Articulated tractor having tandem power unit

Abstract

A tractor having two power units supported on respective frame portions which are pivotably connected in tandem, each power unit operatively connected to its respective fore or after axle which respectively mounts four or six wheels. The frame portions supporting the power units are joined between the fore and aft axles by vertical and horizontal solid steel pivotable shafts so as to be pivotable within limits about both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tractor. Hydraulic piston and cylinder units extending from one power unit to the other on either side of the vertical pivotable shaft provide steering from controls located in a cabin suspended by an inverted "U" structure included in the frame of the after power unit. Both power units are provided with large capacity fuel tanks which extend transversely above each set of wheels and have a configuration whereby they function as fenders or mudguards. The forward tank extends to the rear of the forward set of wheels and includes a transverse steel plate which strengthens the tank and adds to its weight whereby the center of gravity of the forward power unit is to the rear of the forward axle and forward of the vertical axes for the vertical pivotable shaft.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.