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

Abstract: An elastomeric belt laying vehicle is disclosed for transmitting greater tractive effort to the earth as compared to comparably powered wheel vehicles and being operable at high speed on improved road surfaces without inflicting damage thereto. A pair of the wheels are arranged on each lateral side of the vehicle's chassis for support thereof. An inextensible, endless belt is highly tensioned throughout its length, is entrained about each pair of wheels, and is frictionally, drivingly coupled to at least one wheel of each pair. The structure of the belt, structure of the wheels and cooperating components thereof ensure engagement therebetween, provides long service with minimum maintenance thereof, and supplies the necessary frictional couple to effectively transmit driving torque from the wheels to the belt.

Abstract: A window assembly for an operator's cab of a vehicle includes an upper window section which is movable from a closed position to an open, stored position in the roof of the cab. The window assembly includes first and second upper locking mechanism and first and second lower locking mechanism, and first and second release levers for simultaneously releasing the upper and lower locking mechanism. Current designs of removable windows require difficult and awkward operations to lock and unlock the latching mechanisms and for moving the window between closed and open positions. The subject window assembly incorporates simple and easily operated locking and unlocking mechanisms, as well as a convenient apparatus for moving and storing the opened window sections.

Abstract: An undercarriage structure for a track-type machine has first and second spaced apart roller frame assemblies which are connected to the machine by one or more pivot shafts and an equalizer bar. The first and second roller frame assemblies are so arranged with respect to the pivot shaft and the equalizer bar that the roller frame assemblies are substantially non-parallel to each other. This non-parallelism produces either "toe-out" or "toe-in" of the roller frame assemblies, which results in the endless track contacting the track rollers in different areas as the vehicle travels in forward and then reverse directions. The wear life of the endless track is thereby prolonged.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench assembly for installing and removing a threaded cap member of an hydraulic cylinder assembly includes a head member adapted to partially surround the piston rod of the cylinder assembly. A cover plate attaches to the head member to completely surround the piston rod. A plurality of adjustable contact pins accommodate various sizes of piston rods and are engagable with the piston rod to keep the wrench square and prevent it from twisting. Various sizes of adapter plates are connectable to the head member and include a plurality of engagable pins to engage mating slots or holes in the cap member. The adjustable contact pins include non-metallic plastic contact portions to prevent marring of the piston rod.

Abstract: A switch actuating assembly supports and actuates a limit switch of the ball and roller type. The assembly includes a housing, a plunger movably positioned within the housing, and an end cap which closes off one end of the housing. The assembly is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle control panel utilizing conventional mounting hardware. Various ball and roller type limit switches are interchangeable with the housing body. The plunger is movable between a first detent position with the limit switch activated and a second spring loaded position with the limit switch deactivated.

Abstract: An undercarriage structure for a track-type machine having a main frame includes first and second track roller frame assemblies, one positioned on each side of the main frame, and connected to the main frame by one or more pivot shafts. The first and second roller frames are positioned at an angle relative to the main frame in a vertically oriented plane to produce a substantially negative camber angle at zero vertical load on the roller frames. The camber angle cycles between negative and positive during loading of the roller frames within the working range of the machine. This results in the rails of the endless track contacting the track rollers in different areas and prolongs the wear life of the endless track.

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

Abstract: An indexing apparatus for a track press machine moves and positions a track chain assembly into and out of the work area of the track press machine. The indexing apparatus includes upper and lower indexing portions, each having a powered drive mechanism for contacting and driving the track chain assembly. Fluid operated cylinders apply a force between the drive mechanisms and the track chain to prevent slippage. Fluid motors power the drive mechanisms to positively and continuously move the track chain. The indexing cycle is automatically controlled for fast and consistent work operations.

Abstract: A replaceable composite tread ring for a track roller assembly of a track-type vehicle includes a non-metallic outer tread portion and a metallic inner base portion. The metallic base portion is C-shaped and encloses portions of the non-metallic tread. Conventional track roller assemblies have non-replaceable metal tread portions which produce considerable wear on the mating link rails. The subject composite tread ring prolongs the useful life of the link rails by reducing the wear of the rails, since the rails contact the non-metallic portion of the tread ring.

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

Abstract: A track roller assembly supports and guides the link rails of the endless track of a track-type vehicle as the endless track travels along the ground. Contact between the link rails and the roller assembly is at the tread portion of the roller. A replaceable tread ring on the roller tread portion has a non-metallic outer tread portion which contacts the link rails. The tread ring is held in place by a replaceable flange plate. A separate seal plate holds the various seals in place when the flange plate is removed for replacement of the tread ring or the flange plate. Conventional track roller assemblies have non-replaceable flange plates and metal tread portions which produce considerable wear on the mating link rails. The subject roller assembly prolongs the useful life of the link rails and provides an easily replaceable flange plate and tread ring.

Abstract: A belted multi-purpose trailer vehicle has first and second roller frame assemblies and a main support frame assembly. The roller frame assemblies are connected to the support frame assembly by first, second, and third quick release connecting mechanisms. These mechanisms provide rapid and easy assembly and disassembly of the roller frame assemblies to the support frame. Many farm operations require several different trailer-type vehicles to perform the various work functions. The subject multi-purpose trailer vehicle uses a single belted undercarriage easily connectable to a plurality of cargo and hauling beds or carts. This eliminates the need to have a plurality of separate complete trailer vehicles, each with their own running gear or ground supporting assemblies.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a lift arm assembly for a work vehicle includes a plurality of closely controlled process steps. The lift arm assembly is a large fabrication which, when assembled to the vehicle, interconnects with several other components and work implements. In order to properly connect with these other components, the various holes, throughbores, and connecting surfaces must be machined within close tolerances. The subject process provides the controls for holding the tolerances within specified and acceptable ranges. The lift arm assembly produced by the subject process is used for lifting and manipulating a bucket or other type of work implement.

Abstract: An elastomeric belt laying vehicle is disclosed for transmitting greater tractive effort to the earth as compared to comparably powered wheel vehicles and being operable at high speed on improved road surfaces without inflicting damage thereto. A pair of the wheels are arranged on each lateral side of the vehicle's chassis for support thereof. An inextensible, endless belt is highly tensioned throughout its length, is entrained about each pair of wheels, and is frictionally, drivingly coupled to at least one wheel of each pair. The structure of the belt, structure of the wheels and cooperating components thereof ensure engagement therebetween, provides long service with minimum maintenance thereof, and supplies the necessary frictional couple to effectively transmit driving torque from the wheels to the belt.

Abstract: An undercarriage structure for a track-type vehicle has first and second spaced apart roller frame assemblies which are interconnected by a pivot shaft and an equalizer bar. The first and second roller frame assemblies are so arranged with respect to the pivot shaft and the equalizer bar that the roller frame assemblies are substantially non-parallel to each other. This non-parallelism produces either "toe-out" or "toe-in" of the roller frame assemblies, which results in the endless track contacting the track rollers in different areas as the vehicle travels in forward and then reverse directions. The wear life of the endless track is thereby prolonged.

Abstract: A cooking grill for cooking food with heat supplied by a heat source within the grill includes a substantially rectangular box structure which defines an open top chamber, and a lid which is connected to the box structure and is adapted to cover the chamber. A food supporting rack is positioned within said chamber and is connected to said box structure. The food supporting rack covers a first area of the chamber. A first burner is positioned within a second area of the chamber, with the second area being spaced laterally from the first area. With the burner being spaced from the food supporting rack, drippings from the food do not fall onto the burner. This eliminates smoke and excessive flames which can burn the food.

Abstract: A tool mounting arrangement for a track press includes a bracket assembly for lateral and vertical adjustment of the tool mounting to compensate for variations in the spacing of the track components due to different amounts of wear. The bracket assembly includes a tool mounting plate which is connected to a reaction bar by an adjustment plate and a pair of brackets. A pair of threaded shafts penetrate the brackets and bear against the adjustment plate for moving the tool mounting plate vertically. A threaded rod is connected to the reaction bar and an adjustment wheel on the rod is in engagement with the adjustment plate for moving the tool mounting plate laterally. A pair of spring loaded apparatus maintain a preselected downwardly directed force on the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A clamp mechanism forces a track chain to seat properly and completely in a holding fixture prior to dis-assembly of the track chain. The clamp mechanism has a hold-down bar, for engaging the track chain, a linkage assembly connected to the hold-down bar, and a fluid powered cylinder for moving the hold-down bar into engagement with the track chain. Track chains being dis-assembled within a track press do not always seat properly in a holding fixture, which can cause damage to the track press tooling or the holding fixtures. The subject clamp mechanism seats the track chain fully into the holding fixture and maintains a force on the track chain during dis-assembly.

Abstract: A track press machine for assembling and dis-assembling endless track chains has a rigid box-like frame structure formed of extremely thick metal plates. The plates include a pair of side plates, a base plate and a top plate, all the plates being connected together by threaded fasteners to enclose a rectangular work area. A large diameter fluid master cylinder and two fluid slave cylinders are connected to each side plate with the rods of the cylinders extending through the side plates and into the work area. The rods of each set of master and slave cylinders are connected together through a tool mounting bar. The box-like frame structure provides rigidity to withstand the large forces generated by the fluid cylinders and the master slave cylinder arrangement provides fast, repetitive cycle times.