A method for operating a ratchet assembly. The method includes, when a ratchet lock mechanism is in a first locked position, causing a drive mechanism to rotate by operating a steer cylinder in a selected direction until a first predetermined value, which may be associated with an amount of rotation of the drive mechanism, is reached. The method includes unlocking the ratchet lock mechanism, and resetting the steer cylinder by operating the steer cylinder in an opposite direction until a second predetermined value is reached. The method includes locking the ratchet lock mechanism in a second locked position, and, upon locking the ratchet lock mechanism in the second locked position, causing the drive mechanism to further rotate by operating the steer cylinder in the selected direction until a third predetermined value is reached, wherein the third predetermined value is associated with a selected amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.

A method for operating a ratchet assembly. The method includes, when a ratchet lock mechanism is in a first locked position, causing a drive mechanism to rotate by operating a steer cylinder in a selected direction until a first predetermined value, which may be associated with an amount of rotation of the drive mechanism, is reached. The method includes unlocking the ratchet lock mechanism, and resetting the steer cylinder by operating the steer cylinder in an opposite direction until a second predetermined value is reached. The method includes locking the ratchet lock mechanism in a second locked position, and, upon locking the ratchet lock mechanism in the second locked position, causing the drive mechanism to further rotate by operating the steer cylinder in the selected direction until a third predetermined value is reached, wherein the third predetermined value is associated with a selected amount of rotation of the drive mechanism.

A ratchet assembly may include a steer ring, a steer ring side structure, a steer cylinder bracket arm, a steer cylinder, a ratchet lock gear, a steering collar, a ratchet cylinder, a ratchet lock bar, and at least one sensor. When in a particular locked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring, the ratchet lock gear, and the steering collar. When in an unlocked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring around the ratchet lock gear.

A ratchet assembly may include a steer ring, a steer ring side structure, a steer cylinder bracket arm, a steer cylinder, a ratchet lock gear, a steering collar, a ratchet cylinder, a ratchet lock bar, and at least one sensor. When in a particular locked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring, the ratchet lock gear, and the steering collar. When in an unlocked position, operation of the steer cylinder rotates the steer ring around the ratchet lock gear.

A tractor includes an axle case that houses an axle of a wheel, a hydraulic cylinder that is attached to the axle case, a hydraulic valve that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder, and a supply pipe that connects the hydraulic valve to the hydraulic cylinder and through which the hydraulic oil flows. The supply pipe includes a flexible pipe and a rigid pipe. A first end portion of the rigid pipe is connected to the hydraulic cylinder. A second end portion of the rigid pipe is connected to a first end portion of the flexible pipe.

A tractor includes an axle case that houses an axle of a wheel, a hydraulic cylinder that is attached to the axle case, a hydraulic valve that supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder, and a supply pipe that connects the hydraulic valve to the hydraulic cylinder and through which the hydraulic oil flows. The supply pipe includes a flexible pipe and a rigid pipe. A first end portion of the rigid pipe is connected to the hydraulic cylinder. A second end portion of the rigid pipe is connected to a first end portion of the flexible pipe.

A hydraulic rear axle steering for multi-axle vehicles, including a steering cylinder with a piston and two working chambers. The steering cylinder has a mechanical blocking device, which blocks the piston when it reaches a central position within the steering cylinder. The blocking device has a blocking member, which is retained in an engaged position by a locking element in the blocked state. The locking element is movable by a separate, hydraulically actuated actuator between a blocking position and a first unblocking position in which the locking element releases the blocking element. An admission-pressure-controlled load safety valve is provided for each working chamber, and control connections of the valves are connected to a pressure line leading to the respective other working chamber. The actuator is adjusted such that, when a lower, first pressure value is applied, the locking element moves into the unblocking position, and the valves are adjusted such that, when a higher, second pressure value is applied, the valves open towards the tank.

A hydraulic rear axle steering for multi-axle vehicles, including a steering cylinder with a piston and two working chambers. The steering cylinder has a mechanical blocking device, which blocks the piston when it reaches a central position within the steering cylinder. The blocking device has a blocking member, which is retained in an engaged position by a locking element in the blocked state. The locking element is movable by a separate, hydraulically actuated actuator between a blocking position and a first unblocking position in which the locking element releases the blocking element. An admission-pressure-controlled load safety valve is provided for each working chamber, and control connections of the valves are connected to a pressure line leading to the respective other working chamber. The actuator is adjusted such that, when a lower, first pressure value is applied, the locking element moves into the unblocking position, and the valves are adjusted such that, when a higher, second pressure value is applied, the valves open towards the tank.