CA2241479A1 - Northern freight tractor - Google Patents
Northern freight tractor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2241479A1 CA2241479A1 CA 2241479 CA2241479A CA2241479A1 CA 2241479 A1 CA2241479 A1 CA 2241479A1 CA 2241479 CA2241479 CA 2241479 CA 2241479 A CA2241479 A CA 2241479A CA 2241479 A1 CA2241479 A1 CA 2241479A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wheels
- rear portion
- tractor
- vehicle
- structural frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D12/00—Steering specially adapted for vehicles operating in tandem or having pivotally connected frames
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D49/00—Tractors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
- B62D53/04—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
- B62D53/08—Fifth wheel traction couplings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/02—Endless track vehicles with tracks and additional ground wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/04—Endless track vehicles with tracks and alternative ground wheels, e.g. changeable from endless track vehicle into wheeled vehicle and vice versa
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A northern freight tractor for hauling large semi-trailers of freight into regions which are inaccessible by highway trucks. The vehicle has front and rear portions connected by an articulating joint for rotation of one portion relative to the other. A fifth wheel is mounted to the rear portion of the vehicle for coupling to a semi-trailer. A plurality of wheels mounted on both sides of the rear portion support the rear portion and the loads applied to the fifth wheel. A removable track is fitted to the wheels on each side of the rear portion. A pair of front dual wheels support the front portion of the vehicle. The vehicle is powered by an engine assembly mounted on the front portion. A drivetrain including a power shift transmission, cross locks and inter axle locks, provides a continuous and locked 4-wheel drive for transmitting torque from the engine to the wheels.
Description
NORTHERN FREIGHT TRACTOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to freight vehicles, and more particularly to an all terrain vehicle for hauling large semi-trailers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The task of hauling large semi-trailers is typically accomplished using large trucks adapted for the highway. This has been very successful for hauling to regions accessible by highway. Many regions however are unreachable using these trucks because of the terrain or the climate which does not allow normal passage of freight.
There have been many developments to all terrain vehicles which are more adapted to more difficult terrain and climate conditions. These vehicles commonly include tracked wheels and large treads. Typically these vehicles cannot handle excessive loads and are not intended for hauling. A further draw back of all terrain vehicles is the lack of an all terrain vehicle that is adapted to accept conventional fifth wheel truck trailer couplings. A vehicle of this type would eliminate the need to unload semi-truck trailers for reloading into a new vehicle to reach remote areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a northern freight tractor comprising:
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to freight vehicles, and more particularly to an all terrain vehicle for hauling large semi-trailers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The task of hauling large semi-trailers is typically accomplished using large trucks adapted for the highway. This has been very successful for hauling to regions accessible by highway. Many regions however are unreachable using these trucks because of the terrain or the climate which does not allow normal passage of freight.
There have been many developments to all terrain vehicles which are more adapted to more difficult terrain and climate conditions. These vehicles commonly include tracked wheels and large treads. Typically these vehicles cannot handle excessive loads and are not intended for hauling. A further draw back of all terrain vehicles is the lack of an all terrain vehicle that is adapted to accept conventional fifth wheel truck trailer couplings. A vehicle of this type would eliminate the need to unload semi-truck trailers for reloading into a new vehicle to reach remote areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a northern freight tractor comprising:
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
a pair of front wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
a plurality of wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a track connecting and driven by the plurality of wheels supporting the rear portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain for transmitting torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track; and an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other.
It is preferred that the drivetrain includes cross locks and inter axle locks providing locked 4 wheel drive.
The track is preferably removable.
Preferably the plurality of wheels of the rear portion of the frame comprises one set of dual floating wheels and two interlocked sets of dual driven wheels for driving and supporting the track on each side of the rear portion of the frame.
It is preferred that the pair of front wheels comprise a pair of large dual wheels.
A power shift transmission is preferably included for transmitting continuous power from the engine to the wheels.
a pair of front wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
a plurality of wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a track connecting and driven by the plurality of wheels supporting the rear portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain for transmitting torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track; and an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other.
It is preferred that the drivetrain includes cross locks and inter axle locks providing locked 4 wheel drive.
The track is preferably removable.
Preferably the plurality of wheels of the rear portion of the frame comprises one set of dual floating wheels and two interlocked sets of dual driven wheels for driving and supporting the track on each side of the rear portion of the frame.
It is preferred that the pair of front wheels comprise a pair of large dual wheels.
A power shift transmission is preferably included for transmitting continuous power from the engine to the wheels.
Preferably a winch is included and mounted to the rear portion of the vehicle for towing purposes.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a northern freight tractor comprising:
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
two interlocked sets of driven dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a set of floating dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a removable track driven by the two interlocked sets of driven wheels and supported by the set of floating wheels;
a pair of front dual wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain including a power shift transmission, cross locks and inter axle locks providing continuous and locked 4 wheel drive transmission of torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track;
an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other; and a winch mounted to the rear portion of the frame for towing purposes.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a northern freight tractor comprising:
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
two interlocked sets of driven dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a set of floating dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a removable track driven by the two interlocked sets of driven wheels and supported by the set of floating wheels;
a pair of front dual wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain including a power shift transmission, cross locks and inter axle locks providing continuous and locked 4 wheel drive transmission of torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track;
an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other; and a winch mounted to the rear portion of the frame for towing purposes.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a northern freight tractor; and Figure 2 is a top plan view of the northern freight tractor.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 and 2, the northern freight tractor includes a structural frame having a front portion 10 and a rear portion 12 for supporting the various components of the vehicle. A fifth wheel 14 is mounted to the rear portion 12 for coupling to a semi trailer. Two interlocked sets of driven wheels 16 and a set of floating wheels 18 support the rear portion 12 of the structural frame as well as the loads applied to the fifth wheel 14. A removable track 20 is fastened to the driven wheels 16 on each side of the rear portion 12 using securing pins 22. The pins extend radially outward from between the two wheels of each of the sets of driven dual wheels 16. The track 20 is driven by the driven wheels 16 and supported in the middle by the floating wheels 18. The front portion 10 of the structural frame is supported by a pair of dual front wheels 24.
The vehicle is powered by an engine assembly 26 mounted on the front portion 10 of the structural frame. A power shift transmission 28 connected to the engine assembly 26 is also mounted on the front portion 10 providing continuous transmission of power from the engine. A drivetrain including the transmission also includes a drive shaft 30 having a joints 31. The a joints 31 allow the engine assembly 26 to continue transmitting torque to the driven wheels16 of the rear portion 12 when the drive shaft 30 is bent. Cross-axles 32 are included in the drivetrain connecting the driven wheels 16 and the front wheels 24 to the drive shaft 30.
Also 5 included in the drivetrain are cross locks 34 for synchronizing the rotation of the left and right side wheels and inter-axle locks 36 for synchronizing the rotation of the cross-axles 32.
Steering is provided to the vehicle in the form of an articulating joint 38 and a steering linkage 40 for controlling the rotation of one portion of the vehicle's structural frame relative to the other. The articulating joint 38 allows free rotation of one portion of the vehicle's structural frame relative to the other in both vertical and horizontal planes to eliminate any bending forces applied to the joint due to uneven terrain. The controls for the vehicle and a location for the operator of the vehicle are located in a cabin 42 mounted on the first portion 10 of the structural frame.
An additional feature included in the figures is a winch 44. The winch 44 is mounted to the rear portion 12 of the vehicle structure to provide the vehicle with towing ability.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a northern freight tractor; and Figure 2 is a top plan view of the northern freight tractor.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1 and 2, the northern freight tractor includes a structural frame having a front portion 10 and a rear portion 12 for supporting the various components of the vehicle. A fifth wheel 14 is mounted to the rear portion 12 for coupling to a semi trailer. Two interlocked sets of driven wheels 16 and a set of floating wheels 18 support the rear portion 12 of the structural frame as well as the loads applied to the fifth wheel 14. A removable track 20 is fastened to the driven wheels 16 on each side of the rear portion 12 using securing pins 22. The pins extend radially outward from between the two wheels of each of the sets of driven dual wheels 16. The track 20 is driven by the driven wheels 16 and supported in the middle by the floating wheels 18. The front portion 10 of the structural frame is supported by a pair of dual front wheels 24.
The vehicle is powered by an engine assembly 26 mounted on the front portion 10 of the structural frame. A power shift transmission 28 connected to the engine assembly 26 is also mounted on the front portion 10 providing continuous transmission of power from the engine. A drivetrain including the transmission also includes a drive shaft 30 having a joints 31. The a joints 31 allow the engine assembly 26 to continue transmitting torque to the driven wheels16 of the rear portion 12 when the drive shaft 30 is bent. Cross-axles 32 are included in the drivetrain connecting the driven wheels 16 and the front wheels 24 to the drive shaft 30.
Also 5 included in the drivetrain are cross locks 34 for synchronizing the rotation of the left and right side wheels and inter-axle locks 36 for synchronizing the rotation of the cross-axles 32.
Steering is provided to the vehicle in the form of an articulating joint 38 and a steering linkage 40 for controlling the rotation of one portion of the vehicle's structural frame relative to the other. The articulating joint 38 allows free rotation of one portion of the vehicle's structural frame relative to the other in both vertical and horizontal planes to eliminate any bending forces applied to the joint due to uneven terrain. The controls for the vehicle and a location for the operator of the vehicle are located in a cabin 42 mounted on the first portion 10 of the structural frame.
An additional feature included in the figures is a winch 44. The winch 44 is mounted to the rear portion 12 of the vehicle structure to provide the vehicle with towing ability.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (8)
1. A northern freight tractor comprising:
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
a pair of front wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
a plurality of wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a track connecting and driven by the plurality of wheels supporting the rear portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain for transmitting torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track; and an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other.
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
a pair of front wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
a plurality of wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a track connecting and driven by the plurality of wheels supporting the rear portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain for transmitting torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track; and an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other.
2. The tractor of claim 1 wherein the drivetrain includes cross locks and inter axle locks providing locked 4 wheel drive.
3. The tractor of claim 1 wherein the track is removable.
4. The tractor of claim 1 wherein the plurality of wheels comprises one set of dual floating wheels and two interlocked sets of dual driven wheels for driving and supporting the track on each side of the rear portion of the frame.
5. The tractor of claim 1 wherein the pair of front wheels comprise a pair of large dual wheels.
6. The tractor of claim 1 including a power shift transmission for transmitting continuous power from the engine to the wheels.
7. The tractor of claim 1 including a winch mounted to the rear portion of the vehicle for towing purposes.
8. A northern freight tractor comprising:
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
two interlocked sets of driven dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a set of floating dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a removable track driven by the two interlocked sets of driven wheels and supported by the set of floating wheels;
a pair of front dual wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain including a power shift transmission, cross locks and inter axle locks providing continuous and locked 4 wheel drive for transmitting torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track;
an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other; and a winch mounted to the rear portion of the frame for towing purposes.
a structural frame having a front portion and a rear portion for supporting components of the vehicle;
a fifth wheel mounted to the rear portion of the structural frame for coupling to a semi-trailer;
two interlocked sets of driven dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a set of floating dual wheels for supporting the rear portion of the structural frame and the loads applied to the fifth wheel coupling;
a removable track driven by the two interlocked sets of driven wheels and supported by the set of floating wheels;
a pair of front dual wheels supporting the front portion of the structural frame;
an engine assembly mounted on the tractor for powering the vehicle;
a drivetrain including a power shift transmission, cross locks and inter axle locks providing continuous and locked 4 wheel drive for transmitting torque from the engine to the front wheels and to the wheels driving the track;
an articulating joint linking the front and rear portions of the frame permitting rotation of one portion relative to the other; and a winch mounted to the rear portion of the frame for towing purposes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2241479 CA2241479A1 (en) | 1998-08-26 | 1998-08-26 | Northern freight tractor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2241479 CA2241479A1 (en) | 1998-08-26 | 1998-08-26 | Northern freight tractor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2241479A1 true CA2241479A1 (en) | 2000-02-26 |
Family
ID=29409521
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2241479 Abandoned CA2241479A1 (en) | 1998-08-26 | 1998-08-26 | Northern freight tractor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2241479A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2181915A1 (en) * | 2008-10-28 | 2010-05-05 | CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH | Dolly axle and vehicle combination using same |
| WO2019079901A1 (en) * | 2017-10-25 | 2019-05-02 | Camso Inc. | Track device for movement of a vehicle |
-
1998
- 1998-08-26 CA CA 2241479 patent/CA2241479A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2181915A1 (en) * | 2008-10-28 | 2010-05-05 | CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH | Dolly axle and vehicle combination using same |
| WO2019079901A1 (en) * | 2017-10-25 | 2019-05-02 | Camso Inc. | Track device for movement of a vehicle |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |