Abstract: An adjustable link assembly is provided that includes a first and a second rod each threadably engaging a bore of a body portion. A locking mechanism is slidably disposed about generally the entire length of the body portion. Locking mechanism includes an engagement portion and a lever. The lever has an eye that engages a post on the first rod to deter relative motion between the body portion and the first and second rods.

Abstract: The planetary steering differential includes first and second interconnected gear trains. First and second gear trains are used for rotating output members in the same direction at the same speed in response to rotating solely a first input and holding a second input stationary. Rotation solely the second input arrangement and holding the first input arrangement stationary the output members are rotated in opposite directions at the same speed. The first input arrangement is driven by a transmission, and the second input arrangement is driven by a reversible steering motor.

Abstract: A recoil and slack adjustment mechanism for tensioning an endless track chain of an undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a ram assembly and an accumulator assembly. The ram assembly includes a ram housing having a ram chamber defined therein. A recoil ram is movably housed within the ram chamber. The recoil ram has a ram subchamber defined therein. The tensioning ram is movably housed within the ram subchamber and is coupled to a front idler roller of the undercarriage assembly. A check valve is disposed between the ram chamber and the ram subchamber such that fluid pressure from the accumulator assembly is selectively exerted on the tensioning ram thereby urging the front idler roller so as to bias the track chain of the undercarriage assembly. The recoil and slack adjustment assembly provides continuous, constant tensioning of the track chain, and does not require the use of live hydraulics.

Abstract: A final drive for a belted machine including a rotatable drive member located between the hubs of a drive wheel assembly of the machine for connection in driven communication with a power source and a pair of planetary gear sets located between the hubs, each planetary gear set including a member adapted for fixed connection to a frame of the machine, a rotatable input member connected in driven communication with the rotatable drive member, and a rotatable output member connected in driven communication with the rotatable input member and adapted for connection in driving communication with one of the hubs. The present final drive additionally has utility for use on tracked and wheeled machines used in a wide variety of industrial fields, including, but not limited to, forestry, agriculture, construction, mining, and excavating.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a tractor is disclosed, which includes a rotatable carriage support that is carried on a fixed trunnion for providing oscillation of the hitch frame about horizontal first axis. The rotatably carriage support also pivotally mounts a hitch carriage about a second axis to provide the hitch assembly with the ability to articulate as well. Camming apparatus is also provided to progressively restrict the oscillation of the hitch frame as it is being raised and stop surfaces restrict articulation when the hitch frame is in its raised position. The articulation and oscillation ability of the hitch provides improved ease of steering and control of the tractor and improved ground contact of a ground-contacting implement on the hitch frame. A power-take-off shaft extends through said center of the fixed trunnion supporting the hitch mounting to permit simultaneous connection of the implement with the hitch and the power-take-off shaft for transmitting rotary power to the implement.

Abstract: Track sub-assembly having a castering swing link for supporting a primary idler spindle, the swing link having an upper bore for accepting a first connecting pin and a lower bore for accepting a second connecting pin to define a pivot line, and an offset idler bore offset from the pivot line permitting castering of the primary idler in response to externally imposed force vectors, with self-alignment of the primary idler to its proper tracking position.

Abstract: Rollers used in the past have usually been cushioned by the attachment system. The present cushioned roller includes the cushioned member being an integral part of the roller. For example, the unique roller includes a pair of individual shell portions positioned at the ends of a shaft. The shaft and a collar which is mounted to a chassis includes a cushioning member positioned therebetween the shaft and the collar. The pair of individual shell portions are separately rotatable about the shaft and the rollers are isolated from the chassis and the rollers can osculate about the chassis. Thus, the roller is free to isolate about the chassis and each of the pair of individual shell portions are in contact with each of the inner portion and the outer portion of the inner surface of the belts. Furthermore, impact loads are absorbed by the cushioning member and increase the longevity of the roller and provide a better ride for the operator.

Abstract: A heavy duty belt laying work machine includes a frame, a driver wheel mounted in supporting relation to the frame on each lateral side thereof, an idler wheel assembly disposed on each lateral side of the frame. The idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel and a carry-roller, each of which is rotatably connected to an idler support arm that is pivotally mounted in supporting relation to the frame. A mid-roller is disposed on each lateral side of the frame between the driver wheel and the idler wheel assembly and rotatably connected to a mid-roller support arm mounted in supporting relation to the frame. An endless, inextensible belt is entrained about each respective idler wheel and driver wheel on each lateral side of the frame and contacts the mid-roller and the carry-roller. Apparatus are provided for controllably tensioning and urging each belt into frictional driven engagement with a corresponding one of the driver wheels.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a work vehicle includes first and second roller frame assemblies, one on each side of the vehicle, an idler wheel assembly connected to one end of each roller frame assembly, and a drive wheel connected to the opposite end of each roller frame assembly. An endless elastomeric track belt encircles a respective drive wheel, roller frame assembly, and idler wheel assembly on each side of the vehicle. A rigid support beam connects each roller frame assembly to the main frame of the vehicle. Each idler wheel assembly includes first and second self-aligning mechanisms to provide that the track belt runs true and straight. The roller frame assemblies can be spaced laterally from the vehicle, using various size spacers, to provide various gage settings of the endless track belt. During adjustment of the roller frame assemblies, a supporting arrangement supports one track roller assembly by the other track roller assembly.

Abstract: A self-aligning idler wheel assembly for a belted work vehicle includes a spindle having first and second radially extending flange portions. First and second self-aligning mechanisms are associated with a respective flange portion. The vehicle has an undercarriage assembly including a belt tensioning mechanism and a roller frame assembly. The first self-aligning mechanism connects the idler wheel assembly to the belt tensioning mechanism and the second self-aligning mechanism connects the idler wheel assembly to the roller frame assembly. The first and second self-aligning mechanisms provide self-aligning of the idler wheel assembly to ensure that the track belt runs straight and true.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a work vehicle includes first and second roller frame assemblies, one on each side of the vehicle, an idler wheel assembly connected to one end of each roller frame assembly, and a drive wheel connected to the opposite end of each roller frame assembly. An endless elastomeric track belt encircles a respective drive wheel, roller frame assembly, and idler wheel assembly on each side of the vehicle. A rigid support beam connects each roller frame assembly to the main frame of the vehicle. Each idler wheel assembly includes first and second self-aligning mechanisms to provide that the track belt runs true and straight. The roller frame assemblies can be spaced laterally from the vehicle, using various size spacers, to provide various gage settings of the endless track belt. During adjustment of the roller frame assemblies, a supporting arrangement supports one track roller assembly by the other track roller assembly.

Abstract: A vehicular steering mechanism of overly complex construction is known which displaces a left turn control valve or a right turn control valve through separated cams in response to the rotation of a steering wheel. The subject steering mechanism is simpler, more economical and more compact by including an input shaft and a single actuating cam which are conjointly rotatable away from a neutral position in either direction. The actuating cam defines a profiled guide slot of a substantially spiral shape, and a cam follower assembly is cooperatively associated therewith including a cam following roller wheel that is received in the profiled guide slot. The cam follower assembly includes a bellcrank supporting the roller wheel and indirectly connected to a left turn control valve and a right turn control valve. The vehicle is steered by the controlled rotation of the bellcrank and the subsequent displacement of the control valves and. The steering mechanism also includes an effective centering and stop assembly.

Abstract: An improved mechanical-over-hydraulic steering apparatus capable of providing automotive-type steering includes a steering wheel driven input control member, right and left turn control valves, and first and second actuators mounted for rotation along an axis common with the input control member. Each of the actuators has a cam operatively associated with a cam-following roller assembly that operates the respective control valve. The vehicle has a cross drive mechanism, and the steering apparatus includes an over-center variable displacement steering pump and associated displacement control controllably operated by first and second pilot lines connected to the right and left turn control valves. The steering pump controllably and bidirectionally communicates fluid to a steering motor for the steering input to the cross drive mechanism.

Abstract: An oscillating rear axle assembly (30) and associated drawbar (40) which oscillates therewith. The rear axle (24) protrudes from an axle housing (32) which is joined to a support structure (34) extending forwardly therefrom. The support structure (34) is oscillatably joined to a rear frame (14) by two axially separated bearings (36,38) disposed therebetween. The drawbar (40) is laterally guided by the rear axle assembly (30) and a pivot support structure (84) and is axially fixed as well as oscillatably joined to the rear frame (14) by a spherical bearing (52) to permit drawbar oscillation with the rear axle assembly (30).

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US 79/00088 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 15, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 15, 1979 PCT Filed Feb. 15, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO80/01703 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 21, 1980A vehicle door latch assembly (16) is provided whereby a key (104) may be used to lock the door (10) and to prevent rotation of the outside door handle (20). A lock release lever (22) is provided inside the vehicle door for overriding the key lock (103) to permit the inside and outside handles (18,20) to operate to open the door. Even with the lock release lever (22) and the key lock (103) in the locked position, the inside handle (18) can be turned to move the lock release lever (22) to the unlocked position and to open the door. The outside handle (20) can now be used to open the door also. The outside handle (20) can also be released for operation by turning the key (104) in the lock (103) to the unlocked position.