Apparatus, systems, and methods that include a variable length linkage for connecting together tie rods. The linkage includes first, second, and third apertures. There is a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture and a second distance between the first aperture and the third aperture. The apparatus may include a fourth aperture having a third distance between the first aperture and the fourth aperture. The second, third, and fourth apertures may each have a non-circular cross-section. The linkage may include a base, a first finger, a second finger, and a third finger that each extend from the base. The first aperture may be in the base, the second aperture may be in the first finger, the third aperture may be in the second finger, and the fourth aperture may be in the third finger. The first aperture may be oriented vertically with the other apertures oriented horizontally.

Apparatus, systems, and methods that include a variable length linkage for connecting together tie rods. The linkage includes first, second, and third apertures. There is a first distance between the first aperture and the second aperture and a second distance between the first aperture and the third aperture. The apparatus may include a fourth aperture having a third distance between the first aperture and the fourth aperture. The second, third, and fourth apertures may each have a non-circular cross-section. The linkage may include a base, a first finger, a second finger, and a third finger that each extend from the base. The first aperture may be in the base, the second aperture may be in the first finger, the third aperture may be in the second finger, and the fourth aperture may be in the third finger. The first aperture may be oriented vertically with the other apertures oriented horizontally.

A steering linkage for a vehicle includes a cross-linked pivot assembly which includes a first connector configured for connection with the axle, first and second links, and a second connector configured for connection with a wheel. The first connector has a first end with which a first end of the first link is pivotally connected and a second end with which a first end of the second link is pivotally connected. The second connector has first and second ends and is arranged in spaced relation from and at an angle relative to the first connector. The first end of the second connector is arranged closer to the second end of the first connector than is the second end of the second connector. A second end of the first link is pivotally connected with the first end of the second connector and a second end of the second link is pivotally connected with the second end of the second connector. The cross-linked pivot assembly is operable, preferably via a linear actuator, about a vertical pivot axis to steer the wheel.

A steering linkage for a vehicle includes a cross-linked pivot assembly which includes a first connector configured for connection with the axle, first and second links, and a second connector configured for connection with a wheel. The first connector has a first end with which a first end of the first link is pivotally connected and a second end with which a first end of the second link is pivotally connected. The second connector has first and second ends and is arranged in spaced relation from and at an angle relative to the first connector. The first end of the second connector is arranged closer to the second end of the first connector than is the second end of the second connector. A second end of the first link is pivotally connected with the first end of the second connector and a second end of the second link is pivotally connected with the second end of the second connector. The cross-linked pivot assembly is operable, preferably via a linear actuator, about a vertical pivot axis to steer the wheel.

A steering system for a wheel of a vehicle comprises a pivot member having multiple pivot-node locations, and connectable at a first pivot-node location to a sub-frame of the wheel, a steering rod actuatable to rotate the wheel about a steering axis and mechanically coupled with the pivot member to be co-pivotable with the pivot member, and a suspension-connector rod having a first end that is connected to the pivot member at a second pivot-node location, and having at a second end that is connectable to a suspension arm linking the wheel of the vehicle to the sub-frame. When the steering system is installed in the vehicle, a lateral force acting upon the wheel is transmitted via the steering rod to the pivot member so as to rotate the pivot member, and the rotation is effective to transmit a substantially-vertical force vector to the sub-frame.

A steering system for a wheel of a vehicle comprises a pivot member having multiple pivot-node locations, and connectable at a first pivot-node location to a sub-frame of the wheel, a steering rod actuatable to rotate the wheel about a steering axis and mechanically coupled with the pivot member to be co-pivotable with the pivot member, and a suspension-connector rod having a first end that is connected to the pivot member at a second pivot-node location, and having at a second end that is connectable to a suspension arm linking the wheel of the vehicle to the sub-frame. When the steering system is installed in the vehicle, a lateral force acting upon the wheel is transmitted via the steering rod to the pivot member so as to rotate the pivot member, and the rotation is effective to transmit a substantially-vertical force vector to the sub-frame.

A steering mechanism for a vehicle having a frame and a prime mover is disclosed. Two steered wheels, steered by a steering mechanism, are near the front of the vehicle and a single non-steered wheel is near the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle has a deck that houses rotatable cutting blades. Portions of the deck are positioned in front of and adjacent each side of the rear wheel. A first rotatable cutting blade is positioned adjacent a first side of the rear wheel and a second rotatable cutting blade is positioned adjacent the opposite side of the rear wheel. One or more additional cutting blades are positioned in front of the rear wheel.

A steering mechanism for a vehicle having a frame and a prime mover is disclosed. Two steered wheels, steered by a steering mechanism, are near the front of the vehicle and a single non-steered wheel is near the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle has a deck that houses rotatable cutting blades. Portions of the deck are positioned in front of and adjacent each side of the rear wheel. A first rotatable cutting blade is positioned adjacent a first side of the rear wheel and a second rotatable cutting blade is positioned adjacent the opposite side of the rear wheel. One or more additional cutting blades are positioned in front of the rear wheel.

A rack and pinion steering system includes a housing, a rack, a pinion gear, and a radially preloaded rack bearing. The rack is supported by the housing, and the pinion gear is meshed to the rack. The radially preloaded rack bearing is supported and preloaded to the housing and is preloaded to the rack.

A rack and pinion steering system includes a housing, a rack, a pinion gear, and a radially preloaded rack bearing. The rack is supported by the housing, and the pinion gear is meshed to the rack. The radially preloaded rack bearing is supported and preloaded to the housing and is preloaded to the rack.