Mainframes for a self-propelled machine are disclosed. The mainframe includes first and second pockets that extend from the front end to the rear end of the mainframe. A hydraulic reservoir housing extends from the first side to the second side of the mainframe. The hydraulic reservoir housing is disposed between the front end of the mainframe and first and second drive openings.

A cargo transport system is provided that has an ability to move cargo in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner, using a compact lift vehicle capable of lifting relatively heavy objects. The system includes a cargo loading system, a sensor suite coupled with a controller, dunnage detection, cross-decking capability, cargo stacking capability, autonomous navigation, tip detection and prevention, or any combinations thereof. The system may include a fork assembly coupled with a mast and movable in a vertical direction relative to the mast. Further, the mast may be coupled with a platform or deck and movable in a horizontal direction relative to the platform, to allow the fork assembly to be lowered below a top plane of the platform when the mast is at a forward location relative to the platform. The controller and sensor suite and may provide for autonomous or semi-autonomous control and movement of the cargo transport system.

Disclosed are various embodiments, aspects and features an oscillating track system that includes an oscillating track lock subsystem. The oscillating track system may include a track operable to rotate around a housing structure that is configured to receive an axle. While in operation, i.e. while the track is being rotated around the housing, the oscillating track system may be able to oscillate about the axle and, in doing so, incline or decline to accommodate undulating terrain. Advantageously, when stopped, the degree to which the oscillating track system has oscillated around the axle may be locked in place via an oscillating track lock subsystem comprised within the oscillating track system, thereby providing stability to the heavy equipment that includes the oscillating track system.

An all-terrain telehandler includes a pair of front tracks. Each front track may be coupled to a front bracket by an arm that telescopes relative to the front bracket. A superstructure may be coupled to the front bracket where the superstructure supports a first telescoping boom. A pair of rear tracks may be coupled to a rear body. The rear body may be coupled to the front superstructure. A maximum extension position for the first telescoping boom and a length generally corresponding to a length of the superstructure may define a ratio of approximately 4.00:1.00, whereby the all-terrain telehandler is substantially stable when moving loads supported by the first telescoping boom. A second telescoping boom may support a cab. With the second boom, the cab may be lowered beneath a top section of one of the front tracks for facilitating an operator loading sequence.

A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.

A utility loader incorporating a boom of adjustable length. The boom may include either or both of a left and right lift arm assembly, with each lift arm assembly including a rear lift arm that telescopically receives a front lift arm. Each lift arm assembly also includes an extension actuator adapted to telescopically extend and retract its front lift arm relative to its rear lift arm. A detection system may be provided and adapted to limit lift arm assembly extension based at least in part upon a load applied at a tool supported by the boom and a relative telescopic location of a front lift arm relative to its associated rear lift arm.

A straddle fork vehicle includes a generally rectangular frame structure with front and rear forklift assemblies positioned between a set of tread belts. The straddle fork vehicle is designed such that the frame may accommodate, or straddle, agricultural harvesting pallets between the set of treads in a passthrough through area beneath the frame as the vehicle progresses down a field row. Engine configuration and improved braking systems facilitate a safer construction and tighter turning radius.

A two-axis spherical wheel or ball-wheel is provided wherein hemispheres (or spherical caps) rotate independently about a transverse or spherical axis and rotate dependently about an axial or longitudinal axis. In this way, a ball-wheel supports a vehicle chassis and drives (e.g., translates or rotates) the vehicle in any direction. Systems of ball-wheels are also disclosed. Two, three, four, or more ball-wheels can be joined in a system to support, translate, and/or rotate a vehicle without requiring the vehicle to turn. The ball-wheels include protective features to prevent debris from entering a drive system. Protective features may include springs and/or dampers to absorb impact forces on the vehicle chassis. Orienting the ball-wheels about a center point of the vehicle chassis enhances support and control of the vehicle.

Vehicles, systems and methods for providing articulating two section vehicles with tracks, and a front body attached superstructure with telescopic forklift, for use on all terrain condition applications. The vehicle can include front and rear track assemblies that can tilt up and down while traveling over different ground surfaces. Each of the track assemblies can have rotatable articulating/oscillating track wheels which can traverse different contoured surfaces. The right and left tracks on both the front and rear track assemblies can separately extend outward and inward from underneath the vehicles to add stability to the vehicles. The cab can be raised and lowered to add greater visibility for the operator. Hydraulics can be used for raising and lowering the extendable boom and operator cab, as well as controlling the body articulating hinge, the articulating tracks and the tilting controls for the front track assembly.

A lifting and transport apparatus for lifting and transporting a heavy load, including a frame that can be moved back and forth at least in a horizontal displacement direction, the frame having four vertical supports of adjustable length which are designed as lifting supports, each with an assigned lifting device, there also being securing device provided on the frame for the releasable attachment of the heavy load, wherein the frame includes at least eight vertical supports of adjustable length. Also disclosed is a method for transporting a heavy load using a lifting and transport apparatus.