FOUR-WAY LEVELLING MECHANISM FOR OFF-ROAD VEHICLE _____________

摘要

A four-way tilt mechanism (15) for maintaining the super structure (14) of an off-road vehicle generally horizontal while the vehicle is working on uneven terrain is disclosed. The tilt mechanism is very robust and provides independent adjustment of the angle of tilt relative to each of two pivot axes (16, 17). The tilt mechanism (15) incorporates a spherical bearing (37) mounted on a shaft (38) perpendicular to the longitudinal pivot axis (16) of the tilt mechanism to eliminate end-play in the joint which forms the longitudinal pivot axis. The longitudinal and transverse pivot axes (16, 17) preferably lie in the same plane so that many of the forces which are transferred from the superstructure (14) of the vehicle through the tilt mechanism (15) to the chassis (13) of the vehicle cannot cause a torque on the components of the tilt mechanism.