Steering#Articulated steering

Articulated steering is the name for a type of vehicle steering. It assumes that the two - or multi-axle vehicle comprising at least two parts which are connected with a hinge. The change of direction takes place by horizontal pivoting (or " buckling " ) of the vehicle parts along with the wheelset thereon. By rigidly mounted in the partial bodies axles results depending on steering angle, a more or less curved driving course. This type of control can be seen frequently in self-propelled construction and work machines, which depend on a good maneuverability in small spaces, such as when working with wood in the forest. Vehicles with this design are often referred to as Knicklenker. The connection between the front and rear of vehicle is usually employed with double tapered roller bearings.

One advantage is next to that in the lower areas of the vehicle on the floor or object disappear touch sensitive devices. But it is accepted, all the control, hydraulic, electrical lines and also the drive shaft to lead flexible with all-wheel drive through the articulated joint. Most also Fahrzeugverwindung is compensated in the articulated joint that is both axes are in principle rigidly constructed and twists occurring between the front and rear axle takes a further deposits to the articulated joint on.

History

First mention is made of this form of steering in 1685, the watchmaker Stephan Farfler from Altdorf near Nuremberg, developed the technology for installation in a three-wheeled wheelchair. In 1835, the British car maker William Bridges Adams took over this form of guidance for the construction of horse-drawn carriages. The disadvantages of the design, the larger turning radius than Schwenkachswagen and the complicated separation of the car body, and a costly production made ​​use of much interest in automobiles and trucks.

About 1940 joints have been developed, which allowed a movement about the transverse axis. This made the use of articulated steering for military vehicles and tractors possible. These joints give small turning radii, the vehicles can maneuver on uneven terrain. A further advantage is that the wheels of the front and rear part of running track overlapping, so that the rear wheels use the compressed tracks of the front wheels and thus reduces the rolling resistance dramatically.

Articulated a roll

Articulated steering on a Liebherr wheel loaders

Hydraulic steering of articulated slag transporter