Patent ID: 6185920
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: A01D,B62D

Abstract:
A self-propelled utility tractor comprising a frame having a front and rear providing an operator's station, a steering wheel accessible from the operator's station, a pair of drive wheels rotatably supported on the frame, one on each side, for propelling the tractor in forward or reverse directions, and at variable speeds, a pair of steerable wheels, steerable axles rotatable supporting a steerable wheel on the frame, one on each side, spaced longitudinally from the drive wheels, the axles mounted for articulation from a straight-ahead position to a full-lock right or left turning position, and a steering linkage mounted on the frame connected to the steerable axles and to the steering wheel for articulation of the steerable wheels relative to the frame, the geometry of which is such that the axes of each steerable axle intersect in a turning zone bounded longitudinally by 25 percent, and laterally by 20 percent, of the wheelbase length, bisected by the drive wheel axis of rotation on the inside of a turn whereby scuffing is minimized of the drive wheels in maximum turn conditions.