A power train assembly having an H-drive configuration is described as
having a number of transversely disposed components which transmit drive
power from a transversely mounted drive power source to a transversely
disposed rear wheel axle via a longitudinally disposed propeller shaft
and a conventional axle-mounted differential. The H-drive configuration
is ideally suited for use in low floor buses due to its longitudinally
compact dimensions, and the resulting significant manufacturing and
operating advantages are described. The H-drive configuration takes drive
power source torque developed along a vehicle transverse axis, and after
a direction changing, folded back arrangement applies the drive torque or
power through a right angle gear box to the longitudinal propeller shaft
for conventional coupling into the differential.