Articulated mine service vehicle

摘要

A rugged maneuverable articulate mine service vehicle includes a power unit and a utility formed from welded steel plate, which units are interconnected by an articulated joint having a pivot axis and an axis of rotation. Each of the units has a pair of drive wheels with each drive wheel being powered by its own hydraulic motor. The power wheels are directly secured to the respective units. A hydraulic crane is pviotally mounted on the utility unit with the mast of the crane in close proximity to the articulated joint connecting the utility unit to the power unit. Hydraulic steering cylinders are connected between one of the units and the articulated joint and cause relative rotation of one unit of the vehicle about the pivot axis of the joint with respect to the other to steer the vehicle. Hydraulic outriggers are located at opposite corners of the front of the utility unit. An operator's compartment is located in the utility unit in which are located the controls needed to operate the vehicle and the crane to lift and carry extremely heavy loads particularly in places having restricted headroom such as in mine shafts and tunnels. The distribution of the motor, pump, reservoirs and the like in the power unit is chosen to locate the center of gravity of the units as far aft of the pivot axis as is reasonably possible while maintaining the overall height of the vheicle at a minimum. The power unit is pivoted with respect to the utility unit by the hydraulic steering cylinders to maximize its effect as a counterbalance to an object being lifted by the crane, particularly when the crane is lifting or holding an object to one side of the centerline of the utility unit.