MOBILE MACHINE FRAME AND SUSPENSION

摘要

NEW CONVERTIBLE SLIPFORMER A construction machine is disclosed having a main frame that is supported by means of three or four vertically adjustable suspension points from a pair of walking beams located on opposite sides of the main frame. Each walking beam has a vertical steering axis at each of its ends connected to a bogey-mounted self-propelled ground engagement means in the form of a wheel or endless track. In one embodiment one of the walking beams is connected to a side of the main frame by two spaced vertically adjustable suspension means that attach to the beam through pivotal bogey-mounts. One of these adjustable suspension means is pivotally mounted to the frame, while the other is fixed to the frame. The other walking beam is connected to the opposite side of the main frame on a single central vertically adjustable suspension means through a bogey-mount to constitute a threepoint suspension on two walking beams for the assembly. In a second embodiment, both walking beams have two spaced vertically adjustable suspension means, one of which on each beam is pivoted on a horizontal axis from the frame to constitute a four-point suspension on two modified walking beams. In each of the embodiments the four ground engagement means at the ends of the walking beams are steerable in pairs, in unison or independently and can be turned or re-oriented about their steering axes so that the direction of travel can be forward or backward (longitudinally) of the frame or toward either side, thus providing flexibility in operation and allowing for side-mounted or straddle-mounted tools. Steering can be in increments, or a full 360.degree. as desired. The frame telescopes in one direction, and the power of the machine used in widening or shortening the frame.