Hydrostatic drive and steering system for an articulated vehicle

摘要

A hydrostatic all wheel drive system for an articulated vehicle, which system due to its special arrangement is also able to steer the vehicle. The hydraulic system includes two powered hydraulic pumps variable as to their output capacity and flow directions. The hydraulic motors powering the front right-side wheel and the rear left- side wheel, respectively are connected via a closed hydraulic circuit in parallel relation to one of the hydraulic pumps, and the motors powering the front left-side wheel and the rear right-side wheel, respectively are connected via a second hydraulic circuit in parallel relation to the other of the hydraulic pumps. The vehicle can be steered by changing the flow rate and/or flow direction in one of the two hydraulic circuits in respect to the corresponding parameters of the other circuit.