Shovel loaders

Abstract

.Iadd.A shovel loader in which the engine is supported over a rear axle which can pivot about a longitudinal axis in relation to the engine. The engine and the other axle are pivotable in relation to each other about a vertical pivot axis. This arrangement increases the lateral stability of the loader, particularly when cornering. .Iaddend.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a four wheel drive shovel loader in combination a forward frame, a forward driving axle rigidly connected to said forward frame, a rear frame pivotally connected to said forward frame about a vertical axis, a rear driving axle supporting said rear frame and pivotally connected to said rear frame about a horizontal longitudinal axis, said vertical pivot axis being substantially midway between the forward and rear axles, an engine supported on the rear frame, transmission means connecting said engine for drive with said forward and rear driving axles, steering means controlling the relative angle between the forward and rear axles about the vertical pivot axis, a pair of laterally spaced bucket support members pivotally connected to said forward frame, means for raising and lowering said spaced bucket support members, bucket means supported by said bucket support members and an operator's station positioned on said forward frame between said bucket support members and having means for controlling said steering means and means connected to said engine and transmission for controlling said engine and transmission. 
     
     
       2. In a four wheel drive shovel loader in combination a forward frame, a forward driving axle rigidly connected to said forward frame, a rear frame pivotally connected to said forward frame about a vertical axis, a rear driving axle supporting said rear frame and pivotally connected to said rear frame about a horizontal longitudinal axis, said vertical pivot axis being substantially midway between the forward and rear axles, an engine supported on the rear frame, a drive shaft for said rear axle, transmission means connecting said engine for drive with said rear axle drive shaft, a forward axle drive shaft, universal joint means connecting said forward axle drive shaft to said rear axle drive shaft, steering means controlling the relative angle between the forward and rear axles about the vertical pivot axis, a pair of laterally spaced bucket support members pivotally connected to said forward frame, means for raising and lowering said spaced bucket support members, bucket means supported by said bucket support members, and an operator's station positioned on said forward frame between said bucket support members and having means for controlling said steering means and means connected to said engine and transmission for controlling said engine and transmission. 
     
     
       3. In a four wheel drive shovel loader in combination a forward frame, a forward driving axle rigidly connected to said forward frame, a rear frame pivotally connected to said forward frame about a vertical axis, a rear driving axle supporting said rear frame and pivotally connected to said rear frame about a horizontal longitudinal axis, said vertical pivot axis being substantially midway between the forward and rear axles, an engine supported on the rear frame, transmission means connecting said engine for drive with said forward and rear driving axles, steering jacks connecting said forward and rear frames, said jacks being pivotally connected to said frames on opposite sides of said vertical pivot axis or controlling the relative angle between the forward and rear axles, said jacks being lockable in a neutral position to permit longitudinal forces to be transmitted therethrough, a pair of laterally spaced bucket support members pivotally connected to said forward frame, means for raising and lowering said spaced bucket support members, and bucket means supported by said bucket support members, and an operator's station positioned on said forward frame between said bucket support members and having means for controlling said steering means and means connected to said engine and transmission for controlling said engine and transmission. .Iadd. 4. The shovel loader of claim 1 in which said operator's station is located forwardly of the pivotal connection of said bucket support members to said forward frame. .Iaddend..Iadd. 5. The shovel loader of claim 2 in which said operator's station is located forwardly of the pivotal connection of said bucket support members to said forward frame. .Iaddend..Iadd. 6. The shovel loader of claim 3 in which said operator's station is located forwardly of the pivotal connection of said bucket support member to said forward frame. .Iaddend.