Patent ID: 7264079
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: B60G,B60K,B62D

Abstract:
1. A tractor, comprising; a chassis comprising a front end, a rear end, a left side and a right side; an engine mounted on the chassis; a pair of steerable front wheels coupled to the front end, left and right side of the chassis; a left rear suspension including a left rear suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis at a leading end of the suspension arm, and a first steerable planetary gear system mounted on a trailing end of the suspension arm; a right rear suspension including a right rear suspension arm pivotally coupled to the chassis at a leading end of the suspension arm, and a second steerable planetary gear system mounted on a trailing end of the right suspension arm; and left and right rear wheels driven by the first and second planetary gear systems; wherein each of the first and second planetary gear systems further comprises: a first housing section bolted to an associated suspension arm; a second housing section pivotally coupled to the first housing section to pivot about a substantially vertical axis; and a third housing section rotatably supported on the second housing section and enclosing a planetary gear train; and further wherein the third housing section supports three planet gears of the planetary gear train, and further wherein one of the axles is fixed to the third housing section to rotate therewith.