Tractor configuration and component mounting arrangement for high visibility, maneuverability, and serviceability
First Claim
1. A work vehicle comprising:
- a. an axle having steerable tires at either end thereof;
b. an engine;
c. a cooling system interconnected with said engine to cool said engine and having at least one radiator; and
d. positioning means for mounting said engine above said axle of said work vehicle and mounting said radiator, said engine and said axle in a spaced relationship relative to one another such that there is a volume define between the top, bottom, and side outer surfaces of both said radiator and said engine into which a portion of said tires can pivotally enter during steering.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A work vehicle configuration has the engine directly over the front axle, the cooling system radiator far enough forward to allow even large tires to turn into the volume defined between the radiator and the engine, and a tall but very narrow transmission forward of the operator enclosure. This allows the vehicle to be provided with a wasp-waist, significantly improving visibility. This also allows a recessed area in the vehicle body adjacent to the front tires, allowing a sharper turning radius and improved maneuverability. This placement of the transmission frees space under the operator enclosure, allowing use of a significantly larger fuel tank. Finally, the placement of the main vehicle components away from the front tires and out from under the operator enclosure allows improved access and serviceability for the tractor.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A work vehicle comprising:
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a. an axle having steerable tires at either end thereof; b. an engine; c. a cooling system interconnected with said engine to cool said engine and having at least one radiator; and d. positioning means for mounting said engine above said axle of said work vehicle and mounting said radiator, said engine and said axle in a spaced relationship relative to one another such that there is a volume define between the top, bottom, and side outer surfaces of both said radiator and said engine into which a portion of said tires can pivotally enter during steering. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification