Abstract:
A chassis-height adjustment system for selectively raising and lowering a chassis relative to a ground surface includes a plurality of support assemblies supporting a chassis on respective ground-engaging elements. Each support assembly has a height adjustment actuator. Each height position sensor senses an adjustment position one of the height adjustment actuators and generates a height signal. Each of the support assemblies may be mounted to the chassis by a track-width adjustment mechanism having a track-width adjustment actuator. The height adjustment system is controlled in a manner to synchronize each height adjustment actuator with the other actuators. Adjustment of one or more height adjustment actuators is slowed or stopped in the event that other actuators need to catch up. The track-width adjustment actuators may shift the position of the associated ground-engaging element laterally relative to the chassis to keep the ground-engaging elements from sliding laterally as the chassis height changes.
Abstract:
A suspension module includes a spindle pivotably connected to an axle with a pivot element defining a vertical axis. The spindle has an attachment member and an attachment cap, with outer ends are rigidly interconnected by a pair of lift cylinders. The spindle includes a plate extending between the lift cylinders intermediate the attachment member and cap with the pivot element received between the attachment member and plate. Each lift cylinder has a ram movable within a housing of the lift cylinder. A wheelbox mounts to the wheel and couples with the spindle. First and second strut rods connect the wheelbox with the ram of one of the lift cylinders, and third and fourth strut rods connect the wheelbox with the ram of a second lift cylinder. The strut rods allow the spindle to move relative to the wheelbox while also transferring pivot torque between the wheelbox and the spindle.
Abstract:
An assembly for supporting a vehicle chassis on a wheel of the vehicle includes a wheel attachment component for attaching the assembly to the wheel, a chassis attachment component for attaching the assembly to the vehicle chassis, and a suspension component. At least one adjustment element is coupled with the chassis attachment component and with a first portion of the suspension component, and is configured to shift the first portion of the suspension element between a plurality of operating positions relative to the chassis attachment component. A single strut bar is rigidly coupled with the wheel attachment component and with a second portion of the suspension component, and is configured to pivot relative to the chassis attachment component. The suspension component is configured to regulate motion transfer between the wheel attachment component and the chassis attachment component.
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:
Removable universal tool-holder for mounting on a straddling vineyard tractor for agricultural work in tree or shrub plantations includes a main coupling chassis constructed so that it can be mounted, in a removable manner, on a straddling vineyard tractor; two secondary coupling chassis, each provided with a universal three-point hitch system; mechanisms connecting each secondary coupling chassis to the main coupling chassis; and mechanisms that make it possible to move each secondary coupling chassis in a vertical or approximately vertical plane and, preferably, in a horizontal or approximately horizontal plane. It is understood that the universal tool-holder can support machines constructed to accomplish cultivation or treatment work such as: hoeing, mowing, plowing, harrowing, spraying, thinning out leaves, pruning, lopping, etc.
Abstract:
A self-propelled straddle carrier for straddling, lifting, supporting and carrying heavy loads directly under the structure of the vehicle. A main frame including a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending side beams and arch-shaped cross beams is supported on wheels and strut assemblies. The interior sides of the wheels, strut assemblies, side beams and the cross beams form a tunnel-shaped load carrying space defining the inner envelope of the carrier, while their exterior sides define the outer envelope of the carrier. A tong assembly, including a tong actuator and a pair of depending tongs is suspended from the main frame for vertical movement up and down in the tunnel-shaped load carrying space. All components are removable from the tunnel for straddling loads, yet remain within the outer envelope during normal transport. Additionally, a steering system utilizing gear pumps designed for supplying hydraulic fluid to the head and rod ends of the steering cylinders in the same ratio of volumetric flows as the ratio of effective internal areas of the respective head and rod ends of the steering cylinders is provided for the vehicle, and a stabilization system is provided to stabilize the tong assembly when transporting a load.
Abstract:
A high crop agricultural vehicle has a chassis supported at an elevated position on front and rear sets of wheels. The front wheels are turnable through an arc of greater than 90.degree. so that they can be turned to a lateral travel position which is perpendicular to the direction of normal forward travel. In that lateral travel position the vehicle can be driven sideways. This allows the vehicle to be easily manoeuvred as well as facilitating the mounting of agricultural implements into the space between the front and rear wheels. The rear wheels are preferably momented in a castor-type mounting assembly.
Abstract:
A multipurpose and self-moving agricultural machine is provided comprising: mobile bearing member (3, 4), a frame (2) borne by the mobile bearing members (3, 4), a main engine (7) borne by a frame (2) and operating at least on the mobile bearing members (3, 4), an operation and driving place (26) supported by the frame (2), engagement members (2a), suitable to support the main engine (7) alternatively in an upper position, placed above the frame (2), and in a lower position, beside the mobile support members (3, 4), and driving members (16) extending between the main engine (7) and the mobile bearing members (3, 4) and adaptable to both the upper and lower positions of the main engine (7).
Abstract:
An elongated boom is pivotally mounted to the forward portion of a tractor and includes a pair of drive/steering wheels mounted to the forward end portion thereof. An electrically actuated, hydraulic control system provides for direction control and rotation of the drive/steering wheels as well as for pivoting displacement of the boom. The drive/steering wheels are mounted to the boom by means of a front axle bolster and pivot assembly, the mounting point of which to the boom may be fixed as desired to permit the effective length of the boom to be varied. Also mounted to a forward portion of the boom by means of the front axle bolster and pivot assembly is a three-point hitch with tilting mast to which a toolbar having a plurality of row units mounted thereto is attached. A hydraulic top link cylinder coupled between the front axle bolster and pivot assembly and the three point hitch allows the toolbar to be rotated about its longitudinal axis and thus affords on-the-go row unit depth control. A pair of hydraulic lift cylinders coupled to the three point hitch via a rock shaft provides for the displacement of the toolbar and row units to an upraised, nonuse position for transport as well as the lowering thereof to a working, ground engaging position.
Abstract:
A lifting and steering device for a steering wheel of a vehicle comprising a main fixed tubular body, a second tube, a wheel support fixed rigidly to said second tube, a shaft mounted for rotation in the upper closed end of said tubular body, a first coupling means for coupling the upper end of said shaft to a steering control, a second coupling means for coupling said tube to said shaft so as to interlock them for rotation while allowing axial movement therebetween, and a hydraulic actuator for moving said second tube axially with respect to said shaft. The actuator is disposed inside said tube and one of the two elements of the actuator, namely its cylinder or its piston rod, is coupled to the tube whereas the other element of the actuator is coupled to said shaft.