Variable height suspension for quarry vehicle - with vertical ram through yoke pivot on each wheel to lower stabilising posts

摘要

The quarry vehicle has a low slung chassis with the wheels on outriggers on each corner. The wheels are pivotted about vertical posts (13) with upper and lower bearings (12). The posts are raised and lowered hydraulically using an internal ram system (14). This alters the ground clearance of the vehicle so that it can negotiate low galleries. Steering is by hydraulic linkages to provide a stable cornering control where rail trucks would have difficulty. The rams also incorporate struts (22) which can be lowered onto the ground to support the vehicle during loading etc., especially when loaded containers are transferred to and from the vehicle from the side.