Abstract: An elastic crawler capable of effectively preventing an occurrence of vibration, noise and cracks during driving while improving durability is provided. The elastic crawler includes a coupling portion arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction at a center in a left and right direction of a crawler body, a steel core arranged in the left and right direction between adjacent coupling portions in the circumferential direction of the crawler body, and two rows of left and right lugs installed on an outer periphery of the crawler body, wherein each of the rows of the lugs includes driving lugs arranged in an oblique direction with respect to the steel core, and each of the driving lugs overlaps with two adjacent steel cores in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Provided are an elastic crawler and a crawler-type travel device in which wheel detachment and edge cut are unlikely to occur even when performing operations inside a large cylindrical structure or on a ground surface that is highly curved. An elastic crawler (1) has a crawler body (2) comprising an endless elastic body depressed by roller wheels having left and right tread surfaces, a plurality of lugs (4) being disposed on the ground-contact surface (7) of the crawler body (2).

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a track-type vehicle is described. The assembly comprises at least one closed-ring rubber belt, internally provided with a continuous insert made of a plurality of metal elements embedded in the rubber mass that constitutes the rubber belt. The metal elements are positioned at a fixed and predetermined distance apart from one another, which determines the pitch of the rubber belt. The rubber belt further encloses therein one or more reinforcing elements, each consisting of a metal wire bundle oriented according to an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal development central axis of the rubber belt. The assembly also comprises a plurality of rolling elements of each rubber belt, consisting of at least one drive sprocket, configured to mesh with the metal elements of the continuous insert and to rotationally move the respective rubber belt, of at least one idler wheel and of a plurality of rollers.

Abstract: A track link includes a tread surface, a shoe surface, a communicating part, and a seat formation part. The tread surface comes into contact with a roller for an undercarriage. The shoe surface is disposed on an opposite side from the tread surface. A track shoe is attachable to the shoe surface. The communicating part is disposed between the shoe and tread surfaces. The communicating part passes through the track link in a width direction that is perpendicular to a linking direction, and allows side faces of the track link to communicate in the width direction. The seat formation part is formed on a shoe surface side of the communicating part. A through-hole passes through from the shoe surface to the seat formation part, and a bolt member is disposable in the through-hole. A number track links in a loop are usable in a track of a work vehicle.

Abstract: A tracked chassis for a working machine has a track which includes at least one roller path, preferably two roller paths extending in parallel, on whose running surface at least one plain roller of the tracked chassis is movable during crawler operation. The running surface of at least one roller path of the track and the running surface of at least one roller have a transverse section with an at least sectionally convex contour.

Abstract: A track assembly comprising an endless track trained about a sprocket and forward and aft sets of idler wheels. A plurality of apertures at the sprocket engage drive lugs that project from an interior track surface. Longitudinal stabilizer arms restrain the idler wheel axles, idler wheels, sprocket support rollers, sprocket and track against lateral movement and tension the track. Overlapping seals are formed at the idler wheels and/or sprocket support rollers. Alternative sprockets having cutouts or pockets that capture different drive lug configurations are also disclosed along with several alternative track tensioning assemblies that rotate in an eccentric fashion to tension the track.

Abstract: A drive track of a tracked vehicle includes a belt having an inner side and an outer side. The belt has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The inner side has a plurality of internal lugs forming at least one longitudinal row. The outer side has a plurality of external lugs forming a plurality of lateral rows. The plurality of lateral rows is disposed at a first pitch from each other. The plurality of internal lugs of the at least one longitudinal row is disposed so as to form a repeating sequence where some consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a second pitch from each other, and other consecutive internal lugs are disposed at a third pitch from each other. The second pitch is smaller than at least one of the first pitch and the third pitch. A sprocket wheel and drive track assembly is also presented.

Abstract: A motorized chain roller includes a frame, a roller chain assembly movably disposed within the frame, a first sprocket that engages the roller chain assembly to apply a transmission force to the roller chain assembly, at least one motor coupled to the frame and configured to transmit a rotational force to the first sprocket, and a load-bearing member coupled to and located within the frame. The roller chain assembly includes a plurality of interconnected cylindrical rolls arranged in a continuous series. Each of the cylindrical rolls has an axis or rotation. The roller chain assembly engages the load-bearing member to cause movement between the roller chain assembly and the load-bearing member perpendicular to the axes of rotation.

Abstract: A segmented wear ring 40 for a tracked vehicle 10 road wheel 22 that cooperates with a track guide 32. The segmented wear ring 40 has at least two wear ring segments 42, and each of the wear ring segments 42 have a wear surface 50. The wear ring segments 42 are attached to a tracked vehicle wheel 22 such that the wear surfaces of each of the wear ring segments 42 form a substantially uninterrupted wear surface 50 designed to cooperate with a track guide 32.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: An endless track chain assembly for an endless track vehicle having drive teeth received in tapered slots in a drive wheel. The drive teeth are replaceable in situ by a movement in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the drive wheel. The drive teeth inter-fit with tapered inserts on the endless chain assembly so that all the driving forces are transmitted between the two replaceable wear elements. The inserts are inter-connected with pairs of links in a three point mounting as a structural unit to increase torsional rigidity and enable bushings that inter-connect adjacent links to be smaller that conventional bushings. The inserts on the endless chain assembly are readily replaceable by fasteners accessed from the exterior of the endless chain assembly.

Abstract: An enhanced traction device for use with a vehicle having dual tandem wheels includes a series of generally parallel track pads, each track pad having an alignment portion and a traction portion defining first and second ends. Each traction portion includes an inner surface for contacting the vehicle wheels and an outer surface for contacting ground. Each alignment portion extends away from a respective traction portion outer surface and is configured to pass between the dual wheels. The alignment portions maintain proper positioning of the track pads upon the dual tandem wheels of the vehicle. The traction device further includes a first chain coupled to each respective track pad first end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between said track pad first ends. Similarly, the traction device includes a second chain coupled to each track pad second end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the track pad second ends.

Abstract: The invention refers to a truck roller assembly (12) for a crawler chain comprising at least two spaced track roller portions (5, 5?) with running surfaces for running on the crawler chain (13), and a star-shaped element (6) for guiding the track roller assembly (12) on the crawler chain (13). The star-shaped element (6) is mounted freely rotatably between the at least two track roller portions (5, 5?), and it is provided with a plurality of teeth (6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???). The teeth (6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???) co-operate with the crawler chain (13) in such a way that on rolling over chain links (3) of the crawler chain (13) they engage into corresponding gaps (8) in the crawler chain (13).

Abstract: A track link is provided for use with a track chain assembly. Each track link is provided with a mounting plate attached to its ground-engaging side, a track plate adapted to contiguously engage the mounting plate, and a removable fastening device to secure the track plate to the mounting plate.

Abstract: An endless track chain assembly for an endless track vehicle having drive teeth received in tapered slots in a drive wheel. The drive teeth are replaceable in situ by a movement in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the drive wheel. The drive teeth inter-fit with tapered inserts on the endless chain assembly so that all the driving forces are transmitted between the two replaceable wear elements. The inserts are inter-connected with pairs of links in a three point mounting as a structural unit to increase torsional rigidity and enable bushings that inter-connect adjacent links to be smaller that conventional bushings. The inserts on the endless chain assembly are readily replaceable by fasteners accessed from the exterior of the endless chain assembly.

Abstract: An enhanced traction device for use with a vehicle having dual tandem wheels includes a series of generally parallel track pads, each track pad having an alignment portion and a traction portion defining first and second ends. Each traction portion includes an inner surface for contacting the vehicle wheels and an outer surface for contacting ground. Each alignment portion extends away from a respective traction portion outer surface and is configured to pass between the dual wheels. The alignment portions maintain proper positioning of the track pads upon the dual tandem wheels of the vehicle. The traction device further includes a first chain coupled to each respective track pad first end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between said track pad first ends. Similarly, the traction device includes a second chain coupled to each track pad second end for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the track pad second ends.

Abstract: A machine track system includes a track with track shoes each having a footprint, and a ground contact area equal to the footprint, the track shoes being coupled together by a total of two track chains. A first rail and a second rail are located between first and second outboard edges of each of the track shoes, such that track rollers roll directly on the track shoes. The track chains are spaced outboard of the rails, and a guide block configured to engage with an idler and a drive sprocket is positioned between the respective rails. A sprocket and idler for use with the track system includes removable track contacting segments having pockets configured to receive the guide blocks for driving and guiding the track.

Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel track laying 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 rubber track design and system allowing the endless track to be driven more efficiently at highway speeds. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, the track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior drive sprocket engaging surface, the track comprising: a carcass portion in which reinforcements are embedded into the polymer; a plurality of tread lugs disposed on the first engaging surface; a plurality of drive lugs disposed on the second engaging surface and a plurality of guide horns disposed on the second engaging surface.

Abstract: An endless track comprising a plurality of links which are releasably, rotatably coupled together to form an endless track, and wherein each of the links has a male linking end, an opposite female linking end, and an outwardly facing surface, and wherein the male linking end of a first link releasably couples and decouples from the female linking end of an adjacent second link when the angular relationship between the first and second links as measured between the outwardly facing surfaces thereof lies in a range of greater than about 45 degrees to less than about 110 degrees, and wherein the first and second links freely rotate one relative to the other when the angular relationship between the first and second links lies in a range of greater than about 110 degrees to less than about 270 degrees.

Abstract: The invention refers to a truck roller assembly (12) for a crawler chain comprising at least two spaced track roller portions (5, 5?) with running surfaces for running on the crawler chain (13), and a star-shaped element (6) for guiding the track roller assembly (12) on the crawler chain (13). The star-shaped element (6) is mounted freely rotatably between the at least two track roller portions (5, 5?), and it is provided with a plurality of teeth (6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???). The teeth (6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???) co-operate with the crawler chain (13) in such a way that on rolling over chain links (3) of the crawler chain (13) they engage into corresponding gaps (8) in the crawler chain (13).

Abstract: A ground engaging track for a vehicle has a continuous loop or endless belt body portion having an exterior surface to engage the ground and an interior surface including driven members. The driven members are configured to be engaged by a drive sprocket to rotate the body portion to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A track is formed from a plurality of circumferentially adjacent shoe tracks wherein each shoe track is connected to an adjacent shoe track by a pin extending along the length of each shoe track and a pin connector extending between the adjacent shoe tracks. A pair of laterally adjacent half tracks forms each shoe track. Each half track is comprised of a block with an integrally formed engagement horn extending at a right angle from the block. The engagement horn in each block is located at a position not more than 20% of the block of the block length from an interior end of each block. Each shoe track has at least one engagement opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an undercarriage, preferably for a crawler-mounted crane, comprising a crawler track which runs on a crawler carrier and which consists of base plates articulatedly connected to one another, with cams being formed on the base plates which laterally center the crawler track under the rollers, wherein two metal guide sheets which extend substantially over the length of the crawler carrier and which are engaged behind by holding plates arranged at the base plates of the crawler tracks are laterally arranged at the lower carriage of the crawler carrier.

Abstract: A unitary flexible track for converting a wheeled vehicle into a tracked vehicle, the track being provided for mounting in longitudinal direction around at least two successive vehicle tire-wheel assemblies in movement direction of the vehicle, the track having an inner circumferential track surface provided to form a running surface for the wheels and an outer circumferential surface provided to form a running surface for the track with respect to the medium over which the track is to be displaced, each tire-wheel assembly having a circumferential running surface provided to contact the inner circumferential track surface of the track, each tire-wheel assembly comprising a loaded wheel part and a non-loaded wheel part.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endless traction band that is used to propel band laying vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless traction bands rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.]. A novel sprocket wheel having a plurality of radially extending and offset teeth cooperates with an endless traction band having a plurality of holes. Longitudinally consecutive holes define either meshing areas or clip areas. The meshing areas are adapted to be engaged by the sprocket wheel and the clip areas are adapted to support clips.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle capable of traversing a variety of surfaces without damaging the surface traversed includes a track having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a pitch line between the inner surface and the outer surface. Driving lugs are attached to the inner surface of the track. The vehicle also includes a driver sprocket assembly having a number of driving portions for engaging the driving lugs to drive the track. Each drive lug has at least one angled sidewall which, as the drive lug is engaged with the drive portion, presents a wall either substantially parallel to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket or slightly declined with respect to a line between the axis of rotation of the sprocket and the driving portion of the sprocket.

Abstract: A crawler track is provided which is improved in the service life of bushings engaging a driving wheel (sprocket) of a track type vehicle, thereby reducing the running cost and which can be used under high loading conditions and therefore has a wide range of applications covering all types of machines from small-sized to large-sized work machines. In the crawler track of the track type vehicle having a track chain composed of a plurality of track links each having a pair of links spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction and a pin for coupling the pair of links, the track links being connected in the form of a loop by their pins, each bushing engaging the driving wheel (sprocket) is rotatably mounted to its associated pin and a beam for coupling the pair of links is disposed at the center of the space between every adjacent pins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a traction device for detachable association with a motor bike for winter driving, the bike having a rear wheel assembly including an axle and a rubber tire supported by laterally spaced bike struts. The traction device comprises laterally spaced opposed side strut assemblies each having a forward end and rearward end, a traction wheel assembly and an endless track. The side strut assemblies each include means adapted to pivotally connect the forward end of each of the strut assemblies to the bike adjacent the rear axle of the bike wheel assembly with the strut assemblies extending rearwardly of the bike, The traction wheel assembly is rotatably supported by the rear ends of the strut assemblies. The endless track has means for cooperating with the rubber tire of the bike and the traction wheel assembly to maintain the endless track centered on the rubber tire and the traction wheel assembly.

Abstract: An elastic crawler traveling apparatus having an elastic crawler in a shape of an endless belt, a sprocket for a crawler belt arranged to be brought into contact with an inner face of the elastic crawler, a driven wheel, and a rolling wheel, the elastic crawler including a belt main body, a plurality of projections formed to project at intervals along a peripheral direction on an inner face of the belt main body, and a tension member embedded at an inner portion of the belt main body for restricting elongation of the belt main body, in which the sprocket has a contact portion to contact the belt main body and a contact width of the contact portion in a belt width direction of the elastic crawler is wider than a root width of the projection in the belt width direction.

Abstract: A wheel for belted track vehicles includes a hub with an upright central disc. A series of individually cast and machined segments are mounted to the disc in side-by-side relation about the periphery of both sides of the disc. Each segment takes the shape of a truncated sector having a general “L” shape as viewed from an end, with a back or base engaging a side of the disc, and belt support elements extending laterally of the disc for engaging and supporting the track.

Abstract: A track support element includes an elongate body. A first tire containment member is positioned along the elongate body. A second tire containment member is positioned along the elongate body in spaced relation to the first tire containment member. Either the first tire containment member, the second tire containment member or both are movable along the elongate body whereby the relative distance between the first tire containment member and the second tire containment member is adjustable to accommodate vehicular tires having differing widths.

Abstract: An undercarriage for a track vehicle includes an endless track having links of constant length connected end to end in the direction of travel, each link having a pair of spaced-apart guide webs and a cog which connects the webs, the cogs being of substantially identical size. The drive sprocket wheel has at least two circumferential sections with teeth having spaces therebetween for engaging cogs. The tooth pitch in each section decreases in the direction of travel from a maximum valve to a minimum value, the space between teeth having the minimum value being sufficient to accommodate one of the cogs with clearance.

Abstract: A crawler belt type traveling system which ensures improved durability in the portions near road wheel rolling contact sections. The system comprises crawler belts formed from an elastic material such as rubber and road wheels attached to a vehicle body. Each crawler belt has core bars embedded therein so as to be aligned at specified intervals in a longitudinal direction of the crawler belt. Each core bar has a pair of guide projections at the center thereof with respect to a widthwise direction of the crawler belt, the pair of guide projections being aligned in a widthwise direction of the crawler belt. Provided at both sides of the pair of guide projections are road wheel rolling contact sections. Each road wheel comes into contact with the road wheel rolling contact sections, for supporting each crawler belt.

Abstract: A track support element includes an elongate body. A first tire containment member is positioned along the elongate body. A second tire containment member is positioned along the elongate body in spaced relation to the first tire containment member. Either the first tire containment member, the second tire containment member or both are movable along the elongate body whereby the relative distance between the first tire containment member and the second tire containment member is adjustable to accommodate vehicular tires having differing widths.

Abstract: An endless belt for use with a heavy duty track vehicle comprises a body made of polymeric material wherein a series of longitudinally spaced guide members are integrally formed to the inner surface thereof while two rows of longitudinally spaced tread members are integrally formed to the outer surface thereof. Each tread member in each row has an outer edge area adjacent the outer edge of the body and an inner edge area terminating substantially at mid-section of the body. Each tread member of the first row is longitudinally offset relative to an adjacent tread member of the second row. Each inner edge area of the tread members is in vertical alignment with a corresponding one of the guide members of the inner surface of the body. This particular geometry of tread members and drive members is such as to reduce slitting damages to the track when driven.

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. The present supporting mid-roller includes a heat shield that is positioned between individual roller segments and guide blocks positioned on the inner surface of the endless rubber belt. With the heat shield in this position, heat generated from the guide blocks contacting the individual roller segments is dissipated, thereby increasing the life of the individual mid-roller components.

Abstract: Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track roller assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track roller assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. An automatic belt alignment system is utilized to align the endless rubber belt during operation of the endless track laying work machine (10). The automatic belt alignment system also provides connection of the idler wheel assembly to a tensioning system and to the forwardly extending nose portion of a track roller frame.

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 so 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: An self-cleaning endless track which reduces slippage between the tires of a skid-loader and the endless track. The inventive device includes a plurality of track pads interconnected, wherein each track pad comprises a pair of grouser members extending parallel between a pair of opposing side members, a pair of slots on opposing sides of the side members for pivotally receiving a link member, and a corresponding pair of gripping members attached to an upper surface of the pair of grouser members. The gripping members reduce slippage between the tires of the skid-loader and the endless track, thereby extending the useful life of the skid-loader.

Abstract: A crawler belt apparatus includes a drive wheel having engaging teeth, a crawler belt having engaging projections engageable with the engaging teeth, and a plurality of discharge passages formed between root bottoms defined by the engaging projections, and top ends of the engaging teeth, for discharging foreign substances such as dirt and sand entered between the root bottoms and the top ends. The foreign substances passing through the discharge passages are not compressed by the drive wheel and hence do not become a solid mass.

Abstract: In the operation of conventional track assemblies it is common for an idler to have a pair of laterally extending wear treads to engage and support the wear rails defined by the track links of the track assembly as it is driven thereabout. This ultimately creates an arcuate wear pattern on the wear rails of the track links creating an extremely rough ride when the wear rails contact the track rollers suspended from a track roller frame. The present invention provides an idler member having a flange member that defines a raised center portion. The raised center portion contacts a roller bushing that extends between a pair of chain assemblies defined by the track assembly to support the track assembly as it is rotated therearound. The raised center portion further provides a pair of tapered side portions that are positioned between the chain assemblies and to provide lateral guiding thereof.

Abstract: A rotatable drive/support element having a support surface is used with a chain link having a hardened running surface extending in and adapted to ride in a travel direction on the support surface and a side surface also extending in the travel direction and normally out of contact with the element. The running surface has a predetermined width b and is formed of at least one edge region of an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction having a radius R of curvature and a respective corner region extending from the edge region to the side region and of an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction having a radius r of curvature. Herein r/b.congruent.0.05 to 0.11, and preferably R/b.congruent.2.4 to 3.1.

Abstract: An improved drive connection between the track and drive sprocket of a tr laying vehicle has a specially modified sprocket and track units. The track elements of the improved drive connection include links connecting the track units at their lateral, wells in the track units and a wall on one side of each well. The sprocket has an axle and a mounting flange or hub fixed to the axle. Outer gear teeth fixed to the hub flange protrude between the links when the sprocket engages the track while inner gear teeth fixed to the hub engage the specially configured bearing surfaces in the wells. The sprocket includes a continuous land surface having an annular portion between the inner and outer teeth and having other portions between the inner teeth. The continuous land surface contacts the walls where the sprocket engages the track.

Abstract: A track roller assembly for guiding an endless track includes a central supporting shaft, a roller shell having a through bore, a pair of bushings surrounding the shaft and positioned within the roller through bore, and a pair of split rings which secure the roller shell in a fixed position with respect to the bushings and the shaft. A seal assembly at each end of the through bore seals in lubricating fluid and seals out dirt and other harmful matter. The split rings hold the shaft, bushings, and roller shell together and eliminate threaded fasteners which reduce the useful wear life of the roller shells. Resilient load rings in the seal assemblies provide proper loading of the seal assemblies and prevent dirt from eroding the load rings.

Abstract: A rotatable drive/support element having a support surface is used with a chain link having a hardened running surface extending in and adapted to ride in a travel direction on the support surface and a side surface also extending in the travel direction and normally out of contact with the element. The running surface has a predetermined width b and is formed of at least one edge region of an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction having a radius R of curvature and a respective corner region extending from the edge region to the side region and of an outwardly convex arcuate shape seen in the travel direction having a radius r of curvature. Herein r/b≅0.05 to 0.11, and preferably R/b≅2.4 to 3.1.