Abstract: A paving machine that is driven by track assemblies utilizing continuous rubber belts uses a motor and planetary gear reduction combination on each drive wheel to drive each belt. Each planetary gear includes a planetary joint connection between a rotating and a non-rotating portion, with an elastomeric seal therein to retain lubricating fluid in the planetary housing. Each drive wheel is formed from a pair of annular ring members rigidly connected together and spaced apart to provide a passage for directing debris falling from a rotating drive wheel away from the planetary joint, to minimize damage to the seal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 2, 1998
Date of Patent:
April 11, 2000
Assignee:
Blaw-Knox Construction Equip. Corp.
Inventors:
Craig L. Snyder, Thomas A. Roth, Thomas Thomason, Randy Webb, Jerry F. Rau