A self-propelled surface cleaning machine is proposed, including a floor cleaning device, a steerable front wheel, a steering device associated with the front wheel, a rear wheel device having at least one left rear wheel and at least one right rear wheel, a first drive device for driving the front wheel, a second drive device for driving the rear wheel device and a differential device for the rear wheel device that allows different speeds of rotation for the at least one left rear wheel and the at least one right rear wheel.

A work machine includes a machine frame, a prime mover supported by the machine frame, and wheels rotatably coupled to the machine frame and driven by the prime mover. The wheels are supported on a ground surface. The work machine further includes a steering assembly having a pivot frame pivotally coupled to the machine frame about a pivot axis. The steering assembly is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the machine frame to turn the work machine. The steering assembly also includes a damping mechanism positioned between the pivot frame and the machine frame to inhibit oscillations.

A work machine includes a machine frame, a prime mover supported by the machine frame, and wheels rotatably coupled to the machine frame and driven by the prime mover. The wheels are supported on a ground surface. The work machine further includes a steering assembly having a pivot frame pivotally coupled to the machine frame about a pivot axis. The steering assembly is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the machine frame to turn the work machine. The steering assembly also includes a damping mechanism positioned between the pivot frame and the machine frame to inhibit oscillations.

A vehicle drive and control system for a vehicle having a prime mover and an operator control device such as a steering wheel is disclosed. A transaxle includes a power generating device in a transaxle housing and driven by the prime mover, an electric motor in the transaxle housing and powered by the power generating device, and at least one axle extending out of the transaxle housing and engaged to and driving one of a pair of driven wheels. A battery is powered by the power generating device, and connected to a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the operator control device and to the electric motor such that the controller controls electric motor output based on input received via the operator control device.

A vehicle drive and control system for a vehicle having a prime mover and an operator control device such as a steering wheel is disclosed. A transaxle includes a power generating device in a transaxle housing and driven by the prime mover, an electric motor in the transaxle housing and powered by the power generating device, and at least one axle extending out of the transaxle housing and engaged to and driving one of a pair of driven wheels. A battery is powered by the power generating device, and connected to a controller. The controller is operatively connected to the operator control device and to the electric motor such that the controller controls electric motor output based on input received via the operator control device.

A steerable crawler track for an agricultural utility vehicle such as a tractor or a self-propelled harvesting machine has a left-side track roller unit, a right-side track roller unit, a differential having a transmission input driven by an engine, a first transmission output for driving the left track roller unit, and a second transmission output for driving the right track roller unit and a hydraulic transmission having a variable transmission ratio (i). The transmission outputs of the differential are coupled to one another via the hydraulic transmission such that the ratio of the rotational speeds (n.sub.l, n.sub.r) of the transmission outputs are influenced by changing the transmission ratio (i) of the hydraulic transmission.

A steerable crawler track for an agricultural utility vehicle such as a tractor or a self-propelled harvesting machine has a left-side track roller unit, a right-side track roller unit, a differential having a transmission input driven by an engine, a first transmission output for driving the left track roller unit, and a second transmission output for driving the right track roller unit and a hydraulic transmission having a variable transmission ratio (i). The transmission outputs of the differential are coupled to one another via the hydraulic transmission such that the ratio of the rotational speeds (n.sub.l, n.sub.r) of the transmission outputs are influenced by changing the transmission ratio (i) of the hydraulic transmission.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, which turns the rear wheels of a lawn mower or similar vehicle at different speeds in a coordinated method with the front steering wheels in order to achieve the best turning radius (including a tight or zero turn radius, if desired) under most conditions. The system comprises two stages: the first stage comprising a Fixed Center Distance CVT pulley system, and the second stage comprising dual CVTs (e.g., left and right) that input into dual gear reducers (left and right), which are mechanically connected to the rear wheels. The second stage dual CVTs (left and right) are synchronized with the steering wheel, thus achieving different rear wheel speeds and/or directions based on the steering wheel position.

A bogie axle assembly having a housing, a spindle, a drive sprocket unit, and a planetary gear set. The drive sprocket unit may be fixedly disposed on a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set. The spindle may be fixedly disposed on the housing. The drive sprocket unit may be rotatably supported by at least one roller bearing assembly that may be disposed between the spindle and the drive sprocket unit.

A bogie axle assembly having a housing, a spindle, a drive sprocket unit, and a planetary gear set. The drive sprocket unit may be fixedly disposed on a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set. The spindle may be fixedly disposed on the housing. The drive sprocket unit may be rotatably supported by at least one roller bearing assembly that may be disposed between the spindle and the drive sprocket unit.