Pitch Comfort Optimisation of a Front End Loader using a Hydropneumatic Suspension

Front end loader vehicles are prone to excessive pitching when travelling at high speed, partly due to the absence of axle suspension. This paper studies the fundamental design of a hydropneumatic suspension for a medium wheel loader. The vehicle is analysed using an analytical frequency response model as well as multibody simulations. Results show that favourable pitching response can be achieved by increasing the rear axle stiffness, but also that a similar effect is achieved with higher front axle stiffness. For the loaded vehicle, it is also found that the benefits of an optimal stiffness distribution are offset to some extent by the reduction in relative damping as the vehicle mass and inertia increases. Thus, it is desirable to increase suspension damping under load to maintain a suitable level of relative damping.