Patent ID: 6789636
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: B60G,B62D

Abstract:
In a utility vehicle having a frame supported by a steering axle having a pair of steered wheels pivotally mounted thereon, a drive axle mounted to the frame and having a pair of drive wheels mounted thereon, and a middle axle having a pair of support wheels mounted at opposing ends thereof, the improvement comprising:a longitudinally extending bogey beam pivotally connected to said frame and having a forward end connected to said steering axle and a rearward end; and a middle axle support apparatus connected to said rearward end of said bogey beam and including: a transversely extending support beam pivotally connected to said rearward end of said bogey beam through a central support bracket, said support beam having opposing lateral ends supporting, respectively, said support wheels; a pair of support links pivotally connected respectively to laterally spaced mounting brackets on said support beam, said support links extending rearwardly from said support beam for pivotal connection to said frame; and a pivot member interconnecting said central support bracket and said bogey beam to define a longitudinally extending oscillation axis about which said support beam and said middle axis which is attached to said support beam oscillate to follow ground undulations.