An articulated loader has an articulated chassis and two A-frames. The
points of the A-frames face each other. The articulated chassis includes
a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first
A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the
overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle
articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders
toward the wider portions of the "A"s. The vehicle is propelled along the
ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The invention includes
a suspension lockout feature to, effectively lockout the suspension
system, i.e., render it rigid. One or more valves may are used to prevent
hydraulic flow from and two the hydraulic suspension cylinders.