Patent ID: 6752403
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: B60G,B62D,B66F,E02F

Abstract:
A working apparatus including a body, a power operated motive means, a front axle and a rear axle, the axles each carrying ground engaging means on which the apparatus may move over the ground, the apparatus further including an operator's cab mounted on the body, and there being at least one working arm supported at or adjacent one end on the body at a position for movement relative to the body, the arm being adapted to carry a working implement at or adjacent a second end thereof, and wherein one of the front and rear axles is suspended from the body by suspension means which is adjustable independently of the other of the axles to raise the body relative to the one of the front and rear axles only to a fully raised position in which a plane in which an uppermost part of the body lies, is at a maximum height above the ground and a fully lowered position in which the plane is at a minimum height above the ground, the adjustable suspension means lockable when the body is in at least one of the fully raised and fully lowered positions such that the suspension means permits no or substantially no movement of the body relative to the locked axle, and further wherein the suspension means includes hydraulic suspension struts, each strut having a cylinder and a piston movable in the cylinder when the suspended axle moves relative to the body in response to irregularities in the ground as the apparatus moves over the ground, such piston movements resulting in hydraulic fluid flowing into or out of the cylinder to a gas spring, and the suspension means being lockable by means which prevent the flow of fluid into or out of the cylinder.