Swing-frame assembly for tag axle

A swing-frame auxiliary axle system for a work vehicle having a main frame including spaced chassis rails comprising:

• (a) an auxiliary axle assembly which includes a pivot frame having a pair of spaced pivot arms having two ends and being connected by a common torque tube close to one end thereof and each of which is pivotally mounted to a vehicle chassis rail, said spaced pivot arms including at least one tag axle and wheel and a cross member at the other end thereof;
• (b) an operating system for moving the auxiliary axle assembly between a stowed position in which the wheels are elevated in a support position in which the wheels engage the ground;
• (c) an independent modular arm attachment and pivot joint unit pivotally fastening each of said spaced pivot arms to a corresponding one of said chassis rails wherein each said attachment and pivot joint unit includes integral members with openings therein enabling it to be connected and removed as a unitary structure and to fasten one of said spaced pivot arms to said corresponding one of said chassis rails in a manner such that operational wear is limited to each said pivot joint of each removable unit;
• wherein each said in independent modular arm attachment unit includes a pivot bracket removably fastened to the corresponding chassis frame rail and including an integral bearing sleeve with a pivot pin journaled therein, said pivot pin being further provided with spaced openings which are removably connected to the corresponding pivot arm;
• and
• (d) wherein said operating system further comprises a tag lever fixed to said torque tube and wherein said operating system further comprises a hydraulic operating cylinder having a rod end and an independent modular tag lever pivot joint and attachment unit removably fastened between said rod end of said operating cylinder and said tag lever removably attaching said cylinder rod to said tag lever.