Patent ID: 7441623

Claim:
A multi-motor drive system for a machine, comprising: a first traction device and a second traction device substantially aligned transversely of a primary travel-direction of the machine; a first drive-group power-transfer system that connects the first traction device and the second traction device; a third traction device and a fourth traction device substantially aligned transversely of the primary travel-direction of the machine; a second drive-group power-transfer system that connects the third traction device and the fourth traction device; an inter-group power-transfer system that connects the first drive-group power-transfer system to the second drive-group power-transfer system and is configured to permit transfer of power between the first drive-group power-transfer system and the second drive-group power-transfer system; a first drive motor operatively connected to the first drive-group power-transfer system separate from the inter-group power-transfer system, the first drive-group power-transfer system includes a motion-conversion unit and a drive shaft, and an output shaft of the first drive motor connects to the drive shaft through components of the motion-conversion unit; and a second drive motor operatively connected to the second drive-group power-transfer system separate from the inter-group power-transfer system.