Power-takeoff device for front-mounted implements

A tractor comprising:

• a chassis including a front chassis member having an opening formed therein;
• a generally transversely extending steering axle pivotally supported from said chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a steering axis, said steering axle including mounting means for connecting a front-mounted implement thereto for pivotal movement therewith about said steering axis;
• a pair of steerable wheels pivotally connected to the opposing transverse ends of said steering axle;
• steering means operably connected with said steerable wheels for selectively controlling the pivotal movement of said steerable wheels relative to said steering axle and for effecting relative pivotal movement between said axle and said chassis;
• an engine supported on said chassis to provide a source of operative power for said tractor;
• and
• a power-takeoff shaft extending forwardly from said engine and being adapted for connection to said front-mounted implement to transfer operative power thereto from said engine, said power-takeoff shaft being operable to move in unison with the pivotal movement of said front-mounted implement about said steering axis, said opening in said front chassis member having sufficient transverse width to permit a lateral swinging movement of said power-takeoff shaft in response to the associated pivotal movement of said front-mounted implement about said steering axis.

A tractor comprising:

• a chassis including a front chassis member having an opening formed therein;
• a generally transversely extending steering axle pivotally supported from said chassis for pivotal movement relative thereto about a steering axis, said steering axle including mounting means for connecting a front-mounted implement thereto for pivotal movement therewith about said steering axis;
• a pair of steerable wheels pivotally connected to the opposing transverse ends of said steering axle;
• steering means operably connected with said steerable wheels for selectively controlling the pivotal movement of said steerable wheels relative to said steering axle and for effecting relative pivotal movement between said axle and said chassis in response to the pivotal movement of said steerable wheels relative to said steering axle;
• an engine supported on said chassis to provide a source of operative power for said tractor;
• and
• a power-takeoff shaft extending forwardly from said engine and being adapted for connection to said front-mounted implement to transfer operative power thereto from said engine, said power-takeoff shaft passing through said opening for connection to said front-mounted implement such that said power-takeoff shaft is operable to move in unison with the pivotal movement of said front-mounted implement about said steering axis, said opening in said front chassis member having sufficient transverse width to permit a lateral swinging movement of said power-takeoff shaft in response to the associated pivotal movement of said front-mounted implement about said steering axis.