Mower castor swivel and steering control systems may include a pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies carried by the lawnmower frame of the riding lawnmower. The pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies may be configured for selective actuation to prevent swiveling of the pair of front castor wheels, respectively, on the riding lawnmower. At least one actuating device may operably engage the pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies. The at least one actuating device may be configured to actuate the pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies responsive to selective actuation by a mower operator of the riding lawnmower. A castor wheel steering assembly may operably engage the pair of castor wheel engaging assemblies. The castor wheel steering assembly may be configured to steer the pair of front castor wheels responsive to selective actuation by the mower operator simultaneous with actuation of the at least one actuating device.

In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.

Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability.

A crane for lifting and transporting loads includes a base frame, for transferring the loads of the crane onto a support surface by a plurality of wheels having two steering wheels; and a steering system. The steering system includes a linear steering actuator, which is hinged, on one side, to the base frame and, on the other side, to a bar having two ends. Each end of the bar is hinged to a respective rotary element around a respective hinging axis. Each rotary element rotates around a respective rotation axis and is constrained in rotation to the respective steering wheel to steer it.

A crane for lifting and transporting loads includes a base frame, for transferring the loads of the crane onto a support surface by a plurality of wheels having two steering wheels; and a steering system. The steering system includes a linear steering actuator, which is hinged, on one side, to the base frame and, on the other side, to a bar having two ends. Each end of the bar is hinged to a respective rotary element around a respective hinging axis. Each rotary element rotates around a respective rotation axis and is constrained in rotation to the respective steering wheel to steer it.

A power steering system including a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to a cross-link member extending in a transverse direction. Also included is a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first linkage arm, the first shaft configured to rotate the first linkage arm. Further included is a power portion of the first linkage arm extending from a first end of the first linkage arm to the first shaft. Yet further included is an assist portion of the first linkage arm extending from the first shaft to a second end of the first linkage arm. Also included is an electric actuator. Further included is a linkage member extending from the electric actuator and operatively coupled to the assist portion of the first linkage arm.

A power steering system including a first linkage arm pivotally coupled to a cross-link member extending in a transverse direction. Also included is a first shaft generally orthogonal to the first linkage arm, the first shaft configured to rotate the first linkage arm. Further included is a power portion of the first linkage arm extending from a first end of the first linkage arm to the first shaft. Yet further included is an assist portion of the first linkage arm extending from the first shaft to a second end of the first linkage arm. Also included is an electric actuator. Further included is a linkage member extending from the electric actuator and operatively coupled to the assist portion of the first linkage arm.

The invention relates to an electrically operated steering system (1) for a vehicle (2) with a rack (3) for attaching the steering system (1) to a vehicle frame of the vehicle (2), two steerable wheels (4) that are pivotably attached to the rack (3), a rod element (5) arranged on the rack (3), which is slidable in its longitudinal direction in relation to the rack (3), a kinematic unit (13) which is coupled to the rod element (5) and which transforms a movement of the rod element (5) into a steering rotation of the wheels (4), an electric machine (6), which is mechanically connected to the rod element (5) for effecting the movement of the rod element (5), and a lateral force absorbing mechanism (7) which is configured for absorbing a lateral force produced by the kinematic unit (13) in relation to the rod element (5). The invention further relates to a vehicle (2) comprising such a steering system (1).