Abstract: A process for execution by a processor of an electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: (a) detecting an operator command to align an upper structure of a tracked vehicle relative to a lower structure of the tracked vehicle; (b) in response to detection of the operator command, applying controlled rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure about an axis to align the upper structure relative to the lower structure at a predetermined relative angle; (c) in response to the upper structure having been aligned relative to the lower structure at the predetermined relative angle, signaling that alignment has been achieved; and (d) causing rotation of the upper structure to stop when alignment has been achieved and being non-responsive to further detection of the operator command during and for a predetermined period of time after said signaling. Also, a tracked vehicle comprising an ECU that executes the above process.

Abstract: A user interface for a snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The user interface may comprise an input device, an output device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive from the input device an indication of a desired snow grooming distance, and the controller is further configured to measure a distance traveled by the snow groomer, and to cause the output device to convey a remaining distance to be traveled by the snow groomer, the remaining distance being the difference between the desired snow grooming distance and the distance traveled by the snow groomer.

Abstract: A process for execution by a processor of an electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: (a) detecting an operator command to align an upper structure of a tracked vehicle relative to a lower structure of the tracked vehicle; (b) in response to detection of the operator command, applying controlled rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure about an axis to align the upper structure relative to the lower structure at a predetermined relative angle; (c) in response to the upper structure having been aligned relative to the lower structure at the predetermined relative angle, signaling that alignment has been achieved; and (d) causing rotation of the upper structure to stop when alignment has been achieved and being non-responsive to further detection of the operator command during and for a predetermined period of time after said signaling. Also, a tracked vehicle comprising an ECU that executes the above process.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle comprising: a body comprising a lower structure and an upper structure rotatable relative to the lower structure about an axis; an angle sensor for detecting rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure; first and second track assemblies mounted, respectively, on opposite lateral sides of the body; a prime mover; an electronic control unit (ECU); and a transmission for controllably transferring power from the prime mover to the track assemblies based on an output of the ECU. The ECU is configured for responding to the angle sensor having detected a relative angular displacement in excess of a threshold angular displacement by: causing a signal to be emitted via an output interface to indicate that a directionality switchover is available to be requested; and, in response to detecting a directionality switchover request, causing the transmission to implement a directionality switchover for the tracked vehicle.

Abstract: A user interface for a snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The user interface may comprise an input device, an output device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive from the input device an indication of a desired snow grooming distance, and the controller is further configured to measure a distance traveled by the snow groomer, and to cause the output device to convey a remaining distance to be traveled by the snow groomer, the remaining distance being the difference between the desired snow grooming distance and the distance traveled by the snow groomer.

Abstract: A user interface for a snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The user interface may have an input device, an output device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive from the input device an indication of a desired snow grooming distance, and the controller is further configured to measure a distance traveled by the snow groomer, and to cause the output device to convey a remaining distance to be traveled by the snow groomer, the remaining distance being the difference between the desired snow grooming distance and the distance traveled by the snow groomer.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle comprising: a body comprising a lower structure and an upper structure rotatable relative to the lower structure about an axis; an angle sensor for detecting rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure; first and second track assemblies mounted, respectively, on opposite lateral sides of the body; a prime mover; an electronic control unit (ECU); and a transmission for controllably transferring power from the prime mover to the track assemblies based on an output of the ECU. The ECU is configured for responding to the angle sensor having detected a relative angular displacement in excess of a threshold angular displacement by: causing a signal to be emitted via an output interface to indicate that a directionality switchover is available to be requested; and, in response to detecting a directionality switchover request, causing the transmission to implement a directionality switchover for the tracked vehicle.

Abstract: A snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The snow groomer may comprise a chassis, an operator cabin mounted to the chassis from which operation of the snow groomer is controlled, track assemblies for causing the snow groomer to advance, a power plant in a driving relationship with the track assemblies, and a tiller assembly attached at the rear of the chassis. The operator cabin comprises a seating system that includes an operator seat, a base, and a seat carriage mounted to the base, which allows the operator seat both to move in a direction transverse to the direction of motion of the snow groomer, and to pivot about an axis.

Abstract: A snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The snow groomer may comprise a chassis, an operator cabin mounted to the chassis from which operation of the snow groomer is controlled, track assemblies for causing the snow groomer to advance, a power plant in a driving relationship with the track assemblies, and a tiller assembly attached at the rear of the chassis. The operator cabin comprises a seating system that includes an operator seat, a base, and a seat carriage mounted to the base, which allows the operator seat both to move in a direction transverse to the direction of motion of the snow groomer, and to pivot about an axis.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for normally wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support member. The track system also comprises a movement limiting link mounted both to the support member and to the vehicle frame. The movement limiting link limits longitudinal and lateral movements of the track system, such as to prevent contact between the track system and the vehicle.

Abstract: A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for normally wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support member. The track system also comprises a movement limiting link mounted both to the support member and to the vehicle frame. The movement limiting link limits longitudinal and lateral movements of the track system, such as to prevent contact between the track system and the vehicle.

Abstract: A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions.

Abstract: A tree processing vehicle comprising a prime mover and a pair of tracks for propelling the tree processing vehicle, the prime mover being in a driving relationship with the tracks. The tree processing vehicle also comprises an operator cabin comprising a front side, a rear side, and a pair of lateral sides between the front side and the rear side. A first one of the lateral sides defines an access opening allowing an operator to enter or exit the operator cabin. The operator cabin also comprises a door for closing the access opening and a set of controls for allowing the operator to control the tree processing vehicle. The tree processing vehicle also comprises a pair of arms pivotally movable across a range of angular positions.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and a road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be movably coupled to the vehicle frame via a support member. The track system can be adjustably spaced from the vehicle frame by selectively inserting one or more spacing elements between the sprocket wheel and the axle.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle includes a track operatively connected to a driveshaft. An output shaft of a hydrostatic motor is selectively rotationally engaged with the driveshaft via a clutch mechanism. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the motor drives the track. When the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the tracked vehicle may be towed without rotating the output shaft of the motor. The clutch mechanism includes splined surfaces on the driveshaft and output shaft that are adapted to rotationally engage a splined surface of an axially-movable clutch shaft. The clutch mechanism further includes an engagement controller that selectively axially moves the clutch shaft into and out of rotational engagement with the output shaft while maintaining continuous rotational engagement between the clutch shaft and the driveshaft.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle includes a track operatively connected to a driveshaft. An output shaft of a hydrostatic motor is selectively rotationally engaged with the driveshaft via a clutch mechanism. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the motor drives the track. When the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the tracked vehicle may be towed without rotating the output shaft of the motor. The clutch mechanism includes splined surfaces on the driveshaft and output shaft that are adapted to rotationally engage a splined surface of an axially-movable clutch shaft. The clutch mechanism further includes an engagement controller that selectively axially moves the clutch shaft into and out of rotational engagement with the output shaft while maintaining continuous rotational engagement between the clutch shaft and the driveshaft.