Traction vehicle

Abstract

A traction vehicle includes a frame module formed principally from a plurality of platelike structural elements permanently fixed together to provide substantial rigidity for supplying and withstanding relatively large forces. Elongated boxlike drive assembly housings define the outer transverse longitudinal edges of the frame module, and a plurality of vertically-spaced, transversely-extending plate members connect the laterally positioned drive assembly housings in the frame module. End members extend transversely of the longitudinal ends of the frame module for applying the high forces from the vehicle. A plurality of driving wheel members are positioned outwardly from the drive assembly housings, and one separate power train assembly supplies reversible motive traction power simultaneously to all the driving wheel members on each lateral side of the vehicle. An operator's cab is positioned above the frame module, the sidewalls of the cab slope outwardly and define an octagonal cab structure. An implement socket defining a rectangular socketlike structure receives the end of the frame module to operatively attach an implement, such as an earthmoving blade assembly, to the frame module. The implement is attached to the implement socket by apparatus which maintains a selected angle of application or cutting angle of the implement to the earth material with changes in relative elevation of the frame module end and the bladelike implement during use. The attaching apparatus further allows for selective adjustment of the cutting angle, and selective rotation of the attaching apparatus and implement with respect to a horizontal and longitudinal axis through the vehicle.