Offset kingpin for a rear steering axle on an agricultural combine

A self-propelled agricultural harvester comprising:

• a. a front axle affixed to the harvester, the harvester having a cab and shielding;
• b. a steerable rear axle pivotally affixed to the harvester;
• the rear axle positioned rearwardly of the front axle when the harvester is travelling in a forward direction of travel, the rear axle further comprising:
• i. an outer axle pivotally affixed to the combine;
• ii. an inner axle pivotally coaxial and affixed to the outer axle by an axle bolt;
• iii. an extendable tie rod;
• c. a spindle hub rotationally connected to the inner axle, a wheel and a tire affixed to the spindle hub;
• d. an offset kingpin pivotally attached to the inner axle, the kingpin positioned forwardly from the spindle hub when the harvester is travelling in the forward direction;
• e. an inner rear tire having a shorter turning distance than an outer rear tire while the combine is turning;
• f. the inner rear tire having a front edge which is positioned proximate to the combine shielding without contacting said shielding;
• and
• g. the outer rear tire having a rear edge which is positioned proximate to the combine shielding without contacting said shielding.

In a self-propelled combine harvester, said combine having an engine, a cab and shielding, said combine having a header, said header operationally connected to a threshing and separating system by a feederhouse, said threshing and separating system, said system is operationally connected to a grain tank, said grain tank operationally connected to a unload auger tube, said combine having a forward direction of travel, said combine having a front axle and a steerable rear axle, the rear axle positioned rearward of the front axle when the combine is travelling forward, said rear axle further comprising:

• a. an outer axle pivotally attached to the combine;
• b. an inner axle adjustably affixed and coaxial to the outer axial;
• c. a knuckle affixed to the inner axle, the knuckle having a kingpin yoke, a spindle housing and a tie rod attach member;
• d. an extendable tie rod having:
• i. an outer rod;
• ii. an inner rod adjustably affixed and coaxial to the outer rod, the inner rod pivotally affixed to the tie rod attach member;
• e. a turning cylinder pivotally affixed between the outer axle and tie rod attach member;
• f. a spindle hub rotationally connected in the spindle housing;
• g. a wheel and a tire affixed to the spindle hub;
• h. a kingpin pivotally attached in the kingpin yoke, said kingpin positioned forwardly from the spindle hub when the combine is traveling in the forward direction;
• i. an inner rear tire having a shorter turning distance than an outer rear tire while the combine is turning;
• j. the inner rear tire having a front edge which is positioned proximate to the combine shielding without contacting said shielding;
• and
• k. the outer rear tire having a rear edge which is positioned proximate to the combine shielding without contacting said shielding.