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US 11,897,741 B2Granted
Straddle fork vehicle
OwnerJohn G. Berryinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A straddle fork vehicle includes a generally rectangular frame structure with front and rear forklift assemblies positioned between a set of tread belts. The straddle fork vehicle is designed such that the frame may accommodate, or straddle, agricultural harvesting pallets between the set of treads in a passthrough through area beneath the frame as the vehicle progresses down a field row. Engine configuration and improved braking systems facilitate a safer construction and tighter turning radius.
Claims20
A straddle fork vehicle for use with agricultural pallets, comprising:
- a vehicle frame structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;
- an operator cabin disposed at the second end of the vehicle frame structure;
- a first fork assembly mounted on the first end and a second fork assembly mounted on the second end, wherein each of the first fork assembly and second fork assembly are movable vertically relative to the vehicle frame structure;
- a track drive system comprising a pair of tread belts longitudinally associated with and externally attached to opposite sides of said vehicle frame structure;
- and
- a straddle area defining a vertical clearance and a horizontal clearance beneath the vehicle frame structure spanning from the first end to the second end and between the pair of tread belts, wherein the straddle area is configured to accommodate the agricultural pallets as a passthrough.
3 more elements
A straddle fork vehicle for use with agricultural pallets, comprising:
- a vehicle frame structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a pair of adjustment rails longitudinally disposed at the first end extending toward the second end;
- an operator cabin disposed at the second end of the vehicle frame structure;
- a first fork assembly mounted on the pair of adjustment rails and a second fork assembly mounted on the second end, wherein each of the first fork assembly and second fork assembly are movable vertically relative to the vehicle frame structure;
- a track drive system comprising a pair of tread belts longitudinally associated with and externally attached to opposite sides of said vehicle frame structure, wherein the track drive system is operationally connected to an engine by a hydrostatic transmission;
- and
- a straddle area defining a vertical clearance and a horizontal clearance beneath the vehicle frame structure spanning from the first end to the second end and between the pair of tread belts, wherein the straddle area is configured to accommodate the agricultural pallets as a passthrough.
3 more elements
A straddle fork vehicle for harvesting agricultural pallets, comprising:
- a vehicle frame structure having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a pair of adjustment rails longitudinally disposed at the first end extending toward the second end;
- an operator cabin disposed at the second end of the vehicle frame structure;
- a first fork assembly mounted on the pair of adjustment rails and a second fork assembly mounted on the second end, wherein each of the first fork assembly and second fork assembly are movable vertically relative to the vehicle frame structure, wherein the first fork assembly is slidable along the pair of adjustment rails relative to the first end of the vehicle frame structure as needed to balance the straddle fork vehicle;
- a track drive system comprising a pair of tread belts longitudinally associated with and externally attached to opposite sides of said vehicle frame structure, wherein the track drive system is operationally connected to an engine by a hydrostatic transmission and the pair of tread belts are each independently controllable by the hydrostatic transmission;
- a straddle area defining a vertical clearance and a horizontal clearance beneath the vehicle frame structure spanning from the first end to the second end and between the pair of treads, wherein the straddle area is configured to accommodate the agricultural pallets as a passthrough.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.