Patent ID: 7195266

Claim:
A frame assembly of a three-wheeled agricultural applicator, the frame assembly having a forward end relative to a straight-forward direction of travel of the agricultural applicator, the frame assembly mounted on three wheel assemblies, the three wheel assemblies including a single front wheel assembly having a front tire, the front tire including a tread having a central crown extending a circumference of the front tire, the tread further including a first tread face generally extending in one direction from the crown and a second face generally extending in a second direction from the crown opposite the first tread face, the frame assembly comprising: a fork assembly mounted on the single front wheel assembly; a kingpin extending upward from the fork assembly, the kingpin having a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the kingpin being located at an angle from vertical, a spindle housing mounted at the forward end of the frame assembly, the spindle housing including an opening with a central axis configured to receive the kingpin, a steering plate fastened to the kingpin and being connectable to a steering actuator, wherein when the agricultural applicator is moving in the straight-forward direction of travel, the front tire is positioned in a first alignment such that the crown of the front tire is generally vertical, wherein when turning the agricultural applicator a turn angle from the straight-forward direction of travel, the front tire is positioned in a second alignment such that the crown of the front tire is aligned at a roll angle from vertical, wherein the central axis of the opening in the spindle housing is aligned approximately at an angle of six degrees in a rearward direction from vertical relative the straight-forward direction of travel of the agricultural applicator, and wherein rotation of the steering plate by the steering actuator causes a respective rotation of the kingpin and the attached fork assembly.