A weight transfer rail traction vehicle adapted for travel on alternate sets of rail or road wheels which is characterized by a number of features including: a spring and shock absorber system which cooperate to maintain the springs, while in a rail travel mode, in an active condition despite substantial weight transfer loads being placed thereon; a hydraulic system which enables the differential axles to be optionally spring supported to the frame or in a rigid fixed relationship therewith; a differential axle suspension system wherein the spring supported axle moves in a substantially vertical plane without lateral shifting; a shock absorbing coupler; a coupler mounting arrangement which includes a coupler carriage directly mounted to a lateral frame member of the vehicle which serves as a guideway for directing travel of the coupler carriage and hence the coupler mounted thereto in a horizontal direction and wherein the coupler itself is mounted for vertical movement with respect to the coupler carriage; a self-centering and self-adjusting rail wheel brake system; and, a multiple rail driving station cab which utilizes only a single set of controls to enable the operator to drive the vehicle in a rail travel mode from the particular location in the cab which affords him maximum visibility.
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