Abstract: A recoil and tensioning assembly for the track and idler of a self-laying track vehicle maintains a constant tensioning force on the endless track. The assembly provides recoiling of the idler wheel during shock loading of the idler wheel or during ingestion of foreign material between the track and the idler and drive wheels. The recoil and tensioning assembly includes a recoil member which telescopes into a cylinder and includes a first chamber filled with a compressible gas and a second chamber filled with a non-compressible oil. A floating piston separates the two chambers and serves to compress the gas during a recoil cycle. Conventional recoil systems for self-laying track-type vehicles utilize pre-compressed large diameter steel coil springs to resist recoiling during light loading of the idler wheel and to return the idler wheel to normal position after recoiling during heavy loading.

Abstract: In a track laying vehicle (10) a track tensioning apparatus wherein a track engaging idler (20) wheel is mounted to a cross member (82) for adjustment to tension the track by a piston (68) and cylinder (62). The cross member (82) is in turn adjustably (106) mounted to opposing sides (26,27) of the vehicle track frame. Acting in conjunction with the track tensioning apparatus an accumulator (130,146) is provided and is in fluid communication with the piston (68) and cylinder (62). The accumulator (130,146) exerts a backpressure upon the fluid so that the idler (20) may recoil in response to excessive tension or shock upon the track.

Abstract: A drive mechanism having a steering clutch assembly, a brake assembly, and a final drive assembly housed within a unitary housing defined by separable steering clutch assembly, brake assembly and final drive assembly housings removably secured together. The individual housings define flanges which may be secured together to form the unitary housing. The secured flanges may, in turn, be secured to another support structure of the drive mechanism.