Abstract: A tracked vehicle, in particular a construction machine, more particularly a road construction machine, with at least one drive motor and a travel pump of a travel drive hydraulic circuit, which is driven by the drive motor, for generating a drive pressure; at least one track unit, said track unit comprising a drive wheel driven via the travel drive hydraulic circuit, at least one guide wheel, a track endlessly running around the drive wheel and the guide wheel, as well as a track tensioning apparatus for tensioning the track, and the track tensioning apparatus comprising an adjusting device with a track tensioning hydraulic cylinder with which the distance between two wheels of the track unit, in particular the drive wheel and the guide wheel, is adjustable for tensioning the track, the track tensioning hydraulic cylinder being connected via a hydraulic tensioning line to a hydraulic pretensioning source via which it can be loaded with an initial pretensioning pressure.

Abstract: A work machine may include an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track. A controller may actively instruct the actuator to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the pressure in the actuator and variables associated with the drivable track and the work machine.

Abstract: A work machine may include an electric motor, an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator that is electrically powered by the electric motor and configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the torque output of the electric motor. The work machine also includes a controller configured to automatically control the electrical current input to the electric motor based on one or more monitored control factors associated with the work machine.

Abstract: An active track-chain sag management system for usage in conjunction with crawler vehicles having tracked undercarriages includes a movable track-engaging member positioned for physical engagement into a track-chain of the tracked undercarriage, an electric drive assembly controllable to adjust a track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member relative to the track-chain, and a controller operatively coupled to the electric drive assembly. The controller is configured to command the electric drive assembly to repeatedly adjust the track-chain sag of the track-chain by varying the track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member during operation of the tracked undercarriage.

Abstract: A control system and method of controlling a utility vehicle. The system may include a controller, an energy mode input associated with a user input request to select one of at least two power modes, an implement control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of an implement, a drive control input associated with a user input request to select a movement of a drive system to propel the utility vehicle, and an attachment type input to further refine the allowed operating power states. The controller is adapted to determine a change between the plurality of operating power states in response to user input requests to automatically optimize machine performance and efficiency. Each of the plurality of operating power states includes a maximum electric current output and a maximum speed output of the electric motor.

Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), an agricultural vehicle, etc. The track system comprises a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track system may be configured to facilitate adjustment of certain aspects of its operation, including, for example, how it is positioned and/or can move relative to a frame of the vehicle, based on one or more factors, such as, for instance, a user's preferences (e.g., riding style, desire to “feel” the ground, etc.), an environment of the track system (e.g., a profile of the ground, such as a slope or steepness or a levelness of the ground; a compliance of the ground, such as a softness or hardness of the ground, etc.), a state of the track system (e.g., a speed and/or a direction of motion of the track, etc.), a state of the vehicle (e.g., a speed and/or direction of the vehicle, etc.), and/or any other suitable factor.

Abstract: Endless track system tensioning system comprising: Tensioner having a cylinder and a piston within the cylinder forming a variable volume chamber containing liquid. Reservoir containing liquid and gas fluidly connected to the cylinder chamber. Conduit fluidly connected between the chamber and the reservoir allowing liquid to flow therebetween to move a position of the piston. The gas applying hydrostatic pressure to liquid biasing the piston toward an extended position, biasing an idler wheel assembly against an endless track. Valve disposed along the conduit for controlling liquid flow through the conduit, movable between: Open position in which liquid is allowed to flow, rendering piston movable, allowing for relative movement between a frame and an idler wheel assembly. Closed position in which liquid is prevented from flowing rendering piston effectively immovable within the chamber, effectively preventing relative movement between frame and idler wheel assembly.

Abstract: A wear monitoring system is disclosed for use with a track type machine. The wear monitoring system may have at least a first radius sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a change in radius of at least one idler wheel, and a displacement sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a change in displacement of a track tensioning actuator. The wear monitoring system may also have a controller in communication with the first radius sensor and the displacement sensor. The controller may be configured to determine wear of a track link guided by the at least one idler wheel and tensioned by the track tensioning actuator based on the first and second signals.

Abstract: Continuously tracked vehicles such as tippers and bulldozers endure stresses and strains and it is desirable to reduce these stresses to extend their efficiency and life. A continuous track system is provided, comprising: a support structure supporting at least one jockey wheel and at least two tensioner wheels for supporting a track; two tensioners, one end of each tensioner being pivotably connected to the support structure, the two tensioner wheels being rotatably connected to an opposite end, for inducing tension in the track, wherein an axle of each tensioner wheel is pivotably connected by a link member to an axle of an adjacent jockey wheel; a controller for controlling the tensioners, wherein the controller maintains tension in the track by controlling the tensioners; a drive sprocket for rotation of the track; and a slew ring for attaching the support structure to a chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a minimum tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the minimum tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to dynamically apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration when the suspension is actuated. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing vibrational effects of track chain assembly catenary hang is disclosed. A work machine includes a pair of track roller assemblies one positioned on each side of the work machine. The vibration reducing apparatus and method includes repositioning undercarriage components to vary the catenary hang from one side of the work machine to the other.

Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the tensioning force being substantially proportional to an endless belt drive force applied to the endless belt to move the vehicle. A vehicle and a method about the same are also provided.

Abstract: A snow groomer having a frame extending along a longitudinal axis; ten supporting wheels connected to the frame by respective axle shafts to form a row of five supporting wheels on each longitudinal side of the frame, each supporting wheel on one longitudinal side of the frame facing a supporting wheel on the opposite longitudinal side of the frame, so that facing pairs of supporting wheels define a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth axle; two tracks, each looped about the supporting wheels aligned along a respective longitudinal side of the frame; an engine assembly of over 430 HP; and a mass distributed as follows: 16%+/?2% on the first axle; 20%+/?2% on the second axle; 20%+/?2% on the third axle; 22%+/?2% on the fourth axle; and 22%+/?2% on the fifth axle.

Abstract: A dynamically changing track support for a tracked vehicle, includes a body with one or more track engaging wheels mounted for rotation to the body and extending above the top of the body and below the bottom of the body. At least two arms are provided. Each arm has a body engaging end and a track engaging end. The track engaging ends of the arm extends outwardly past the body. The body engaging end is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. One or more track engaging wheels are mounted for concentric axial rotation about an axle positioned at the track engaging end of the each arm. Dynamically adjustment of the pivotal positioning of the arms relative to the body results in changes to track geometry while maintaining consistent tension.

Abstract: A tension management system for generating tension in an endless track of a tracked work machine. The tension management system comprises a biasing element, an idler wheel, a swing link, an idler arm, and a pivotal bracket linking the biasing element with the idler arm. The biasing element generates force that is translated via the biasing arm to the pivotal bracket. The pivotal bracket provides a mechanical advantage in the translation of the force that enables the force exerted upon the swing link to be greater than the force generated by the biasing element. The idler arm connects the pivotal bracket to the swing link and exerts force on the swing link causing it to pivot. The idler wheel is mounted on the swing link and exerts force, generating tension, in the endless track as the swing link pivots.

Abstract: A method of operating a track-type machine having a drive wheel and an idler. The method includes operating the drive wheel to advance a drive track around the drive wheel and the idler thereby moving the track-type machine. The method further includes determining a force to be applied to the idler based on a direction of operation of the drive wheel and applying the force to the idler. The method may include varying the force applied to the idler as a function of a drawbar load of the machine. The method may include sensing a pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel, wherein the force is determined based on the sensed pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel. The method may include determining a force to be applied to the idler by selecting a recoil curve, sensing a position of the idler, and selecting the force to be applied based on a point on the selected recoil curve that corresponds to the sensed position of the idler on the selected recoil curve.

Abstract: A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having both a frame with left and right side members as well as left and right tracks that are both configured to translate along the ground to move the vehicle includes left and right wheel plates located substantially adjacent to a respective side member. Left and right wheels are coupled to the respective left and right wheel plates. The left and right wheels are coupled to the left and right tracks and rotate on a rotational axis so that, as the tracks translate along the ground, both wheels rotate with the tracks. For providing track tensioning to the tracks, each wheel plate pivots against the respective side member of the frame on a pivot axis that is displaced form the rotational axis. The left and right wheel plates may pivot in substantially parallel pivot planes. The substantially parallel pivot planes may be vertical. The left wheel plate may pivot around a left pivot axis and the right pivot plate may pivot around a right pivot axis.

Abstract: A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having left and right tracks includes a biasing system for simultaneously providing track tensioning to both tracks by biasing each track through a track-tensioning arc. The biasing system may include a linear force-generating system for generating a track-tensioning force. The linear force-generating system may for example be a spring or a piston and cylinder assembly. The biasing system may also include a pivoting rocker arm assembly for transmitting the track-tensioning force from the linear force-generating system to the tracks.

Abstract: A method of operating a track-type machine having a drive wheel and an idler. The method includes operating the drive wheel to advance a drive track around the drive wheel and the idler thereby moving the track-type machine. The method further includes determining a force to be applied to the idler based on a direction of operation of the drive wheel and applying the force to the idler. The method may include varying the force applied to the idler as a function of a drawbar load of the machine. The method may include sensing a pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel, wherein the force is determined based on the sensed pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel. The method may include determining a force to be applied to the idler by selecting a recoil curve, sensing a position of the idler, and selecting the force to be applied based on a point on the selected recoil curve that corresponds to the sensed position of the idler on the selected recoil curve.

Abstract: A dynamic track tension adjuster is connected between the body of a tracked vehicle and an arm-like axle member of the vehicle. The adjuster swings the arm-like member so that a wheel on the axle member engages the vehicle's track with differing force. The adjuster includes a cylinder with two pistons extending therefrom and a compressible fluid between the pistons. A motor fixed to the cylinder drives a gear train that includes a transfer gear connected to one of the pistons. A shaft co-axially fixed to the transfer gear threads with a rod such that the rod translates when the shaft rotates. Translation of the rod swings the axle member.

Abstract: The subject invention includes a track assembly for a mobile machine such as an earth-moving machine. The track assembly includes continuous track driven about a track frame. A drive wheel, an idler wheel and a number of carrier wheels are rotatably supported by the track frame and engage the track. An adjustment device is connected to the track wheel. The adjustment device adjusts a relative position of one of the track wheels to tension the track. A controller is connected to the adjustment device to control the adjustment of one of the track wheels. A sensor is disposed adjacent the track and connected to the controller. The sensor is adapted for sensing vibrational forces, or track noise, of the track and transmitting the parameters of the forces to the controller to automatically adjust the track.

Abstract: Track laying work machines (10) are provided with a pair of track roller assemblies (20) positioned on opposite sides of the work machine (10). Each track roller assembly (20) includes a track (12) entrained around a drive wheel (14), an idler wheel (16), and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers (18). An apparatus for measuring misalignment and realigning (48) the track (12) is utilized to monitor alignment and align the track (12) during operation of the work machine (10).

Abstract: A work machine includes a machine body. The work machine also includes an undercarriage assembly having a frame assembly which supports the machine body. The frame assembly has (i) a first frame member, (ii) a second frame member which is movable relative to the first frame member, and (iii) a fluid cylinder for moving the first frame member relative to the second frame member. The work machine further includes a sensor for sensing position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. Moreover, the work machine includes a controller which is electrically coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to (i) communicate with the sensor so as to determine the position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member, and (ii) operate the fluid cylinder so as to move the first frame member relative to the second frame member based on the position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. A method of tensioning a drive track chain is also disclosed.

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A fluid cylinder is connected to the idler wheel for tensioning the endless rubber belts. The present recoil activated valve includes a two position poppet valve positioned between the fluid cylinder and an accumulator. With this recoil activated valve the tensioning system locks the fluid cylinder as the work machine traverses side slopes. Thus, a simple system is provided that can be solely fluid actuated or actuated by an electronic monitoring system, thereby providing a system that reduces the possibility of the endless rubber track from un-tracking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprung track tensioning device (10) for tracked vehicles, intended to be mounted at the rear on a support (16) of a track set of the vehicle. The device comprises an elongate pendulum arm (12), one end portion (14) of which is designed to be fastened pivotably to the support (16) via a first torsion spring (18). The pendulum arm (12) bears a second torsion spring (36) which can be connected to the support (16) via a link arm system (38).

Abstract: A method of operating a work machine having (i) a drive motor for driving a drive track chain, (ii) a track tensioning assembly for adjusting tension on the drive track chain, and (iii) a work implement for performing a work function includes the step of idling the drive motor so as to cease advancement of the work machine during a first period of time. The method further includes the step of operating the work implement so as to perform the work function during the first period of time. The method also includes the step of operating the track tensioning assembly so as to increase tension on the drive track chain during the first period of time. The method yet further includes the step of actuating the drive motor so as to advance the work machine during a second period of time. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating the track tensioning assembly so as to decrease tension on the drive track chain during the second period of time. A work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A track tensioning assembly for adjusting tension on a drive track chain of a work machine includes a main housing defining a main chamber. The track tensioning assembly also includes a recoil piston positioned within the main chamber. The recoil piston has a recoil central passage defined therein. The track tensioning assembly further includes a master piston secured within the recoil central passage. The master piston (i) increases fluid pressure in the main chamber when the master piston is positioned in a first master position, and (ii) decreases fluid pressure within the main chamber when the master piston is positioned in a second master position. The track tensioning assembly also includes a slave piston having a first end positioned within the main chamber and a second end extending out of the main housing so as to be mechanically coupled to the drive track chain.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a first drive track chain and a second drive track chain. The undercarriage assembly also includes a first hydraulic actuator mechanically coupled to the first drive track chain so as to adjust tension on the first drive track chain and a second hydraulic actuator mechanically coupled to the second drive track chain so as to adjust tension on the second drive track chain. The undercarriage assembly further includes a slack adjuster assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a work machine having (i) a hydraulic drive system for driving a drive track chain, (ii) a track tensioning assembly for adjusting tension on the drive track chain, (iii) a hydraulic work implement for performing a work function, and (iv) a fluid supply circuit for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to both the hydraulic drive system and the hydraulic work implement includes the step of advancing the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the fluid supply circuit to the work implement when the work machine is being operated in a work mode of operation. The method also includes the step of diverting the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the work implement to the drive system when the work machine is being operated in a travel mode of operation. The method further includes the step of detecting a fluid pressure increase within the drive system in response to diversion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the work implement to the drive system.

Abstract: A tracked-vehicle drive has a wheel rotatably driven about an axis and having an outer surface, an endless traction element spanned over and frictionally engaging the wheel so as to be advanced thereby when the wheel rotates and having an inner face formed with an endless row of spaced teeth, and an auxiliary drive member displaceable adjacent the traction element and formed with an endless row of spaced entrainment formations in constant mesh with the teeth so that the drive member is displaced synchronously with the traction element. A coupling body having entrainment formations in constant mesh with the drive-member entrainment formations is engageable with the wheel outer surface. The body can be coupled to the wheel for positive driving of the traction element from the wheel via the member and body and can be decoupled from the wheel for frictional coupling of the traction element by the wheel.

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 track belt tensioning management system is provided for actively adjusting the tension on a track belt in response to the difference in linear output speed between a drive wheel and the track belt. This is accomplished by sensing the speeds of the drive wheel and the track belt and delivering the sensed signals to a controller which processes the signals and determines the difference in their respective linear output speeds. If the difference varies from a predetermined value, the controller directs appropriate signals to a hydraulic valve arrangement which controllably directs pressurized fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator arrangement to adjust the tension between the drive wheel and the track belt. The subject arrangement maintains sufficient frictional force between the drive wheel and the belt to control the slip therebetween as required while at the same time limiting the forces in order to reduce premature failures and/or wear on the track belt and other associated components.

Abstract: A hydraulic track tensioning circuit is connected to an idler wheel of a track drive mechanism to maintain a tension in a track proportional to the drawbar pull of the track drive mechanism. The tensioning circuit includes a variable pressure relief valve having a variable pressure setting controller which controls the tensioning pressure in a supply line connected to a hydraulic tensioning cylinder in response to the highest pressure in a pair of motor ports of a reversible hydraulic drive motor operative to propel the track drive mechanism.

Abstract: A hydraulic chain tensioning means for automatically tensioning the chains of crawler vehicles equipped with two-, four- or eight-wheel articulated suspension means comprises essentially two tensioning cylinders (1.1 and 1.2) and a plurality of valves (3). The two tensioning cylinders (1.1 and 1.2) are interconnected by way of ducts (4) and connected by further ducts (5) to the valves (3). The tensioning cylinders (1.1 and 1.2) are fitted to the chassis (10) of the crawler vehicle and the leading wheel of the crawler vehicle bears against the piston rods (1.1K and 1.2K) of the tensioning cylinders (1.1 and 1.2). Parallel to the tensioning cylinders (1.1 and 1.2) a soft spring (piston-type accumulator 6) is connected so that at the beginning of the chain tensioning means being put under load only a minor pressure rise occurs in the tensioning cylinders (1.1 and 1.2).

Abstract: A track suspension system for a vehicle having a frame and a continuous flexible track. A drive wheel is attached to the frame for engaging and driving the continuous flexible track. A leading idler arm is pivotally attached to the frame on each side thereof and a leading idler wheel is rotatably mounted for engagement with the track. A trailing idler arm is provided on each side of the vehicle and is pivotally attached to the frame and a trailing idler wheel engagement with the track is rotatably mounted to one end of each idler trailing arm. A leading mid-roller assembly engagement with the track is operably attached to the leading idler arm and a trailer mid-roller assembly is in engagement with the track and is attached to the trailing idler arm. A cushioning device interconnects the leading and trailer idler arms for providing shock absorbing function.