Importance

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Abstract

A self-propelled straddle carrier for straddling, lifting, supporting and carrying heavy loads directly under the structure of the vehicle. A main frame including a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinally extending side beams and arch-shaped cross beams is supported on wheels and strut assemblies. The interior sides of the wheels, strut assemblies, side beams and the cross beams form a tunnel-shaped load carrying space defining the inner envelope of the carrier, while their exterior sides define the outer envelope of the carrier. A tong assembly, including a tong actuator and a pair of depending tongs is suspended from the main frame for vertical movement up and down in the tunnel-shaped load carrying space. All components are removable from the tunnel for straddling loads, yet remain within the outer envelope during normal transport. Additionally, a steering system utilizing gear pumps designed for supplying hydraulic fluid to the head and rod ends of the steering cylinders in the same ratio of volumetric flows as the ratio of effective internal areas of the respective head and rod ends of the steering cylinders is provided for the vehicle, and a stabilization system is provided to stabilize the tong assembly when transporting a load.

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First Claim