The present invention provides a method for assembling an automotive tray assembly. The method involves capping at least one edge of a load-bearing tray to provide a safe edge and/or aesthetically pleasing finish. Preferably, the method involves using fasteners, including bolts or rivets for example, without the need for welding.

A tractor which is a passenger work vehicle includes: a drive operating unit; and a hood arranged in front of the drive operating unit. In the tractor, the height of the hood from the ground is reduced from the rear end to the front end of the hood constituted of an upper surface, an upper left surface and an upper right surface, and is reduced from the center of the hood in the right-left direction to the right and the left of the hood. When viewed from a plane, the left-side ridge line on the upper left surface and the right-side ridge line on the upper right surface of the hood converge at the center of the front end of the hood.

An inner skirt panel centrally located under the body of a semitrailer streamlines the vehicle, reducing drag thereon. The inner skirt panel further stabilizes the generally static air passing under the central axle and through the central open-space within tandem wheel assembly, further increasing the effective air pressure developed immediately behind the trailer to reduce drag thereon.

A front fender includes: a first member, at least a part of which is disposed upward with respect to a front tire of a wheel loader; a second member which includes an upper plate having an upper surface facing a lower surface of the first member, and a rear plate which is connected to a rear end of the upper plate and disposed rearward with respect to the front tire; an inclined plate which is connected to a lower surface of the upper plate and a front surface of the rear plate; and a connecting member which connects the upper plate and the first member. The inclined plate includes: a through hole which is provided immediately below the connecting member and through which the connecting member can pass; and a notch hole which is provided at a lower end of the inclined plate.

An inwardly slanting aerodynamic trailer skirt disposed underneath a semitrailer, induces air to flow laterally inward underneath the trailer body to increase air flow in-between the trailing wheel sets, thereby causing increased air pressure to be developed immediately behind the trailer to yield a reduction in overall vehicle drag. An inwardly slanting mud flap disposed underneath a semitrailer, induces air to flow laterally inward underneath the trailer body to yield a reduction in overall vehicle drag.

A motor vehicle fender has inner and outer sides joined to top and bottom covers to form a four sided, closed structure having a downward extending front portion, generally straight middle portion and a downwardly extending rear portion encircling the top portion of a wheel well of a motor vehicle. The top cover angles inward toward the vehicle and downward toward the ground so the top, outer edge of the fender protrudes to deflect vegetation from the top of the fender, and the outer side angles inward and downward so the top, outer edge protrudes to deflect vertically growing vegetation from parts of the outer side of the fender.

A fender assembly having a non-metallic fender panel configured in a curved manner generally prevents material from accumulating on surfaces thereof, reduces weight of the vehicle, and provides a necessary level of protection from flying rocks and other debris that the wheels of a truck may generate. A non-metallic material is used to form the fender panel, which has a desired level of strength, durability, pliability and coefficient of friction. By carefully selecting this material, the fabrication and installation of the fender assembly is further simplified, thus providing additional efficiency. When applied to a cement mixer truck, the curved fender assembly is particularly beneficial as it provides the necessary level of protection, while also discouraging a build-up of concrete on any surface since the non-metallic material will not generally allow concrete to adhere to the surface.

A fairing assembly for a commercial vehicle is disclosed that includes a fairing and a mounting device for mounting the fairing to a frame. The mounting device includes a four bar linkage having a first arm which is pivotably connected with the fairing, the first arm being configured to be pivotably connected with the frame. The linkage also includes a second arm which is pivotably connected with the fairing, the second arm being configured to be pivotably connected with the frame such that the mounting device allows the fairing to move between a covering position for laterally covering at least a major portion of a wheel of the commercial vehicle and an uncovering position for uncovering the wheel.

A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, v-braces, v-wings, and integral rib bracing mechanisms are disclosed. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a memory to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an anti-skid clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle assembly coupled to the chassis, a rear axle assembly coupled to the chassis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a fender assembly. The front axle assembly includes a front axle and front tractive elements coupled to the front axle. The rear axle assembly includes a rear axle and rear tractive elements coupled to the rear axle. The body assembly includes a bottom panel with longitudinal frame members extending along opposing lateral sides of the bottom panel. The fender assembly includes a fender positioned proximate a respective one of the rear tractive elements, a support coupled to the bottom panel and/or a respective one of the longitudinal frame members of the body assembly, and a bracket extending from the support to the fender to couple the fender to the body assembly.