Abstract: A crawler vehicle comprises a body frame and an auger mounted to the body frame at a front portion thereof, the body frame being mounted to a rear portion of a crawler frame via a pivot shaft to allow the crawler frame carrying a crawler belt to swing vertically. The pivot shaft is located forwardly of a lower idle wheel rotatably mounted to the crawler frame. Positioning of the pivot shaft forwardly of the lower idle wheel allows the auger to move downward even when a front portion of the crawler belt is lifted. This causes the auger to move downward regardless of new snow or hard snow, enabling the auger to carry out snow-removing operation in a highly efficient manner.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending an endless track beneath a tracked vehicle chassis. The suspension system can be a fully coupled suspension, a partially coupled suspension or a non-coupled suspension. The suspension system includes at least one elongated suspension rail having a front portion, a rear portion and a bottom track-engaging portion. At least one suspension arm has an upper end adapted for pivotal connection to the vehicle chassis and a lower end pivotally connected to the suspension rail. The lower end of the suspension arm can optionally have a displacement with a non-linear component. A biasing mechanism provides a biasing force to bias the suspension rail away from the vehicle chassis. The track tensioning system coupled to the suspension arm applies a tensioning force to the endless track in response to displacement of the suspension arm. The tensioning force generates a supplemental force transmitted by the endless track that augments the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: Devices and methods for suspending a vehicle are disclosed. A suspension mechanism in accordance with the present invention includes a suspension arm having a first end and a second end, a swing arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the first end of the suspension arm and a second end pivotably coupled to a slide frame, a pivot arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the suspension arm proximate the second end thereof, the pivot arm further including a pivot axle and a second end, the second end of the pivot arm being pivotably coupled to the slide frame, a cradle pivotably coupled to the suspension arm between the first end and the second end thereof, an air spring having a first end seating against the cradle and a second end seating against a seating portion of the slide frame.

Abstract: Devices and methods for suspending a vehicle are disclosed. A suspension mechanism in accordance with the present invention includes a suspension arm having a first end and a second end, a swing arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the first end of the suspension arm and a second end pivotably coupled to a slide frame, a pivot arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the suspension arm proximate the second end thereof, the pivot arm further including a pivot axle and a second end, the second end of the pivot arm being pivotably coupled to the slide frame, a cradle pivotably coupled to the suspension arm between the first end and the second end thereof, an air spring having a first end seating against the cradle and a second end seating against a seating portion of the slide frame.

Abstract: A crawler or tracked vehicle has a running gear with separately operable tracks, and a vehicle body pivotably connected to the running gear about a substantially horizontal pivot axis that allows the running gear to pivot relative to the vehicle body. The two tracks can pivot independently of each other and independently of the vehicle body. At least one spring arrangement preferably including a spring and a shock absorber is arranged on each side of the body, and is respectively connected between the running gear and the vehicle body. The spring may be vertically or horizontally oriented.

Abstract: Devices and methods for suspending a vehicle are disclosed. A suspension mechanism in accordance with the present invention includes a suspension arm having a first end and a second end, a swing arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the first end of the suspension arm and a second end pivotably coupled to a slide frame, a pivot arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the suspension arm proximate the second end thereof, the pivot arm further including a pivot axle and a second end, the second end of the pivot arm being pivotably coupled to the slide frame, a cradle pivotably coupled to the suspension arm between the first end and the second end thereof, an air spring having a first end seating against the cradle and a second end seating against a seating portion of the slide frame.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of snowmobile suspensions for the drive belt of the snowmobile. The suspension includes a single cushioning unit that has its opposite ends loaded by a linkage system that is interposed between a guide rail and a frame of the snowmobile. At least one of these pivotal connections is adjustable, and the adjustment is provided in a manner so that it can be made without changing the effective length of the cushioning unit during adjustment. In addition, a number of the embodiments permit the adjustment to be made at one side of the snowmobile.