Abstract: A final drive mechanism for an earthmoving excavator or the like includes a drive wheel assembly defining an inner side portion, and outer side portion, and a shaft assembly releasably connecting the side portions together and defining an annular gap therebetween. A hollow frame extends radially inwardly through the gap and rotatably supports the wheel assembly at a location laterally away from the central longitudinal plane of the excavator, and a gear train within the hollow frame powerably rotates the wheel assembly through a torque transmitting path directed radially inwardly through the gap. The gear train includes a planetary gear set and two interconnected cluster gears to obtain the desired speed ratio reduction. The mechanism is particularly adaptable to driving an endless drive belt entrained about the drive wheel assembly and an idler wheel assembly, and is compactly contained primarily within the space envelope of the drive belt.

Abstract: Roadable track shoes employed on track-type vehicles, such as an agricultural tractor, each include at least one elastomeric grouser having a steel anchor plate bonded thereto. Bolting of the anchor plate on a track shoe normally provides exposed bonded edges that are subjected to high tensile stresses or failure during tractor operation. In addition, soil and the like tends to ingress into the bonded edges to further induce bond failure. The grouser assembly (11) of this invention overcomes these problems by providing a compressed lip portion (27) of an elastomeric grouser (12) between a rib (24) formed integrally on the track shoe and each outer side (28) of an anchor plate (13). In addition, a static seal (30) is formed between the lip portion (27) of the grouser (12) and the rib (24).

Abstract: A quick release seal retainer (10,11) adapted for connecting a seal segment (13) to a base (12) has a clamp member (31) positioned within a slot (29) formed between a projection (28) of a mounting block (26) and the base (12). A pair of studs (38) slidably extending through a pair of bores (37) in the projection (28) have one end connected to the clamp member (31) and the other end connected to a bar (39). In one embodiment a cam clamp mechanism (51) is connected to the mounting block (26) for locking the bar (39) and hence the clamp member (31) at a position at which the seal segment (13) is clamped against the base (12). In another embodiment an over-center toggle link means locks the bar (39) and hence the clamp member (31) at a position at which the seal segment (13) is clamped against the base (12).

Abstract: A track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of articulated track shoes each comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls terminating at a grouser extending the full width thereof. The sidewalls define a V-shaped trough-like configuration and a track link is releasably attached thereto. A pair of parallel lugs are formed on the upper ends of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of articulated track shoes each comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls terminating at a grouser extending the full width thereof. The sidewalls define a V-shaped trough-like configuration and a track link is releasably attached thereto. A pair of parallel lugs are formed on the upper ends of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of articulated track shoes each comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls terminating at the grouser extending the full width thereof. The sidewalls define a V-shaped trough-like configuration and a track link is releasably attached thereto. A pair of parallel lugs are formed on the upper ends of the sidewalls.