The Cushion Hitch Tractor-Scraper — From Concept to Market

The Cushion Hitch is a unique application of vibration absorber theory to a self-propelled tractor-scraper. The scraper mass is utilized as a damper for suppressing predominate bouncing motions of the tractor unit. A more comfortable and safer operator ride, with increased productivity, results from the Cushion Hitch application. This paper describes development of the early prototype design as well as the final production version. Particular emphasis is given to both the hydraulic and the structural characteristics of the system.