Articulated tractor power train

Abstract

An improvement in an articulated tractor which has front and rear sections pivotally connected along a vertical axis of articulation. Each of the sections is supported by a pair of ground engaging wheels that are drivingly connected to a differential input by a differential and an axle. The improvement includes an engine mounted on the front section forward of the front section differential with the engine's output element disposed longitudinally of the tractor. The engine's output element extends rearwardly toward the front section differential and is vertically positioned in close proximity to the top of the front section differential. The improvement also includes a power train connected to the engine's output element which provides for the transmittal of engine power rearwardly from the engine output element along a first path over the front section differential, to and through the axis of articulation. The first path terminates rearward of the axis of articulation where the power is split between a second path and a third path. The second path continues rearwardly, and transmits its portion of the engine power to the rear section differential input. The third path initially transmits power in a loop outwardly, downwardly, forwardly and inwardly to the axis of articulation, where it is positioned below the first path. The third path continues forwardly, and transmits its portion of the engine power to the front section differential input.