor which has three or four wheels on each side, two of the wheels on each side being mounted on a bogie which includes a wheel carrier. The bogie is pivotable relative to the rest of the vehicle about a horizontal transverse axle which connects it to the frame of the tractor. The foremost and rearmost wheels are steerable and driveable. In one embodiment, the intermediate wheels are also steerable and driveable. Lifting devices are provided to extend from both the forward and the rear of the tractor. An engine together with a transmission and differential gear is disposed between the foremost and the rearmost wheel axles. A cab has a driver's seat and steering wheel with a control console which may be rotated together whereby it selectively faces forwardly or to the rear. A cab in two embodiments is disposed forwardly and is centrally located in one embodiment.

Abstract: A three-axle walking beam suspension for sharing a load in a predetermined atio without using any sliding type connections. Three interconnected walking beams on each side of the center line of a vehicle are pivotally connected to the axles. A primary walking beam is pivotally connected at an intermediate point to the vehicle frame and at each end to an intermediate point of a front and rear secondary walking beam, respectively. The front and rear secondary walking beams are pivotally interconnected about the intermediate axle and rotatively connected to the front and rear axles, respectively.