Abstract: The cleat assembly for the endless track of a vehicle, having a mounting bolt and nut combination wherein the threaded portion of the bolt is located remotely from the area of bending failure responsible for bolt fracture and cleat failure. An elongate bolt is used with threads at its ends remote from the belt, in combination with a nut having an unthreaded bore with threads only at one end thereof, the nut spanning from the bolt threads to bear upon the grouser.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for an endless track vehicle, wherein the mounting nuts are retained and carried by an elongate member spaced apart to receive the mounting bolts, so that a single workman may install or remove the cleat assembly from the endless belt, and so that the cleat may utilize a closed box design of great strength and rigidity.

Abstract: A snow groomer tow frame alignment device which automatically centers the implement in line with the vehicle without the visual attention of the vehicle operator. The device utilizes a pair of inductive proximity switches and a corresponding metallic shield disposed around a frame stem pivot, switching in response to misalignment, initiating circuits directing a fluid control valve to actuate to provide fluid to alignment restoring cylinder and ram assemblies.

Abstract: A snow grooming device for ski slopes, being a snow tilling apparatus with a toothed, selectively powered tiller bar, along with a compactor pan which may be releasably attached beneath the tiller bar to convert the device from a tiller into a snow compactor.

Abstract: An improved snow comb for use attached to the trailing edge of tiller skirts and the like. The comb has laterally directed rows of elongate teeth at the trailing edge, the teeth being angled to the direction of tiller travel, so as to produce a powdery, rather than a ridged final skiing surface.

Abstract: The flexible tiller has a center and two end sections, each including a cutter bar, frame, apron and grooming bar. The two tiller end sections are connected flexibly to the ends of the center section by frame to frame hinges and by cutter to cutter universal joints, so that the end sections can rotate freely about the hinges. The tiller center section is secured to the towing mechanism to oscillate about a central horizontal axis in the direction of travel. The oscillating center section and the two pivotally attached end sections cooperate to enable the tiller to closely conform to and thoroughly groom rolling snow paths without reducing them to flat ones. The rolling paths are enjoyable to ski, and are slower and safer. A controllable hydraulic ram is mounted to act across each hinge, so that the operator may select the degree of bending permitted at each hinge, and may hydraulically lock it into selected position, if desired.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for the endless track of a vehicle which effectively reduces loosening of the cleat upon the flexible belt of the track, comprising a grouser plate incorporating projections distributed thereover and a backing plate on the other side of the belt also having beltward projections, said projections being clamped by mounting bolts to press into the surface of the flexible belt, to provide shearing area to resist the belt load upon the grouser. The mounting holes through the belt are prevented from elongating and the cleat assembly is held firmly in position even after extended use and plastic flow of the material of the belt.

Abstract: A continuous track drive sprocket wheel for snow traversing vehicles being adapted to reduce track instability and improve track retention upon the vehicles. The sprocket wheel has an enlarged toothed flange providing improved guiding contact with the grousers and utilizing contact with typical tire guides to increase belt stability and reduce grouser and belt stresses, as well as to increase sprocket wheel durability.

Abstract: A snow groomer vehicle hydraulic hose guide having a hard plastic removable insert installed within a metallic back-up ring, for use upon snow grooming vehicles and associated equipment. The insert has a very smooth surface and is shaped to provide substantial hose contact area. The guide ring substantially extends the useful life of the rubberoid hydraulic hoses widely used on such equipment.

Abstract: An improved snow comb for use attached to the trailing edge of tiller skirts and the like. The comb has lateral rows of axially elongate teeth projecting downward from a plate attached to the skirt. The teeth are tapered forwardly, and are alternately longer and shorter so as to work the tilled snow horizontally as well as vertically for more complete powdering.

Abstract: A ski run snow preparation apparatus having a snow-contacting blade which flexes laterally to provide an arcuate snow-contacting surface. The blade is pivotally mounted to a frame which is adapted to be secured upon the towing mechanism of a suitable tracked vehicle. Also mounted upon the frame is a remotely controllable mechanism, including a pair of hydraulic motors, to adjust the tilt of the snow-contacting blade in relation to the snow surface. The blade may operate under its own weight and that of the towing mechanism, or may be forceably pressed into the snow, as by vehicle mounted hydraulic motors provided to raise and lower the towing mechanism.

Abstract: An improvement for a steering differential for a tracked vehicle comprising a liquid cooled, hydraulically operated disc brake, two of which are normally used upon the differential to brake and steer the vehicle. A number of stationary discs are keyed internally to a brake body, with a number of rotating discs dispersed therebetween and splined to a braking axle of the differential, the rotating and stationary discs being hydraulically compressed together to apply braking torque to the braking axle. Oil or other suitable liquid is pumped through the brake body and radially through grooves on the faces of the discs to prevent excessive heating of the discs and the brake.