The
floor hugging axle system is created by means of
cylinders mounted in connection with the load wheels. This
allows the platform of the Prime to tilt up and down, which
provides the Prime with many additional features, such as
aiding in the pick up of loads on uneven ground. In
addition, the use of these platform tilt cylinders creates
minimum frame distortion. Because the hydraulic
cylinders are connected not only to the main hydraulic pump,
but to each other as well, they function as a shock
absorption system creating an "always four point stance"
whereby all four wheels are kept on the ground despite
uneven ground conditions. This sideloader is designed to
present a low center of gravity, thereby providing excellent
weight distribution when loaded as well as when empty. In
addition, as the platform raises and lowers, the vertical
plane of the upright also changes in degree of angle,
allowing the operator to compensate for mast deflection by
tilting the platform to maintaining a vertical state, which
also results in forks which are kept square to the floor. |