Abstract: Techniques are directed to utilizing a suspension protector to deflect debris away from a set of suspension components of a tracked vehicle. The tracked vehicle includes a vehicle body, a suspension, and a set of suspension protectors. The suspension couples with the vehicle body and is constructed and arranged to control movement of the vehicle body using tracks. Each suspension protector couples with the vehicle body and is disposed a predefined distance from a respective wheel of the suspension to deflect debris thrown from the respective wheel and a respective track away from a respective set of suspension components of the suspension.

Abstract: For track vehicles having drive assemblies that are susceptible to buildup of mud and debris that can result in damage to the track and drive assembly, clearing members are provided that clear buildup while avoiding contact with components of the track vehicle as the track frame oscillates.

Abstract: Left and right front flanges are provided respectively in left and right front legs in a center frame. Left and right rear flanges are provided respectively in left and right rear legs in the center frame. Left and right front leg mounting members, and left and right rear leg mounting members, which protrude toward the center frame are provided respectively in left and right side frames. The respective front flanges are placed on the respective front leg mounting members, which are respectively fastened by bolts inserted therebetween in the upper-lower direction. The respective rear flanges are placed on the respective rear leg mounting members, which are respectively fastened by bolts inserted therebetween in the upper-lower direction.

Abstract: The track system includes a plurality of track assemblies, each having track; a frame structure to mount the track to the vehicle; and inner wheels in contact with an inner surface of the track. The track assembly also includes two drive gears disposed externally to the track and configured to frictionally engaged an outer surface of a corresponding one of the tires. The drive gears are drivingly connected with the track for transmitting power thereto. Each one of the drive gears has a rotation axis, a plurality of elongated traction bars extending substantially parallel and circumferentially to the rotation axis, and open ends. The elongated traction bars are spaced-apart from one another and define channels therebetween allowing granular and liquid materials to flow inwardly towards the rotation axis, and outwardly of the drive gears through the apertured ends.

Abstract: An all-terrain straddle type vehicle includes, inside a wheel, a disc rotor that rotates as the wheel rotates, a caliper for clamping the disc rotor to brake the rotation of the wheel, and a scraper for scraping out dirt, mud, sand, snow and other debris deposited on a rim of the wheel. An edge of a scraping surface of the scraper extends obliquely from upstream toward downstream of a rotation direction of the wheel with respect to a rotation plane of the wheel.

Abstract: A guard for a crawler type land vehicles having a frame, a final drive on each side of the frame, the final drive including a spindle housing with a flange bolted to the frame and a sprocket hub rotationally supported on the spindle housing, a track sprocket on the sprocket hub, the spindle housing and hub establishing a small gap to form a mechanical shield to protect a rotational seal within the space enclosed by the spindle housing and sprocket hub, the guard being adapted to be assembled radially outward of the mechanical shield, the guard having a circular shell member for bolting to an inside face of the sprocket hub and extending axially in one piece across substantially all of the distance between the spindle flange and the sprocket hub, the guard shell having an internal circumferential groove, a circular radial flange for mounting in the space between the spindle flange and the sprocket hub, the guard shell being diametrally split whereby it can be radially assembled around the spindle flange with t

Abstract: A deflector for reducing the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in one of the sprocket wheel and the idler wheel area of a vehicle equipped with endless tracks is provided. The deflector generally comprises a rigid plate associated with the vehicle and positioned near the sprocket wheel or the idler wheel thereof, and a resilient pad having an upper portion coupled with the rigid plate and a lower portion freely extending from the upper portion and extending toward the inner surface of the track to limit the ingestion of snow and/or other debris in the sprocket wheel or idler wheel area of the vehicle during its operation. The lower portion of the resilient pad is generally provided with reinforcing elements which allow the resilient pad to be essentially rigid in the direction of ingestion yet pivotable in the opposite direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to deflect debris and to reduce the accumulation thereof in the guide lug receiving space defined between the inner and outer portions of a wheel of a tracked vehicle. The device generally comprises a resilient band structure having a loop or collar portion partially disposed around the wheel of the vehicle and inside the guide lug receiving space thereof, a connecting portion adapted to be mounted into a support element fixed to the tracked vehicle and located about the wheel, and a deflecting portion extending between the loop portion and the connecting portion. The loop portion at least partially embraces the wheel and generally remains in a slipping contact therewith in order to support the deflecting portion. The deflecting portion effectively deflects debris away from the guide lug receiving space of the wheel and also prevents excessive accumulation of debris therein.

Abstract: Vibration or the like is prevented for long-term use by normalizing, with operation continuing, a tread of a crawler belt link through grinding in an early stage where uneven wear such as corrugated wear occurs. With a crawler belt of a crawler vehicle wound, an abrasive plate for grinding the tread of the crawler belt link is disposed to contact the tread. While the crawler vehicle does normal traveling work, the abrasive plate corrects the tread of the crawler belt link for the uneven wear. The vibration of a vehicle body can thus be prevented during travel with no uneven wear produced.

Abstract: A cutter bar is provided for trimming debris away from the wheel-track interface of a tracked vehicle. A pivot attachment is provided wherein a knife having a cutting edge is removably mounted to a bracket by way of fasteners which will shear when a pre-selected force is applied to them. The bracket is mounted to the vehicle structure so that the knife is disposed in close proximity to the drive wheel and endless track of the vehicle. Accordingly, when a piece of tough debris is encountered by the knife edge some of the fasteners will shear and the knife pivots out of the way so that the debris can pass by without causing damage to the wheel or track. The knife and fasteners being readily serviceable with inexpensive parts.

Abstract: A snow removal machine propelled by crawler belts trained around drive wheels and driven wheels is provided. The snow removal machine has a scraper confronting the outer periphery of the driven wheel so as to remove snow adhering to and accumulating on the outer periphery during snow removing operation. It prevents increase in tension of the crawler belt due to the increased diameter of the driven wheel in appearance that might otherwise be caused by snow adhering to the outer periphery.

Abstract: A debris stripping apparatus 64 is provided for an endless track laying work machine 10. The debris stripping apparatus 64 includes a wear bar 66 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 56 of the drive wheel 30. During operation the wear bar 66 acts as a sacrificial member that strips away mud and debris from the track roller assembly 12. Thus, the wear bar 66 creates a clearance allowing the drive wheel 30 to rotate without making abrading contact with the debris.

Abstract: A debris stripping apparatus 64 is provided for an endless track laying work machine 10. The debris stripping apparatus 64 includes a wear bar 66 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 56 of the drive wheel 30. During operation the wear bar 66 acts as a sacrificial member that strips away mud and debris from the track roller assembly 12. Thus, the wear bar 66 creates a clearance allowing the drive wheel 30 to rotate without making abrading contact with the debris.

Abstract: A snow removal machine propelled by crawler belts trained around drive wheels and driven wheels is provided. The snow removal machine has a scraper confronting the outer periphery of the driven wheel so as to remove snow adhering to and accumulating on the outer periphery during snow removing operation. It prevents increase in tens ion of the crawler belt due to the increased diameter of the driven wheel in appearance that might otherwise be caused by snow adhering to the outer periphery.

Abstract: A device for removing debris from a drive wheel rotatably mounted to a vehicle body includes an auxiliary wheel rotatably mounted on the body adjacent an outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel. The auxiliary drive wheel has a substantially circumferential surface for engaging the outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel and thereby being rotated by the drive wheel in a direction opposite the rotation of the drive wheel. The auxiliary wheel dislodges debris on the drive wheel and discharges it away from the track mechanism of the vehicle. A selector mechanism can be provided to selectively move the auxiliary wheel out of engagement with the drive wheel. The auxiliary wheel can be mounted radially adjacent to the drive wheel so that it contacts the upper section of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A device for removing debris from a drive wheel rotatably mounted to a vehicle body includes an auxiliary wheel rotatably mounted on the body adjacent an outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel. The auxiliary drive wheel has a substantially circumferential surface for engaging the outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel and thereby being rotated by the drive wheel in a direction opposite the rotation of the drive wheel. The auxiliary wheel dislodges debris on the drive wheel and discharges it away from the track mechanism of the vehicle. A selector mechanism can be provided to selectively move the auxiliary wheel out of engagement with the drive wheel. The auxiliary wheel can be mounted radially adjacent to the drive wheel so that it contacts the upper section of the drive wheel.

Abstract: In the operation of machines such as landfill compactors it is common to provide a shear assembly that is mounted between the axle assembly and a wheel that is rotatably mounted thereon to sever material that would otherwise become entrained about the axle assembly. Material of relatively large gauge may become lodged within the shear assembly and create large loading forces between the wheel and the axle components that have been known to damage various drive train components. The present invention provides a cutting apparatus that has a first (34) and second shear blade (40) mounted to the axle assembly (10) and wheel (12) respectively. The second shear blade (40) is bolted (66,68,70) to the wheel (12) in a manner wherein selected ones of the mounting bolts (66,68,70) are sized in a manner in which forces of a preselected magnitude will shear the bolts (68,70) thus limiting the amount of force transmitted to the drive train components.

Abstract: In a track-driven tractor, stationary cutter blades are fixed to a chassis of the tractor and cooperating rotating cutter blades are fixed to a sprocket hub of the tractor. The cutting blades are operable to cut refuse entrained between the sprocket and the chassis, which tends to wrap around the associated hub, so as to avoid the build-up of refuse on the hub which otherwise can lead to unnecessary wear of the sprocket, the hub, and an assembly forming a seal between the hub and the chassis, as well as unnecessary fuel consumption.

Abstract: In the operation of machines of the type that are typically designed to traverse terrain having deposits of debris, it is a common problem to have the debris become attached to the wheels of the machine and rotate therewith. In many instances this causes material to become entrained around the axles of the machine requiring continual maintenance and occasionally causing damage to the axle components. In the present invention a guard assembly is provided that defines a scraping member that is positioned in radially inner and laterally overlapping relation to an outer cylindrical surface defined by each wheel. The scraping member function to remove material that may become attached to the wheels during their movement over the terrain. Functioning as such, material is prevented from becoming entrained about the respective axle assemblies of the machine.

Abstract: A track assembly for a track laying vehicle or implement, such assembly comprising a rotatable hub having a plurality of track support members, each such member having an outwardly curved outer surface; such hub further having an inner suspending and positioning means, such means being capable of fixedly suspending such members in a circular pattern; such means suspending and positioning such members in a circular pattern; and, a continuous loop track, having an exterior ground engaging side, and having an outwardly curved interior hub engaging side, the hub engaging side of such track being in frictional contact with the outer surfaces of a plurality of such members.

Abstract: An edge scraper device for the inboard edge of a belted track-type vehicle removes debris from the track edge as the vehicle operates in muddy or trash-laden environments by close-proximity relationship to the track edge. Spring biasing and adjustment devices retain the scraper device in a functionally close proximity to the track edge. The edge scraper device is mounted substantially above the track to prevent fallen debris from accumulating on the device.

Abstract: Several embodiments of yieldable cutter blades are disclosed for use on a land vehicle to reduce the tendency of debris from being entrained and wrapped on rotary parts and their supports such as on wheels and axles or drive sprocket hubs and associated support housings. The blades yield in response to an excessive cutting force which could potentially damage support bearings for the rotary part in extraordinary conditions. In the various embodiments, a yieldable blade is retained in its operating position by a set of bolts of predetermined strength. When an excessive cutting force occurs, the bolts break away and permit the blade to yield away from its operative cutting position.

Abstract: During the operation of a track-type machine in abrasive terrain, it is common to have foreign material deposited between the engagement surfaces of a track chain assembly. The presence of this foreign material between these surfaces has been known to greatly accelerate the wear between these components. The present invention provides a pair of deflecting plates that are positioned adjacent and in overlying relation to certain engagement surfaces of various components of the track chain assembly 14. The deflecting plates direct foreign material away from contact with the engagement surfaces and thereby reduce the wear of the track chain components.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting elongate flexible elements such as wire cable and the like from entangling the axle assembly (1) of a vehicle wheel (2) comprises a guard member (40 securable to the vehicle axle assembly (1) between the wheel (2) and the body of the vehicle (3). The guard member (4) has a radially outer portion (9) which in use lies adjacent the wheel rim (2b) so as to substantially prevent elongate flexible elements from passing between the guard member (4) and the wheel (2). The outer portion (9) of the guard member (4) may be provided with at least one cutting edge (10) for cutting elongate flexible elements which are pulled thereover by rotation of the vehicle wheel 2. A further member (5) may be provided which in use extends between the vehicle body (3) and the guard member (4) so as to inhibit elongate flexible elements from passing between the vehicle body (3) and the guard member (4) and entangling the axle assembly (1).

Abstract: In the operation of a track chain assembly a high degree of wear is normally experienced due to the environment in which a track-type machine must operate. This wear is typically accelerated by foreign matter that is carried by an idler member of the track chain assembly and is permitted to remain on its contact surfaces as they engage the other track chain components. The present invention provides a scraper assembly that defines a plurality of scraping portions that continuously engage the contact surfaces of idler to remove foreign material therefrom before the contact surfaces engage other track chain components.

Abstract: In a track-driven tractor, stationary cutter blades are fixed to a chassis of the tractor and cooperating rotating cutter blades are fixed to a sprocket hub of the tractor. The cutting blades are operable to cut refuse entrained between the sprocket and the chassis, which tends to wrap around the associated hub, so as to avoid the build-up of refuse on the hub which otherwise can lead to unnecessary wear of the sprocket, the hub, and an assembly forming a seal between the hub and the chassis, as well as unnecessary fuel consumption.

Abstract: In the operation of a track chain assembly a high degree of wear is normally experienced due to the environment in which a track-type machine must operate. This wear is typically accelerated by foreign matter that is carried by an idler member of the track chain assembly and is permitted to remain on its contact surfaces as they engage the other track chain components. The present invention provides a scraper assembly that defines a plurality of scraping portions that are adapted to carry a scraping insert on an end portion thereof. The scraping inserts are continuously urged into engagement with the contact surfaces of the idler to remove foreign material therefrom before the contact surfaces engage other track chain components.

Abstract: A guard for a crawler type land vehicles having a frame, a final drive on each side of the frame, the final drive including a spindle housing with a flange bolted to the frame and a sprocket hub rotationally supported on the spindle housing, a track sprocket on the sprocket hub, the spindle housing and hub establishing a small gap to form a mechanical shield to protect a rotational seal within the space enclosed by the spindle housing and sprocket hub, the guard being adapted to be assembled radially outward of the mechanical shield, the guard having a circular shell member for bolting to an inside face of the sprocket hub and extending axially in one piece across substantially all of the distance between the spindle flange and the sprocket hub, the guard shell having an internal circumferential groove, a circular radial flange for mounting in the space between the spindle flange and the sprocket hub, the guard shell being diametrally split whereby it can be radially assembled around the spindle flange with t