A wheel suspension system (101) with at least one wheel support (103), first and second coupling rods (105, 107) and at least one track rod (109). The first and second coupling rods (105, 107) are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The second coupling rod (107) and the wheel support (103) are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The track rod (109) is designed to apply a steering torque to the first coupling rod (105). The steering torque is transmitted from the first coupling rod (105), via the second coupling rod (107), to the wheel support (103). The wheel suspension system has at least one suspension link (111) which is mounted, in an articulated manner, on a vehicle body or chassis and is articulated to the wheel support (103). The suspension link (111) and the first coupling rod (105) are articulated to one another.

A steering device for a vehicle, having an actuator, which is provided to exert an axial force on a push rod. The push rod is pivotally connected to respective coupling rods on both sides. The respective coupling rods are pivotally connected to respective deflection levers. The respective deflection levers are pivotally connected to respective tie rods. The respective tie rods are pivotally connected to respective steering levers which are being operatively connected to respective hub carriers to steer respective wheels of a vehicle axle in accordance with axial movement of the push rod. The deflection levers alter a transmission ratio between the push rod and the respective tie rods to lower the axial force at the actuator.

A steering device for a vehicle, having an actuator, which is provided to exert an axial force on a push rod. The push rod is pivotally connected to respective coupling rods on both sides. The respective coupling rods are pivotally connected to respective deflection levers. The respective deflection levers are pivotally connected to respective tie rods. The respective tie rods are pivotally connected to respective steering levers which are being operatively connected to respective hub carriers to steer respective wheels of a vehicle axle in accordance with axial movement of the push rod. The deflection levers alter a transmission ratio between the push rod and the respective tie rods to lower the axial force at the actuator.

A method for steering a gantry crane having wheel assemblies includes the steps of: initiating movement of the gantry crane; and rotating the wheel assemblies wherein the front wheel assemblies rotate in a first rotational direction and the rear wheel assemblies rotate in a second rotational direction. The first rotational direction is opposite to the second rotational direction. First side wheel assemblies rotate at a first rotational speed and second side wheel assemblies rotate at a second rotational speed, such that the gantry crane moves from a linear path to an arcuate path with a turning radius decreasing to substantially zero for rotation about a central axis.

A method for steering a gantry crane having wheel assemblies includes the steps of: initiating movement of the gantry crane; and rotating the wheel assemblies wherein the front wheel assemblies rotate in a first rotational direction and the rear wheel assemblies rotate in a second rotational direction. The first rotational direction is opposite to the second rotational direction. First side wheel assemblies rotate at a first rotational speed and second side wheel assemblies rotate at a second rotational speed, such that the gantry crane moves from a linear path to an arcuate path with a turning radius decreasing to substantially zero for rotation about a central axis.

Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

A steering system for a vehicle including at least one pair of wheel units which can be actuated and deflected independently of each other. Each wheel unit is paired with at least one sensor device for detecting a deviation from a specified deflection of the wheel units relative to each other, and each wheel unit is paired with at least one actuation device in order to actuate the wheel units. At least one control unit is designed to actuate the actuation devices of the wheel units when the sensor devices detect a specified deviation of the specified deflection of the wheel units relative to each other.

A stand-up type industrial vehicle, such as a stock chaser, is provided that includes a frame including a driver's space, a pair of steerable front wheels, and a steering system. The frame can include a cargo space behind the driver's space. The front wheels are pivotally coupled to the frame about respective laterally spaced-apart steering axes. The steering system is mounted to the frame for steering the wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel, a steering lever operatively coupled to the steering wheel, for example via an upper and a lower shaft coupled by a one-stage reducer assembly, to be imparted a lateral swinging motion thereby upon rotation thereof, and a steering linkage coupled between the steering lever and the wheels to translate this lateral swinging motion into a turning motion of the wheels. A dual-pivot steering system for use in a stand-up type industrial vehicle is also provided.

A stand-up type industrial vehicle, such as a stock chaser, is provided that includes a frame including a driver's space, a pair of steerable front wheels, and a steering system. The frame can include a cargo space behind the driver's space. The front wheels are pivotally coupled to the frame about respective laterally spaced-apart steering axes. The steering system is mounted to the frame for steering the wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel, a steering lever operatively coupled to the steering wheel, for example via an upper and a lower shaft coupled by a one-stage reducer assembly, to be imparted a lateral swinging motion thereby upon rotation thereof, and a steering linkage coupled between the steering lever and the wheels to translate this lateral swinging motion into a turning motion of the wheels. A dual-pivot steering system for use in a stand-up type industrial vehicle is also provided.