Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel tracked vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless tracks rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved split wheel design and installation process therefore. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. A new step by step methodology allows the endless track to be installed and used more efficiently when the tension wheel or the drive sprocket is replaced by a split wheel.

Abstract: To provide a roller for a crawler type traveling vehicle. The manufacture of this roller is streamlined by simplifying a structure for holding a seal mechanism between a bearing part and the outside and a thrust bearing and facilitating working while eliminating the need for welding. Roller pieces shaped to be axially separable are combined with a support shaft and formed integrally at a parting section (including a stepped engagement part and an external engagement part) by press fitting. The support shaft is provided with a projection for restraining the left and right roller pieces from moving in an axial direction.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a tire supported by an underlying wheel. The tire has inner and outer surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and first and second recesses. Cables are in the tire proximate the inner surface. The wheel has inner and outer flanges, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the wheel receives the inner surface of the tire. The outer surface of the outer flange has lesser and greater diameter portions extending from respective sides. The lesser diameter portion covers at least 60 percent of the width of the outer surface. The greater diameter portion, defines a side flange, integral with the outer flange. A second side flange is removably mounted to the outer flange. The side flanges comprise side-facing abutment surfaces which interface with side-facing surfaces on the tire. The difference between the lesser and greater diameters is greater than radial stretch capability of the tire.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a tire supported by an underlying wheel. The tire has inner and outer surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and first and second recesses. Cables are in the tire proximate the inner surface. The wheel has inner and outer flanges, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the wheel receives the inner surface of the tire. The outer surface of the outer flange has lesser and greater diameter portions extending from respective sides. The lesser diameter portion covers at least 60 percent of the width of the outer surface. The greater diameter portion, defines a side flange, integral with the outer flange. A second side flange is removably mounted to the outer flange. The side flanges comprise side-facing abutment surfaces which interface with side-facing surfaces on the tire. The difference between the lesser and greater diameters is greater than radial stretch capability of the tire.

Abstract: A head sprocket assembly and sprocketless tail roller assembly for a pontoon track drive system wherein the sprocket assembly and tail roller is fitted with a plurality of support rings for straightening the track's elongated cleats attached to a plurality of chains passing lengthwise around the pontoons.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly, which supports and guides an endless track and provides sound suppression, and a method for providing sound suppression of an undercarriage of a machine. The idler wheel assembly includes a hub having a first side surface and a second side surface onto which a plurality of segments are connected. Each of the plurality of segments has a first flange positioned adjacent the first side surface of the hub, and a second flange positioned adjacent the second side surface. At least one isolation device may be mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: Described is a wheel (10) for a track-laying vehicle, which is provided on a vehicle wheel hub (12). To provide a wheel of that kind, which is of low weight, having optimum damping properties and a slight heat signature, the wheel (10) has a wheel ring (14) of a plastic material.

Abstract: A structure for standardizing at least one kind of part of a roller assembly for a construction vehicle so that the part can be used for a same size of construction vehicles having different structural specifications of a plurality of construction vehicle makers. The at least one kind of part includes at least one of a shell, a shaft, a floating seal, a bushing and a collar. Structural specifications including the configuration and dimension, the kind of steel or material, and the heat treatment specification or the mechanical property for the at least one kind of part are unified as much as possible over the same size of the construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers.

Abstract: Novel wheel assemblies for use in track drive systems in a tracked vehicle, in support of improving uniformity of pressure distribution across the width of the track, between the track and the underlying ground surface, where track installed on the vehicle is wider than the wheel bodies which are supplied as original equipment with the tracked vehicle. Such improved uniformity of pressure is achieved by adding, to the wheels of such tracked vehicle, auxiliary wheel bodies which extend the widths of the wheels to widths more reflective of the width of the track being used in such vehicle. In cases where different track widths are sequentially employed on a given vehicle, auxiliary wheel assemblies of respective different widths can be sequentially mounted, removed, and the like to reflect the widths of the tracks being employed.

Abstract: Novel wheel assemblies for use in track drive systems in a tracked vehicle, in support of improving uniformity of pressure distribution across the width of the track, between the track and the underlying ground surface, where track installed on the vehicle is wider than the wheel bodies which are supplied as original equipment with the tracked vehicle. Such improved uniformity of pressure is achieved by adding, to the wheels of such tracked vehicle, auxiliary wheel bodies which extend the widths of the wheels to widths more reflective of the width of the track being used in such vehicle. In cases where different track widths are sequentially employed on a given vehicle, auxiliary wheel assemblies of respective different widths can be sequentially mounted, removed, and the like to reflect the widths of the tracks being employed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a tire supported by an underlying wheel. The tire has inner and outer surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and first and second recesses. Cables are in the tire proximate the inner surface. The wheel has inner and outer flanges, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the wheel receives the inner surface of the tire. The outer surface of the outer flange has lesser and greater diameter portions extending from respective sides. The lesser diameter portion covers at least 60 percent of the width of the outer surface. The greater diameter portion, defines a side flange, integral with the outer flange. A second side flange is removably mounted to the outer flange. The side flanges comprise side-facing abutment surfaces which interface with side-facing surfaces on the tire. The difference between the lesser and greater diameters is greater than radial stretch capability of the tire.

Abstract: A rolling wheel support structure for crawler traveling apparatus includes rotary shafts rotatably supporting rolling wheels which roll on a ground contacting side of an inner circumferential surface of an endless crawler, a track frame supporting the rotary shafts thereon, and a buffer member formed of an elastic material and provided between the track frame and a rotary shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotatable wheel for use on a work machine. The wheel is designed with improved wheel bearing positioning, stud retention method and bearing seal protection.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle produces a pressure no more than 3 psi on the ground by increasing the number of contact points on the inner surface of the track. The stiffness of the track is also selected to minimize bowing between the idler wheels or rollers. The track is therefore kept substantially straight between the rollers to increase the efficiency associated with transferring power to track. The drive sprocket is positioned above the ground so as to eliminate complexity in the design and yet effectively transmit power to the tracks. Positioning the drive sprocket above ground also prevents derailing of the track. The track is also held in a constant state of tension on the driver sprocket and the roller. This too prevents derailment. The undercarriage of the vehicle includes torsion axles and sealed bearings to provide for a lower maintenance track. Components associated with the undercarriage do not require constant greasing and cleaning of the idler wheels.

Abstract: A roller assembly with a body member. The roller assembly also has a first roller rim secured to the body member. The first roller rim has (i) a first inner side wall segment extending outwardly from the roller surface, (ii) a first outer side wall segment secured to the first inner side wall segment, the first outer side wall segment being positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the body member such that a linear extension of the first outer side wall segment intersects the axis of rotation so as to define an acute angle therebetween, and (iii) a receptacle defined therein. The roller assembly further includes an axle mounting arrangement positioned within the receptacle such that no portion of the axle mounting arrangement traverses the first plane.

Abstract: A track roller is provided, in which a bushing case and a roller body are integrated inside the track roller, to accordingly facilitate an assembly. Also, since a lubricant path is formed in the roller body, a lubrication work is improved. The track roller having a pair of left and right bushings inserted on the central protrusion of the central axis and which is rotatably fixed, includes a bushing case inserted on an outer circumferential surface of one side of the bushing, a roller body provided in the outer circumferential surface of the bushing case and formed in a shape corresponding to the bushing, in which an extension is formed on the other side of the bushing and provided in the outer circumferential surface of the bushing, and a combiner for fixing the bushing case and the roller body so that they are not dismantled from each other. As such, the number of components is reduced to thereby facilitate an assembly and shorten an assembly time, which enhances an economical efficiency.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having central passage defined therein. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft positioned in the central passage of the roller rim. Moreover, the roller assembly has a retainer secured to the roller rim so as to retain the roller shaft in the central passage. The retainer is prepared by a process including the steps of (i) arranging a first type of metal powder in a first predetermined location, (ii) arranging a second type of metal powder in a second predetermined location, the second type of metal powder being different than the first type of metal powder, and (iii) sintering both the first type of metal powder and the second type of metal powder. A method of manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An idler for supporting the forward end of an endless track of a track-type tractor has an endless chain resiliently supported on an outer flange of the idler hub. An outer surface of the chain provides a substantially continuous bearing surface for supporting the endless track on the idler.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine is configurable in either a first roller configuration or a second roller configuration. The roller assembly has a roller shaft and a roller hub journalled for rotation about the roller shaft. A first roller rim having a first outer diameter is secured to the roller hub when the roller assembly is configured in the first roller configuration. A second roller rim having a second outer diameter is secured to the roller hub when the roller assembly is configured in the second roller configuration. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter. A method of manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly of a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having (i) central passage, and (ii) an inwardly extending annular flange defined therein. The inwardly extending annular flange extends into the central passage so as to define a flange opening having a first diameter. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft having a first end portion which is positioned outside of the central passage of the roller rim and a second end portion which is positioned within the central passage of the roller rim. The second end portion of the roller shaft has an outwardly extending annular flange secured thereto. The outwardly extending annular flange of the roller shaft has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. An undercarriage for a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having central passage defined therein with (i) a first end of the central passage of the roller rim defining a first access opening, and (ii) a second end of the central passage of the roller rim defining a second access opening. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft having a first end portion which is positioned outside of the central passage of the roller rim and a second end portion which is positioned within the central passage of the roller rim, the second end portion of the roller shaft having an outwardly extending annular flange secured thereto. Yet further, the roller assembly has a retainer press fit into the second access opening. In addition, the roller assembly has an axial thrust bearing interposed between the outwardly extending annular flange of the roller shaft and the retainer. A method for manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sound reducing carrier roller supports and guides portions of an endless track of a track-type machine as that portion of the track travels between a drive wheel and an idler wheel of the machine. A portion of a rim segment is solidly mounted to the roller shell while a gap is maintained between the rest of the rim segment and the roller shell. A resilient ring is positioned between the segment and the roller shell to reduce noise and impact load on the roller assembly. Conventional track rollers have metal to metal contact between the rim and the roller shell which can generate noise and impact therebetween. The subject roller assembly, with rim segments resiliently mounted, reduces the noise and impact levels.

Abstract: An undercarriage for a construction machine having a support frame and at least one carrier roller positioned on an upper surface of the support frame for providing upper guidance to the chain or band. The carrier roller is constructed from two bearing pins coaxially arrange on opposite sides of the roller, and includes a plurality of axially parallel driving pins arrange equidistantly along a coaxial circumferential circle on one side face of the roller. The driving cams on the chain engage between two adjacent driving pins thereby eliminating relative movement between the chain or band and the carrier roller.

Abstract: A shock absorbing, tracked wheel assembly of an off-road vehicle has a set f spoke-like structures radiating from the assembly's center or spider. The spoke-like structures include cylinders affixed to the spider and pistons axially translatable in the cylinders. The pistons are biased radially outward by coil springs in the cylinders. The springs' action is dampened by a flow restrictive collar girding the piston and separating fluid in the cylinder into separate chambers. Struts extend from the pistons and the struts have track engagement shoes on their outer ends. The shoes have a generally arcuate sector that engages a track or band in tractive contact with the ground. Rotating the struts about their longitudinal axis will vary the distance between the cylinder and the track shoe so that tension on the track can be adjusted. Sufficient strut rotation allows the track to be removed from the assembly for purposes of track repair or replacement.

Abstract: An endless track unit for a tracked vehicle has guide wheel assemblies which support the track. A guide wheel assembly includes a hub adapted to be rotatably mounted on an axle, the hub having axially-spaced outer flanges of an outer diameter no greater than a first diameter. A central flange on the hub extends radially outwardly beyond the first diameter. A pair of outer axially-spaced wheels are mounted on the outer flanges and a central ring-like wheel having an inner diameter greater than the first diameter is secured to the central flange. The hub is generally an integral, or unitary, element adapted to be mounted on an axle and supports all three wheels. The wheels are substantially rigid rings, and each has an elastomeric covering formed about its periphery for cushioned engagement with the track.

Abstract: An impact reducing idler wheel comprises a retaining ring and a tread ring having a pair of mutually-spaced tread surfaces separated by a radially outwardly open annular groove. The retaining ring is positioned within the radially outwardly open annular groove. A first resilient member is disposed between the retaining ring and the tread ring. A central hub is concentric with the tread ring, and a second resilient member is disposed between the hub and the tread ring. The tread ring may comprises a plurality of arcuate segments which are independently movable relative to the hub and the retaining ring.

Abstract: The undercarriage assembly includes a roller frame and a pair of wheels held in spaced apart relation by the roller frame. An endless track belt is entrained about the pair of wheels. A bogie arm is pivotally connected to the roller frame at a pivot axis. The bogie arm includes a roller arranged and configured for supporting the track belt between the wheels. The undercarriage assembly also includes an elastomeric bearing positioned about the pivot axis of the bogie arm for reducing shock loads applied to the bogie arm. The elastomeric bearing can be arranged and configured to bias the bogie arm toward the track belt via torsion.

Abstract: Present reaction arms for use with an endless belt fail to adequately disperse the debris from the drive wheel and the endless belt. The present reaction arm includes a cushioning member interposed a first end and an outer surface of a center portion of a hub assembly. And, the reaction arm includes a second end being attached to a chassis of a work machine. The reaction arm is axially positioned within a pair of sides of an endless belt and is generally centered along an axis defined by the pair of sides.

Abstract: In order to create a track roller for crawler chains, consisting of a track oller body, an axle traversing the same as well as bearings and seals arranged between the track roller body and the axle, whereby the axle is affixed to a mount with its ends axially protruding from the track roller body, which has a long life when used as intended, the invention proposes that the bearings (3) radially arranged between the track roller body (1) and the axle (2) be designed as pivoting bearings, so that the load-caused bending of the track roller body or the axle can follow without jamming.

Abstract: To limit costs without compromising its life while at the same time simplifying its construction, the tracked running gear assembly (1) has its load-bearing wheels (4) and its track tensioning wheel (3) each comprising an idle roller (6) of austempered cast iron maintained on a shaft (7) of construction-type steel by two locking elements (8) of spheroidal graphite cast iron mounted as an interference fit on the ends of said shaft (7). The idle roller (6) comprises a lubricant chamber (9), the seal (19) being housed in the locking elements (8). The sprocket ring (26) of the drive wheel (2) is of austempered cast iron.