Patent ID: 7073330
Filing Date: 2006-07-11
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A hydrostatic drive apparatus for driving a vehicle, comprising: a first hydrostatic transaxle having a first casing in which is carried a first hydraulic pump driven by a first input shaft and a first hydraulic motor having a first motor shaft drivingly linked to a first axle shaft, the first hydraulic pump being in fluid communication with the first hydraulic motor to transfer a motive force received via the first input shaft to the first hydraulic motor and the first motor shaft to drive the first axle shaft; and a second hydrostatic transaxle having a second casing that is attached to the first casing, the second casing carrying a second hydraulic pump driven by a second input shaft and a second hydraulic motor having a second motor shaft drivingly linked to a second axle shaft, the second hydraulic pump being in fluid communication with the second hydraulic motor to transfer a motive force received via the second input shaft to the second hydraulic motor and the second hydraulic motor shaft to drive the second axle shaft, wherein the first motor shaft extends from the first casing towards the second casing, the second motor shaft extends from the second casing towards the first casing; and an electronic steering control system located on the vehicle and operatively engaged to both the first and second transaxles, whereby operation of the electronic steering control system controls the output of both transaxles.