Apparatus and method for operating an adjustable-width axle assembly of a crop sprayer

A method of adjusting width of an axle assembly of a work machine, with said axle assembly including (i) a first telescoping support assembly, (ii) a second telescoping support assembly, and (iii) a telescoping drive shaft assembly, comprising the steps of:

• extending each of said first telescoping support assembly, said second telescoping support assembly, and said telescoping drive shaft assembly so as to position said axle assembly in a first position during a first period of time, wherein said telescoping drive shaft assembly is interposed between said first telescoping support assembly and said second telescoping support assembly during said extending step;
• operating said work machine so as to perform a first work function during said first period of time;
• and
• retracting each of said first telescoping support assembly, said second telescoping support assembly, and said telescoping drive shaft assembly so as to position said axle assembly in a second position during a second period of time, wherein said telescoping drive shaft assembly is interposed between said first telescoping support assembly and said second telescoping support assembly during said retracting step.

A crop sprayer, comprising:

• a chassis;
• a differential assembly secured to said chassis;
• a hub assembly having a hub support plate with a wheel hub rotatably secured thereto;
• a first telescoping support assembly having a first outer tube and a first inner tube which is positioned within said first outer tube, said first inner tube being movable relative to said first outer tube;
• a second telescoping support assembly having a second outer tube and a second inner tube which is positioned within said second outer tube, said second inner tube being movable relative to said second outer tube;
• and
• a telescoping drive shaft assembly, wherein (i) both said first outer tube and said second outer tube are secured to said chassis, (ii) both said first inner tube and said second inner tube are secured to said hub support plate, (iii) a first end of said telescoping drive shaft assembly is secured to an output of said differential assembly, (iv) a second end of said telescoping drive shaft assembly is secured to said wheel hub, and (v) said telescoping drive shaft assembly is interposed between said first telescoping support assembly and said second telescoping support assembly.