Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a drive system, which performs driving, braking, directional change, and steering functions as a function of corresponding control commands from an electronic control unit. According to the invention, at least one separate brake system, which operates without current, is provided, which can be enabled by at least one actuating element, which also acts in the absence of current, when a function parameter exceeds or falls below at least one limit value.

Abstract: A vehicular driven track apparatus is provided that may include a left track assembly and a right track assembly. Each track assembly may include a drive member. At least one roller member may be in mechanical communication with the left and right drive members. A left steering pad may be operatively connected to the left drive member to control movement thereof, and a right steering pad may be operatively connected to the right drive member to control movement thereof. A left brake or motor may be operatively connected to the left steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the left drive member. A right brake or motor may be operatively connected to the right steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the right drive member.

Abstract: A vehicular driven track apparatus is provided that may include a left track assembly and a right track assembly. Each track assembly may include a drive member. At least one roller member may be in mechanical communication with the left and right drive members. A left steering pad may be operatively connected to the left drive member to control movement thereof, and a right steering pad may be operatively connected to the right drive member to control movement thereof. A left brake or motor may be operatively connected to the left steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the left drive member. A right brake or motor may be operatively connected to the right steering pad and disposed to control transfer of rotational movement from the at least one roller member to the right drive member.

Abstract: A brake adjustment method and apparatus thereof are described which are capable of providing proper brake hydraulic pressure compensation without causing variations due to different adjusters and without lifting the vehicle.

Abstract: A mini-excavator includes a base supported by first and second track assemblies on which the vehicle travels. The base supports an operator support, which includes first and second travel control devices, such as travel levers. Each of first and second closed-loop hydrostatic systems of the mini-excavator are coupled between different ones of the travel control devices and the track assemblies to control the speed and direction of travel of the track assemblies. Each of the closed-loop hydrostatic systems includes a closed-loop travel motor and a closed-loop pump coupled directly to the closed-loop travel motor.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for adjusting crawler-type transport assemblies in a self-propelled construction vehicle between two differing “home” positions. The crawler transport assembly comprises a steering mechanism including a collar assembly operated via an actuator mounted to the frame of the apparatus for driving steering rotation of the transport assembly via the collar assembly. The collar assembly comprises a driving element integrally coupled to the actuator and a driven element integrally coupled to the transport assembly. The driven element can be affixed to the driving element selectively in two differing dispositions corresponding to the two “home” positions of the transport assembly.

Abstract: A track frame structure which can increase a crawler actual ground contact length (L0) from a first track roller to an endmost track roller without increasing a whole length of a traveling apparatus. A notch portion (2a) having a size not contacting with an endmost track roller (6r) is formed in a portion facing to the track roller (6r) in a side of a crawler drive wheel (8) of a joint plate (2) provided so as to close one end portion in a longitudinal direction of a track frame (1), and the endmost track roller (6r) is arranged close to a side of the crawler drive wheel (8) so that the endmost track roller (6r) faces to an inner side of the notch portion (2a). A side portion of the notch portion (2a) in a joint plate (2A) is bent toward the crawler drive wheel (8).

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having variable-speed left-side and right-side propulsion units (such as, without limitation, a tracked vehicle having a left track powered by a left-track motor and a right track powered by a right-track motor). The left-side propulsion unit is controlled by a first output signal from a first manual controller (such as, without limitation, a left joystick). The right-side propulsion unit is controlled by a second output signal from a second manual controller (such as, without limitation, a right joystick). At least one of the first and second output signals is modified to create a substantially identical output signal for the first and second manual controllers when the first and second output signals are within a predetermined tolerance. The left-side and right-side propulsion units are controlled with the identical output signal when the first and second output signals are within the predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle for use in snow, ice, dirt, sand, mud, and other offroad conditions, with an accessory attachment valve, comprises, a frame, a body, a first track for driving and control of the tracked vehicle being secured to the frame, and a second drive track for driving and control of the tracked vehicle. A drive engine is mounted on the frame and communicatively linked to the first and second drive track by a drive mechanism. A hydraulic pump is linked to a hydraulic drive motor, the hydraulic pump being operably linked to the second drive track. A throttle mechanism is operably engaged to the drive engine with a hydraulic attachment lever valve secured to the frame. A secondary hydraulic pump is operably linked to the hydraulic attachment lever valve.

Abstract: A steering control system for a tracklaying vehicle, which ensures smooth turning performance according to various modes such as ascent travel, descent travel, and travel in a low speed range and which provides improved controllability. According to various operation states such as an ascent travel state, descent travel state, high-load drive state, low engine rotational speed travel state, and high-speed travel state, the clutch/brake modulation characteristic (i.e., static or dynamic characteristic) is varied to select the optimum characteristic.

Abstract: A crawler that includes a first crawler assembly and a second crawler assembly attached to the first crawler assembly so that the first crawler assembly is aligned with the direction of travel of the second crawler assembly.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle includes a track operatively connected to a driveshaft. An output shaft of a hydrostatic motor is selectively rotationally engaged with the driveshaft via a clutch mechanism. When the clutch mechanism is engaged, the motor drives the track. When the clutch mechanism is disengaged, the tracked vehicle may be towed without rotating the output shaft of the motor. The clutch mechanism includes splined surfaces on the driveshaft and output shaft that are adapted to rotationally engage a splined surface of an axially-movable clutch shaft. The clutch mechanism further includes an engagement controller that selectively axially moves the clutch shaft into and out of rotational engagement with the output shaft while maintaining continuous rotational engagement between the clutch shaft and the driveshaft.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle with a drive system, which performs driving, braking, directional change, and steering functions as a function of corresponding control commands from an electronic control unit. According to the invention, at least one separate brake system, which operates without current, is provided, which can be enabled by at least one actuating element, which also acts in the absence of current, when a function parameter exceeds or falls below at least one limit value.

Abstract: Tracked vehicle with at least one engine and one gear-change and steering transmission and with lateral intermediate transmissions as final drives for track sprockets on both side of the drive. Each lateral intermediate transmissions is shiftable between at least two gears.

Abstract: A steering method and steering system which enable a minimum turn radius more than the discharge capacities of a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump and which positively prevent the unstable traveling and turning behavior of a vehicle when the vehicle makes a pivot turn. The vehicle is provided with a pair of brakes for right and left output shafts and designed to transmit the driving force of the hydraulic motor to the output shafts through planetary gear mechanisms. During a pivot turn of the vehicle, an operation of the brake of either one of the right and left output shafts and a transmission of a driving force from the hydraulic motor to a planetary gear mechanism are simultaneously carried out for a specified period of time and thereafter, the transmission of the driving force from the hydraulic motor to the planetary gear mechanism is interrupted.

Abstract: A steering traction control apparatus for a track laying work machine includes first and second speed sensors that produce a slip signal responsive to the difference in rotational velocity of first and second axles. A controller receives the slip signal and responsively supplies a steering output signal in response to the magnitude of the slip signal.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the width of a tracked vehicle is described including a rear suspension having a differential that drives two spur gears with rotational axes located above the differential and adapted to slidingly support two drive axles.

Abstract: A control system controls a tracked vehicle drive/steering system which has an engine driven hydraulic steering pump which drives a hydraulic steering motor. In one embodiment, the control system operates to gradually reduce the magnitude of the steering pump control signals if the vehicle is stationary, the clutch is engaged and these conditions persist for at least a certain time period, and to further or more rapidly reduce the magnitude if the vehicle seat is not occupied. In an alternate embodiment, the control system operates to limit the magnitude of the steering pump control signals as a function of the acceleration of wheel speed. In another alternate embodiment, the control system operates to quickly reduce the magnitude of the steering pump control signals if the vehicle is stationary, the clutch is engaged and the transmission is commanded to be in a non-neutral gear, between the time the ear is commanded and the vehicle motion begins.

Abstract: A differentially steered work vehicle is provided with a driving axle having a axle housing with an access opening. An access plate is secured to the access opening and is provided with steering components. The access plate is provided with a steering motor mount that passes through the access plate. A steering motor is mounted to the steering motor mount on the exterior side of the access plate. The interior side of the access plate is provided with a rotatable steering shaft having a first toothed end and a second toothed end. The first toothed end drives a first spur gear which is operatively coupled to the ring gear of a first planetary set. The second toothed end of the steering shaft is operatively coupled to a reverser gear that is also rotatably mounted to the interior side of the access plate. The reverser gear is mounted on a pin mounted to the interior side of the access plate.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes a pair of hybrid track assemblies (12) mounted on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A) of the framework (11) of the vehicle (10) for cooperating to steer the vehicle (10). Each of the hybrid track assemblies (12) includes a first lead track (14) entrained about a first plurality of wheels (16) and a second lead track (18) entrained about a second plurality of wheels (20). A plurality of first lead rollers (26) are rotatably supported in spaced and parallel relationship to one another along the longitudinal axis of the first lead track (14). A plurality of second lead rollers (38) are rotatably supported in spaced and parallel relationship to one another along the longitudinal axis of the second lead track (18). The assembly is characterized by the first and second axes of the first lead rollers (26) and second lead rollers (38) being disposed in opposite directions, i.e., a herringbone configuration.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a tracked vehicle drive/steering system having an engine driven hydraulic steering pump which drives a hydraulic steering motor. The steering pump is responsive to steering control signals representing a status of an operator manipulated steering wheel. The steering motor provides an input to a differential track drive mechanism which responds to manipulation of the steering wheel and drives left and right tracks to turn the vehicle. The control system includes a control unit which receives signals from an engine speed sensor, a steering motor rotation speed and direction sensor, and the steering control signals. The control unit calculates a motor speed threshold value as a function of sensed engine speed and steering control signals, and generates a fault signal as a function of a relationship between the steering motor speed signal and a motor speed threshold value.