Patent ID: 6631773
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: B60K,B62D

Abstract:
An articulated truck for carrying a load through a plurality of work cycles, comprising:a frame assembly having at least a front portion and a rear portion; an articulation joint connecting the front and rear portions and adapted to allow pivotal movement about the joint by the front and rear portions; a plurality of axles supporting the frame assembly, including a front axle supporting the front portion; a plurality of ground engaging devices attached to the axles; an operator compartment supported by the frame assembly; a body adapted to carry a load and being connected to the frame assembly; an engine for generating torque and being supported by the frame assembly; a transmission coupled to the engine for receiving the torque and having a transmission output drive coupling for providing the torque, the coupling having a longitudinal axis; and an apparatus for receiving the torque from the coupling and transferring the torque to a plurality of drive shafts, including: a plurality of gears; an inter-axle differential for receiving the torque and adapted to provide the torque to more than one of the plurality of gears and being drivingly connected substantially along the longitudinal axis to the coupling; and a plurality a plurality of drive shafts each connected to at least one of the more than one of the plurality of gears and adapted to receive a percentage of the torque.