Patent ID: 9096268
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A speed and direction control mechanism for a differential speed steered agricultural machine comprising: a ground supported main frame; an engine resiliently connected to the main frame; right and left drive motors; right and left hydraulic drive pumps connected in tandem to and driven by the engine, each drive pump having a displacement control mechanism including a pintel arm rotatable between first and second positions, rotation of which changes hydraulic fluid flow rate from respective drive pumps to control speed and direction of respective drive motors; a control input shaft connected to the left and right pintel arms, the shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and translatable along the longitudinal axis, rotation of the shaft causing simultaneous rotation of the pintel arms in opposite directions, translation of the shaft causing simultaneous rotation of the pintel arms in the same direction; a steering wheel and steering shaft operably connected to rotate the control input shaft to manage relative displacement of the right and left hydraulic pumps thereby enabling right and left drive motors to be driven at different speeds and/or directions; an actuator having a fixed end and a moveable end and variably axially positionable between first and second lengths, the moveable end connected to the control input shaft, the fixed end connected to the drive pumps, movement thereof causing translation of the shaft in either direction along its longitudinal axis; and a rigid mounting component positioned between the fixed end of the actuator and the pump, to mitigate a relative movement therebetween.