Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked vehicle comprising a vehicle body and a track assembly pair. Said track assembly pair is arranged to suspendedly support said vehicle body allowing relative movement between said vehicle body and each track assembly (21) of said track assembly pair. Each track assembly (21) comprises a track support beam (22) configured to support a plurality of road wheels (23, 23a), a drive wheel (24), and a motor (110) for operating said drive wheel (24), an endless track (25) being disposed around said road wheels (23, 23a) and drive wheel (24). Said motor (110) is fixedly arranged to said track support beam (22). Said motor (110) is arranged in connection to the drive wheel (24) such that a motor axle essentially coaxially coincides with a centre axis (Z) of the drive wheel (24).

Abstract: A track-supporting roller assembly, according to the disclosure, for supporting a crawler track of a crawler chassis includes a bearing unit and a track-supporting roller rotatably coupled to the bearing unit. The track-supporting roller includes at least one supporting body made of plastic. The supporting body serves as a damper and prevents a metal-on-metal contact between track chain links of the crawler track and the track-supporting roller. The track-supporting roller assembly according to the disclosure ensures a reduced noise development in the crawler chassis. At the same time, it is possible to also reduce the wear of the track-supporting rollers to a considerable extent.

Abstract: A slide shoe installs on an undercarriage frame assembly of an excavating machine to prevent contact by the lugs of track links when the track buckles. The slide shoe is connected at a top surface to a mounting bar extending between side plates of the frame assembly. The slide shoe may include a front bottom beveled surface extending forward from a bottom surface to a front surface and a rear bottom beveled surface extending rearward from the bottom surface, with the beveled surfaces oriented at upward angles with respect to a line parallel to the bottom surface. A rear upper beveled surface extends rearward from the top surface and is oriented at a downward angle with respect to a line parallel to the top surface and intersects the rear bottom beveled surface at a rear tip of the slide shoe.

Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a circular mounting flange having a dished wall extending radially outwards and circumferentially therefrom, a peripheral rim having a first edge and a second edge with the rim connected to an outer edge of the dished wall at an intermediate region of the rim, and a first lip extending from the first edge. Another road wheel for a tracked vehicle is provided with a mounting flange, a peripheral rim, at least one inner dished wall, at least one outer dished wall offset from the inner dished wall along the flange, and at least two connector walls with each connector wall extending between the inner dished wall, outer dished wall, and the peripheral rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.

Abstract: A track assembly comprising an endless track trained about a sprocket and forward and aft sets of idler wheels. A plurality of apertures at the sprocket engage drive lugs that project from an interior track surface. Longitudinal stabilizer arms restrain the idler wheel axles, idler wheels, sprocket support rollers, sprocket and track against lateral movement and tension the track. Overlapping seals are formed at the idler wheels and/or sprocket support rollers. Alternative sprockets having cutouts or pockets that capture different drive lug configurations are also disclosed along with several alternative track tensioning assemblies that rotate in an eccentric fashion to tension the track.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly is provided which includes a vehicle frame having a first axle, a wheel assembly having a housing with an aperture engaging the first axle and enabling the wheel assembly to pivot in a first plane about a first axis formed by the first axle. A cylindrical member is carried by the housing of the wheel assembly, the cylindrical member and housing are arranged perpendicular to the first axle. A first wheel is pivotably connected to a first portion of the cylindrical member and a second wheel is pivotably connected to a second portion of the cylindrical member. The first wheel and second wheel independently pivot in a second plane about a second axis formed by the cylindrical member. The first axis is arranged perpendicular to the second axis and the first plane is arranged perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing the traction and mobility of a tandem axled vehicle by disposing an endless track 16 around the vehicle tires 18,20 and using a tensioning device 22 to impart a force on the endless track 16 to maintain an optimal track tension. The tensioning device 22 may impart a constant force, a force within a set range, or a variable force controlled by a processor 64 on the endless track 16. The processor 64 monitors vehicle parameters to determine if endless track slipping is occurring. The slip-control processor 64 sends signals to the tension device 22 to increase endless track tension when a track slip condition is sensed, and sends signals to decrease endless track tension when slipping is not occurring, thereby allowing for greater suspension movement and improving overall vehicle mobility.

Abstract: An idler group is disclosed for a mobile machine having a tracked undercarriage with an endless track. The idler group may include a retainer disposed on an axle and within an opening in an idler. The retainer may be configured to achieve an interference fit with the idler sufficient to hold the retainer within the opening of the idler during operation of the mobile machine. In another embodiment, a retaining ring may be disposed within a channel formed in the idler and may contact the retainer. In yet another embodiment, a swaged connection may be formed between the idler and the axle.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly includes a link assembly, including a plurality of laterally spaced pairs of track links pivotally connected to one another at pivot joints to form an endless chain, each laterally spaced pair of track links including a first track link and a second track link with a space between the first track link and the second track link. The undercarriage assembly may also include a first carrier skid projecting upward into the space between the first track link and the second track link of at least one of the laterally spaced pairs of track links.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle (e.g., a tracked carrier vehicle) comprising a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each of the track assemblies supports a portion of a weight of the tracked vehicle when the tracked vehicle is in use. Each track assembly comprises: a first wheel and a second wheel spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the tracked vehicle; a number of support wheels arranged in an in-line configuration between the first wheel and the second wheel; and an endless track disposed around the first wheel, the second wheel, and the support wheels. The support wheels may comprise at least five (5) support wheels mounted such that, when the tracked vehicle is in use, the portion of the weight of the tracked vehicle supported by the track assembly is never applied to only one of the support wheels.

Abstract: A floating seal (23) is provided between a mounting bracket (12) fixed to a side frame (6) and a roller (15) rotatable with respect to this mounting bracket (12), and lubricant oil (L) collected in the roller (15) is sealed by this floating seal (23). On the other hand, an air permeable plug (31) provided with an air permeable member (34) made of a porous material of interconnected cells is provided on a lid member (17) of the roller (15), air and/or water vapor is made to flow between the inside and the outside of the roller (15) and flow of lubricant oil (L) and/or rainwater and dusts is prevented by the air permeable member (34) of the air permeable plug (31). As a result, the pressure of the inside and the pressure of the outside of the roller (15) can be made equal all the time.

Abstract: In order to achieve a solution which assists a farmer in working land in a way which reduces the risk of soil compaction of the land there is, among others, a method of determining a work trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle. The method includes accessing a soil carry capacity map of an area of land to be worked by the agricultural work vehicle, receiving load data of the agricultural work vehicle so as to determine the agricultural work vehicle load and determining the work trajectory to be followed by the agricultural work vehicle. The work trajectory is determined by correlating the soil carry capacity map and the load data of the agricultural work vehicle, so as to optimize that the area to be worked with low carry capacity is worked with low agricultural work vehicle load.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems (14, 14?) that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles (10). A preferred embodiment of the track system (14, 14?) includes a frame (60, 182) having a reinforcing enclosure (150, 230), a plurality of track engaging rollers (82-86, 202-206), a sprocket (102, 214), and an endless track (76, 198) operatively connected to the frame (60, 182). Tension on the endless track (76, 198) is maintained with two tensioning members (170, 244) operatively connected to the forwardmost roller (82, 202). The track system (14, 14?) preferably includes a limiting apparatus (300) that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame (60, 182) relative to a vehicle axle (16) to which it is attached.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly is provided which includes a vehicle frame having a first axle, a wheel assembly having a housing with an aperture engaging the first axle and enabling the wheel assembly to pivot in a first plane about a first axis formed by the first axle. A cylindrical member is carried by the housing of the wheel assembly, the cylindrical member and housing are arranged perpendicular to the first axle. A first wheel is pivotably connected to a first portion of the cylindrical member and a second wheel is pivotably connected to a second portion of the cylindrical member. The first wheel and second wheel independently pivot in a second plane about a second axis formed by the cylindrical member. The first axis is arranged perpendicular to the second axis and the first plane is arranged perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing the traction and mobility of a tandem axled vehicle by disposing an endless track 16 around the vehicle tires 18,20 and using a tensioning device 22 to impart a force on the endless track 16 to maintain an optimal track tension. The tensioning device 22 may impart a constant force, a force within a set range, or a variable force controlled by a processor 64 on the endless track 16. The processor 64 monitors vehicle parameters to determine if endless track slipping is occurring. The slip-control processor 64 sends signals to the tension device 22 to increase endless track tension when a track slip condition is sensed, and sends signals to decrease endless track tension when slipping is not occurring, thereby allowing for greater suspension movement and improving overall vehicle mobility.

Abstract: A track assembly for providing traction to a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, or another work vehicle The track assembly is mountable to an axle of the vehicle The track assembly comprises a plurality of wheels comprising a leading idler wheel and a trailing idler wheel spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track assembly, an axis of rotation of the axle of the vehicle being located between an axis of rotation of the leading idler wheel and an axis of rotation of the trailing idler wheel in the longitudinal direction of the track assembly, and a driver wheel for rotating when the axle of the vehicle rotates The track assembly also comprises an endless track disposed around the wheels The endless track comprises an inner side facing the wheels and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground The endless track engages the driver wheel such that rotation of the driver wheel imparts motion to the endless track.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface.

Abstract: A carriage wheel assembly for golf bag drag carriage or baby carriage is disclosed to include a wheel holder assembly, two road wheels respectively mounted on front and rear wheel axles at the wheel holder assembly, multiple auxiliary wheels respectively mounted on a respective wheel axle between the road wheels, and a capillary track supported on the road wheels and the auxiliary wheel and surrounding the wheel holder assembly for direct contact with the ground.

Abstract: A suspension system for a lightweight robotic crawler is disclosed. The suspension system provides for mounting of a flexible endless track thereon. The suspension system includes a forward guide and a rearward guide around which the endless track can be looped. A deflector positioned between the forward guide and the rearward guide downwardly deflects a ground-engaging portion of the endless track to form a peaked area. The peaked area can support the lightweight robotic vehicle allowing alteration of a distribution of load over the ground-engaging portion of the endless track with respect to a supporting surface.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a tracked vehicle. The present invention provides for adjusting tension of a track by moving the sprocket relative to the rollers in a substantially vertical direction. The system comprises a sprocket assembly, a roller assembly, a track, and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment assembly includes a tension bolt threaded through a tension nut that is secured to the sprocket assembly. The bolt threads through the nut and contacts the roller assembly. As the bolt is threaded or unthreaded, the sprocket assembly is moved relative to the roller assembly in a substantially vertical direction. As the assemblies move relative to each other, tension in the track is resultantly adjusted.

Abstract: An idler of an undercarriage assembly for a track-type machine is disclosed. The undercarriage assembly may have at least two links, which may be interconnected by a cartridge. The cartridge may have a bushing disposed about and rotatable relative to a pin. At least one of the links may have a link rail wear surface, which may be positioned an original wear surface height from the bushing. The idler may have a lower surface, which may be configured to wear against the link rail wear surface. The idler may also have an upper surface, which may be configured to wear against the bushing. The upper surface may be positioned radially outward of the lower surface by an original upper surface height. The original upper surface height may be between approximately 70% and approximately 90% of the original wear surface height.

Abstract: A tread assembly has front and rear main idler wheels supported by a frame. An assembly is provided to permit the front idler wheels to pivot laterally as the cart encounters uneven ground, in order to improve weight distribution across the tread and the idler wheels. The rear idler wheel also has an assembly to permit the rear idler wheel to pivot laterally. An alignment feature is incorporated into the front idler wheel assembly to permit adjustment of the alignment of the front idler wheel relative to the rear idler wheel. A tensioning mechanism is provided at the rear idler wheel to maintain the tread in tension. A bogie wheel structure is pivotally connected to the frame and positioned between the front and rear idler wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems (14, 14?) that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles (10). A preferred embodiment of the track system (14, 14?) includes a frame (60, 182) having a reinforcing enclosure (150, 230), a plurality of track engaging rollers (82-86, 202-206), a sprocket (102, 214), and an endless track (76, 198) operatively connected to the frame (60, 182). Tension on the endless track (76, 198) is maintained with two tensioning members (170, 244) operatively connected to the forwardmost roller (82, 202). The track system (14, 14?) preferably includes a limiting apparatus (300) that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame (60, 182) relative to a vehicle axle (16) to which it is attached.

Abstract: A combination of a drive tumbler and a track includes a track made of a plurality of connected track shoes and a plurality of driven surfaces. The track is wrapped around the drive tumbler so that a plurality of the shoes are in contact with the drive tumbler. The drive tumbler has a plurality of drive surfaces and a circumferential rim surface that includes a plurality of shoe contact surfaces that each contact the inside surface of one of the track shoes that are in contact with the tumbler. The shoe contact surface has a shape such that a line normal to the tangent of the shoe contact surface does not pass through the axis of rotation of the drive tumbler, thereby allowing the shoe contact surfaces on the rim of the drive tumbler to transmit a tractive force to the track. A preferred drive tumbler comprises a center hub and a plurality of individual tooth members connected to the center hub by welds.

Abstract: A track assembly for a machine includes a track having inner track seals, a rotatable track engaging element such as an idler or drive sprocket and a contact interface for protecting the seals during guiding the track about the rotatable element. The contact interface may include sacrificial wear material on the rotatable element and sacrificial wear material on corresponding track links. The contact interface may have a configuration based on a location of the seals, and is adapted to inhibit wear of the track links in regions adjacent the seals. In another aspect, the contact interface is a guide interface.

Abstract: A crawler traction device for a crawler vehicle, in particular a tractor, the device having a carriage, a drive sprocket rotating about a first axis, an idler wheel rotating about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The track is looped about the drive sprocket and the idler wheel and meshes with the drive sprocket along a meshing arc. The traction device has a noise and vibration damping device having an auxiliary roller which rotates about a third axis parallel to the first axis and is eccentric with respect to the drive sprocket as well as smaller in diameter than the drive sprocket. The noise and vibration damping device only cooperates with the track along a portion of the track located, in use, immediately upstream from the meshing arc and interposed between the auxiliary roller and the terrain.

Abstract: A military vehicle, e.g., tank, that includes a turret, a gun mounted on the turret, a plurality of belts, wherein each of the plurality of belts encompass a front wheel and a rear wheel to provide a positive belt drive system for rotating the belt, at least one suspension system for absorbing load stresses, each suspension system having a suspension cylinder that is operatively and pivotably mounted to a military vehicle frame pivot on a main frame of the military vehicle, at least one belt tensioning system for maintaining tension on the plurality of belts, by moving the axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel in a horizontal direction, and at least one electric drive system that includes electric drive motors for rotation of the at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel and braking.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration level of the boom during or after raising of the boom. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle if the detected acceleration level of the boom is less than a minimum level during an attempt to raise the boom.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle comprises a torque detector for detecting a first torque level and a second torque level applied to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The first torque level is associated with a lower boom position of a boom and a second torque level is associated with an elevated boom position higher than the lower boom position. A first hydraulic cylinder is capable of raising a boom from the lower boom position to raise an available torque from the first torque level. A second hydraulic cylinder is adapted to upwardly rotate or curl a bucket associated with the vehicle when the detected second torque level meets or exceeds a second torque threshold, for example.

Abstract: A tread assembly has front and rear main idler wheels supported by a frame. A continuous tread is provided around the idler wheels for supporting a cart on a bottom portion of the tread between the front and rear main idler wheels. An assembly is provided to permit the front idler wheels to pivot laterally as the cart encounters uneven ground, in order to improve weight distribution across the tread and the idler wheels. The rear idler wheel also has an assembly to permit the rear idler wheel to pivot laterally. An alignment feature is incorporated into the front idler wheel assembly to permit adjustment of the alignment of the front idler wheel relative to the rear idler wheel. A tensioning mechanism is provided at the rear idler wheel to maintain the tread in tension. A pivot is provided between the frame and the rear idler wheel, and located forward from the hub of the idler wheel, such that increased load on the frame tends to push the idler wheel rearward to further tension the tread.

Abstract: A wheel structure driven by an endless track belt tensioned around a drive wheel and an idler wheel thereof, comprising a plurality of supporting mid-roller wheels provided between the drive wheel and the idler wheel, a second endless belt being tensioned around this plurality of mid-rollers.

Abstract: A drive assembly has a track frame, an idler, and a sprocket arranged substantially on a straight line that includes single track roller units disposed respectively closest to the idler and closest to the sprocket. The single track roller units each rotatably support a track roller at an end of an arm that is rockably attached at another end to the track frame. The single track roller units bear the vehicle body load at the distal end of the arm through elastic members. A double track roller unit is interposed between the single track roller units, and includes a first arm rockably attached at its end to the track frame and a second arm rockably attached at its central portion to another end of the first arm. The second arm rotatably supports paired front and rear track rollers at two ends thereof.

Abstract: The amphibious vehicle is a motorized vehicle capable of travel on land as well as in the water. The amphibious vehicle has a boat-like hull, and a caterpillar track assembly mounted along each side by hinges. The tracks are arranged so that they can be rotated between a lowered position, where they support the amphibious vehicle and provide traction and propulsion during land operation, and a raised position, where they rest vertically on or above the hull's deck during marine operation. With the caterpillar track assemblies in the raised position, the caterpillar track assemblies are fully removed from the water to improve performance and maneuverability. Additionally, with the tracks in their upright position the overall width of the amphibious vehicle is narrowed to facilitate trailering. The tracks employ hydraulic motors in a direct drive configuration for propulsion, reducing weight and complexity of the tracks.

Abstract: The drive device of the invention comprises a ready to fit unit or kit, for installing in a detachable manner on one side of a chassis of a motor vehicle. The unit comprises a flexible crawler looped round a drive wheel adapted to be mounted on a drive hub of the vehicle and round a tension wheel carried by a support frame, which comprises an internal part adapted to be secured in a detachable manner on the chassis remote from the drive shaft, an intermediate part adapted to carry the tension wheel and an external part carrying a bearing for the drive wheel. The invention is particularly of use for transforming vehicles with four drive wheels for crawler operation.

Abstract: A track assembly for moving a vehicle which includes a track having lugs including both drive and guide portions on its inner surface. The guide portions substantially abut against the track rollers of the assembly. Such abutment maintains alignment of the track between those rollers so as to prevent it from moving from side to side and interfering with feeding of the drive portions onto the assembly drive sprocket. Further, the guide portions grab against the drive sprocket to maintain contact of the drive portions therewith. Each of the above functions permits uninterrupted movement of the vehicle since the track is enabled to move in a continued path.

Abstract: The present invention is a crawler device for a crawler type vehicle, which lowers the vehicle height, decreases the vehicle width, and exhibits superior stability during operation. For this purpose, in a crawler type vehicle having, on right and left sides of either one of front or rear portion, or both of the front and rear portions of a vehicle body, crawler devices each having a sprocket, an idler disposed on a truck frame, and a crawler belt passed through the sprocket and the idler, the crawler device can include a front end link coupled to a forward part of the truck frame by a pin at a lower end portion thereof and to the side of said vehicle body by a pin at the upper end portion thereof, and can include a rear end link coupled to a rearward part of the truck frame by a pin at the lower end portion thereof and to the side of the vehicle body at a position behind the front end link by a pin at the upper end portion thereof.

Abstract: A track drive device for all terrain vehicle comprises a frame (14) able to be mounted on the side of a chassis (C) of a vehicle and carrying two main wheels (38, 42) and support wheels (40A, B, 40E) around which is wound a track (12). The frame (14) comprises a rear part (16) able to be fixed to the chassis (C) of the vehicle and carrying one (38) of the main wheels, and a front part in the form of an approximately horizontal oscillating beam (18) carrying the other main wheel (42) and at least one (40D, 40E) of the support wheels and mounted pivoting about a first transverse pivot (20) located at a lower level. The device also comprises an approximately horizontal suspension arm (52) arranged above the oscillating beam (18), linked to the latter by a connecting rod (64) and mounted pivoting around a second transverse pivot (24) arranged at an upper level approximately at the height of the chassis.

Abstract: A drive track is for a wheel train for mobilizing a paving vehicle upon a ground surface, the wheel train including a drive wheel and a bogie wheel. The track comprises an endless body disposable about the wheel train and including a driven portion engageable by the drive wheel such that the drive wheel circulates the track about the wheel train. A generally annular rail portion is connected with the drive portion and has a continuous inner circumferential surface contactable with the bogie wheel, such that the bogie wheel rolls along the inner surface, and a continuous outer circumferential surface contactable with the ground surface. The rail portion supports the bogie wheel above the ground surface such that when the track circulates about the wheel train, a distance between the bogie wheel axis and the ground surface remains substantially constant as the bogie wheel rolls along the rail inner surface.

Abstract: A drive belt suspension system for a snowmobile includes an improved construction in which an excessive shock is not directly received by the snowmobile frame to ensure a smooth operation of the suspension system. The suspension system includes a suspension arm arranged to suspend a slide rail assembly from a frame assembly of the snowmobile body. The suspension arm has a sleeve connected to the slide rail assembly for pivotal movement about a lower axis and a rod connected to the frame assembly for pivotal movement about an upper axis. The rod is supported by the sleeve and has a pair of stoppers that interpose the sleeve therebetween. The lower axis is positioned between the respective stoppers in a direction parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the drive belt suspension system.

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: The device comprises at least one track (10) formed from an endless flexible belt (22) fitted on the inside with at least one row of studs (24) situated in the longitudinal direction of the endless belt and spaced at a constant distance apart and each delimited by two transverse faces and two lateral faces, two main wheels (12, 16) and support wheels (20A, 20B, 20C) on which the endless belt rolls, and a guidance element (50) placed between a main wheel (12) and an adjacent support wheel (20C) and comprising rollers (52) able to frame the lateral faces of the studs (24) in order to ensure guidance and stabilization of the endless belt in the region of the guidance element.

Abstract: The present invention is a crawler device for a crawler type vehicle, which lowers the vehicle height, decreases the vehicle width, and exhibits superior stability during operation.

Abstract: A triangular crawler device, which is free from being stumbled and whose crawler belt does not come off from a body of a vehicle while the vehicle travels, includes a track frame (10), having a front idler (15A) and a rear idler (15B) disposed at the front and rear ends thereof respectively; a sprocket (20), rotatably fixed to the track frame (10); links (11, 13), for connecting the body (2) of the vehicle (1) and the track frame (10) together; and a crawler belt (17), wound around the front idler (15A), the rear idler (15B) and the sprocket (20).

Abstract: An adjustment structure for the cushion unit of a snowmobile suspension system. The adjustment arrangement includes a mounting for the cushioning unit that is defined by a bolt and a pair of mount brackets having guide apertures formed therein. The bolt and guide aperture surfaces are treated so as to avoid shifting of the mechanism under the weight of the snowmobile when the mounting bolt is loosened for adjustment purposes.

Abstract: A resilient suspension element for use in a resilient system for supporting roller wheels from the undercarriage of a tracked vehicle having a rubber track. The resilient suspension element includes a T-shaped and a U-shaped rigid mounting component, with the inside surface of a U-shaped resilient component secured to the leg of the T-shaped component and the outside surface secure to the inside surface of the U-shaped rigid mounting component. A resilient suspension element is secured to each end of a beam, extending transverse to the axles of the roller wheels mounted thereon, to provide resilient support in the vertical direction and limited resilience to "fore" and "aft" and rolling motion of the beam, and the roller wheels mounted thereon, with respect to the undercarriage.

Abstract: Rollers used in the past have usually been cushioned by the attachment system. The present cushioned roller includes the cushioned member being an integral part of the roller. For example, the unique roller includes a pair of individual shell portions positioned at the ends of a shaft. The shaft and a collar which is mounted to a chassis includes a cushioning member positioned therebetween the shaft and the collar. The pair of individual shell portions are separately rotatable about the shaft and the rollers are isolated from the chassis and the rollers can osculate about the chassis. Thus, the roller is free to isolate about the chassis and each of the pair of individual shell portions are in contact with each of the inner portion and the outer portion of the inner surface of the belts. Furthermore, impact loads are absorbed by the cushioning member and increase the longevity of the roller and provide a better ride for the operator.

Abstract: An improved wear blade which slidingly engages an endless track of a snowmobile, and presses the endless track against the ground, has low friction, is highly wear resistant, and comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and one or more of carbon, graphite, bronze, and molybdenum disulfide.

Abstract: A track roller assembly for guiding an endless track includes a central supporting shaft, a roller shell having a through bore, a pair of bushings surrounding the shaft and positioned within the roller through bore, and a pair of split rings which secure the roller shell in a fixed position with respect to the bushings and the shaft. A seal assembly at each end of the through bore seals in lubricating fluid and seals out dirt and other harmful matter. The split rings hold the shaft, bushings, and roller shell together and eliminate threaded fasteners which reduce the useful wear life of the roller shells. Resilient load rings in the seal assemblies provide proper loading of the seal assemblies and prevent dirt from eroding the load rings.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle for agricultural harvesting which reduces damage to fields and can be driven on paved roads at reasonable speeds. The vehicle has front and rear elements, linked by an articulating joint which permits turning and rotation of one element with respect to the other. Each element is motivated by a pair of tracked power units which are hydraulically driven by a heavy duty differential between the units. Each power unit is rotatably mounted solely on a shaft sleeve of the differential and is free to oscillate vertically and independently to absorb irregularities in its path. Each unit includes an endless elastomeric track which has two rows of lugs on its inner surface. A novel drive mechanism engages these lugs to motivate the vehicle. A sealed transmission housing in each power unit protects key drive elements from environmental damage without interfering with operation of the unit.