Steering arrangement for a work machine

Abstract

A steering arrangement is provided for a work machine that includes a braking device, actuated by an actuation switch, to hold an operator input device in a predetermined position during operation. The braking force of the braking device can be overcome by the operator to make steering adjustments. The work machine may include a second steering arrangement on an opposite side of the work machine to improve operator visibility during close operation. A selector switch is used to select between one or the other steering arrangements.

1 . A steering arrangement for a work machine having at least two ground engaging support members, each ground engaging support member having a steering motor connected thereto, each steering motor operatively propelling and steering the respective ground engaging support member, said steering arrangement comprising: 
 a support member;    an operator input device movable relative to said support member;    a biasing mechanism positioned between the support member and the steering input device;    a sensor operatively connected with said input device, and sensor producing an electrical signal indicative of the position of the input device and said support; and    an activation switch connected to said braking device.    
     
     
         2 . The steering arrangement of claims  1 , wherein said braking device being an electromagnetic brake providing a braking force disallowing relative movement between said sterring input device and said support.  
     
     
         3 . The steering arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein said braking force is greater than the force exerted by said biasing mechanism.  
     
     
         4 . The steering arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein said braking force can be overcome to make steering adjustments.  
     
     
         5 . The steering arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein said activation switch is actuatable between a fully of position and braking position.  
     
     
         6 . The steering arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein said activation switch is manually operated.  
     
     
         7 . The steering arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein said operator input device includes a steering wheel and a rotational input shaft.  
     
     
         8 . The steering arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein said position sensor is a rotary position sensor.  
     
     
         9 . A steering system for use in a work machine having at least two ground engaging support members, a pair of steering motors, one each being connected to each of the ground engaging support members, and a propel pump connected to each of the steering motors in response to a steering signal, said apparatus comprising: 
 a first steering arrangement including; 
 a support;  
 a steering input device mounted for relative movement to said support; and  
 a braking device connected to said steering input device and said support for providing a braking force so as to prevent relative movement between said steering input device and said support.  
   
     
     
         10 . The steering system of  claim 9  including; 
 a second steering arrangement including; 
 a support;  
 a steering input device mounted for relative movement to said support; and  
 a braking device connected to said steering input device and said support for providing a braking force so as to prevent relative movement between said steering input device and said support.  
 
 
     
     
         11 . The steering system of  claim 10 , including a selector switch connected to said first and said second steering arrangement.  
     
     
         12 . The steering system if  claim 11 , wherein said selector switch allows signals from said first steering arrangement when said selector switch is in a first position and from said second steering arrangement when said selector switch is in a second position.  
     
     
         13 . The steering system of  claim 9 , including a position sensor for monitoring the relative position of said input shaft and for producing an electrical signal indicative thereof.  
     
     
         14 . The steering system of  claim 9 , including an activation switch being connected to said braking device.  
     
     
         15 . The steering system of  claim 14 , wherein said activation switch is actuatable between a fully off position and a braking position.  
     
     
         16 . The steering system of  claim 15 , wherein said braking force is greater than the force exerted by said biasing mechanism.  
     
     
         17 . The steering system of  claim 15 , wherein said braking force can be overcome to make steering adjustments.