Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle comprising a track to engage the ground and comprising elastomeric material, a ground-engaging outer side and an inner side opposite to the ground-engaging outer side. The track system also comprises a track-engaging arrangement for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging arrangement, which comprises: a drive wheel for movement of the track; a leading idler wheel and a trailing idler wheel spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the track system, and a plurality of roller wheels between the idler wheels. The track system also comprises a frame supporting the idler and roller wheels. The track system also comprises a plurality of mounts spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the track system to interconnect the frame of the track system to the vehicle frame, and allow movement of the frame of the track system relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly for a work machine including a drive wheel; front and rear idler wheels; an endless track belt about the drive and idler wheels; mid-rollers located between the front and rear idler wheels to engage the endless track belt; a track roller frame mounted on the machine at a main pivot, between front and rear ends of an elongate member, with the front idler wheel connected near the front end of the roller frame; a major bogie connected to the roller frame at a major bogie pivot, and the rear idler wheel connected to a trailing arm of the major bogie; a minor bogie, mounted on a forward arm of the major bogie, and pivotably connected to the major bogie at a minor bogie pivot, and including front and rear axles, supported by a suspension that provides damping between the front and rear axles and the minor bogie pivot.

Abstract: A road construction machine includes a machine frame and two front and two rear crawler track units. Each crawler track unit includes a piston-cylinder unit. A central pressure limiting valve communicates a hydraulic pressure source with a hydraulic supply line. The hydraulic supply line communicates the central pressure limiting valve with the piston-cylinder units of all four crawler tracks. A common pressure accumulator is communicated with all four of the piston-cylinder units.

Abstract: An idler assembly for a track roller frame includes a housing element having a central cavity, the housing element being connectable to an end of the track roller frame. A yoke element is movably disposed in central cavity and has spaced apart first and second arms, the yoke element is connectable to a longitudinally extending piston in the track roller frame. At least one key element couples the yoke element to the housing element such that the yoke element is movable relative to the housing element. An idler wheel is rotatably supported between the first and second arms.

Abstract: A crawler mechanism includes a frame, a track including a plurality of shoes coupled together and supported for movement relative to the frame along a direction of travel, a sprocket, and a guide rail. The frame includes a first end, a second end, a first side extending between the first end and the second end and proximate a support surface, and a second side. Each shoe includes an intermediate portion having a first hardness. The sprocket drives the plurality of shoes to move along the second side of the frame. The guide rail is coupled to the second side of the frame and includes a base having an outer surface and a coating bonded to the outer surface. The coating contacts the intermediate portion of the shoes as the shoes move along the second side of the frame, and the coating defines a second hardness less than the first hardness.

Abstract: A crawler mechanism includes a frame, a track including a plurality of shoes coupled together and supported for movement relative to the frame along a direction of travel, a sprocket, and a guide rail. The frame includes a first end, a second end, a first side extending between the first end and the second end and proximate a support surface, and a second side. Each shoe includes an intermediate portion having a first hardness. The sprocket drives the plurality of shoes to move along the second side of the frame. The guide rail is coupled to the second side of the frame and includes a base having an outer surface and a coating bonded to the outer surface. The coating contacts the intermediate portion of the shoes as the shoes move along the second side of the frame, and the coating defines a second hardness less than the first hardness.

Abstract: A crawler track chassis is motivated by the reciprocating movement of hydraulic cylinder's piston rod.

Abstract: In a road construction machine, in particular a road milling machine (1), with a machine frame (2), and a chassis (4) with preferably several crawler track units (6), said chassis (4) carrying the machine frame (2), where the crawler track units (6) comprise a chain (12) which continuously revolves around at least one guide wheel (8) and at least one drive wheel (10), as well as several track rollers (14) which roll on the chain (12) and carry the machine frame (2), where the drive wheel (10) or preferably the guide wheel (8) is provided with an adjustment device (18), which enables the reciprocal spacing of the axles (20,22) of the drive wheel and guide wheel (8,10) to be adjusted for adaptation to a current lengthening of the chain (12), and where in addition to the adjustment device (18), a spring element (24) is provided which allows, using the adjusted spacing as a basis, a shortening of the spacing between the axles (20,22) of the drive wheel and guide wheel (8,10) against the spring force in the event

Abstract: This invention discloses a track suspension wherein a rear wishbone member is rotatably affixed to a yoke assembly and a yoke plate carrier through a rear wishbone joint, wherein a front wishbone member is rotatably affixed to the rear wishbone member through a front wishbone joint, wherein a rear rocker assembly is comprised of a rear rocker beam, a rear roller wheel and a rear idler wheel, wherein a front rocker beam is rotatably affixed to the front wishbone through a front rocker joint, wherein the rear rocker beam is rotatably affixed to the rear wishbone member through a rear rocker joint, wherein a front suspension spring assembly is affixed between a yoke assembly and a front wishbone member, and wherein a rear suspension spring assembly is affixed between the yoke assembly and the rear wishbone member.

Abstract: A track frame is swingably supported by a rear axle case of a travel machine body through a rocking shaft; front and rear driven wheels are disposed in front and rear end portions of the track frame; at least three idling wheels are disposed on an intermediate portion of the track frame at intervals in a longitudinal direction; a drive wheel which is disposed upward of a longitudinal intermediate portion of the track frame and is configured to receive a power transmitted from a rear axle supported by the rear axle case; and a crawler belt is wrapped around the drive wheel, the front driven wheel, the rear driven wheel and the idling wheels. Two idling wheels on a rear side of the at least three idling wheels are pivoted on a first rocking link, and a longitudinal intermediate portion of the first rocking link is pivoted on the track frame through a first pivot shaft.

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: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles (10) that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled irrigation vehicle (60) using one or more track assemblies (62). Each track assembly (62) includes a carriage (70) with frames (92, 94) that support a plurality of pairs of idler wheels (74, 76), and pairs of bogey wheels (80, 82, 84). A portion of one of the frames (94) is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame (92), so that the frames (92, 94) may move relative to each other in a linear fashion. A tensioning apparatus (212) is connected to the frames (92, 94) so that the frames are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage (70) also includes a hub support frame (90) that is connected to one of the frames (92) in an offset manner. The hub support frame (90) includes an aperture (132) that rotatably receives a spindle (262) of an adaptor (258).

Abstract: An automatic track tensioning system is provided for use with a track-type work vehicle for automatically tensioning an endless track chain of the work vehicle.

Abstract: In a crawler track comprising at least one guide wheel and caster wheels at a track carrier, at least one driving wheel for the track, and a guide wheel tensioning device including at least one tensioning member which acts on the guide wheel via a tensioning lever supported at the track carrier, the guide wheel is provided in a guide part which is exclusively linearly moveable and is laterally supported in the track carrier with a slide block arranged between the guide part and the tensioning lever, which slide block can slide crosswise and relatively to the linear direction of movement of the guide part while transmitting the tensioning force substantially parallel to the linear direction of movement of the guide part.

Abstract: A track frame is swingably supported by a rear axle case of a travel machine body through a rocking shaft; front and rear driven wheels are disposed in front and rear end portions of the track frame; at least three idling wheels are disposed on an intermediate portion of the track frame at intervals in a longitudinal direction; a drive wheel which is disposed upward of a longitudinal intermediate portion of the track frame and is configured to receive a power transmitted from a rear axle supported by the rear axle case; and a crawler belt is wrapped around the drive wheel, the front driven wheel, the rear driven wheel and the idling wheels. Two idling wheels on a rear side of the at least three idling wheels are pivoted on a first rocking link, and a longitudinal intermediate portion of the first rocking link is pivoted on the track frame through a first pivot shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides track assemblies and a method that allow bringing the contact patch towards the inside (the outside) of the suspension arm, by providing a asymmetric track assembly, either by lowering at least one inside (outside) support wheel relative to the remaining support wheels, or by using a belt that comprises, transversally, at least one first profile on the outer (inner) side thereof lower than a second profile on an inner side thereof.

Abstract: An idler for use on a tracked vehicle of the type having a track that includes a plurality of track links joined together, which track links pass around the idler. The idler includes a plurality of generally flat surfaces that come into contact with corresponding generally flat surfaces on the track links as the track links pass around the idler. Reduced wear results. The generally flat surfaces on the idler may be provided by removable wear plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracked traveling gear with two drive units per chain, wherein at least one of the drive units is linearly movable and pretensionable against the traveling gear frame. In an embodiment the drive unit is asymmetrically mounted to a supporting element which is linearly movable and pretensionable against the traveling gear frame. The drive unit includes a tumbler which is laterally detachable and removable from the drive unit while the drive unit is mounted to the travelling gear frame.

Abstract: A trailer that includes a belts that each encompass a front wheel and a rear wheel and have a ground engaging surface and a wheel engaging surface, the wheel engaging surface having lugs thereon for mating with the apertures in the front wheel and the rear wheel such that when the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel rotates, the belt is positively driven and at least one belt tensioning system for maintaining tension on the plurality of belts, the at least one belt tensioning system includes a track tension cylinder operatively mounted between an axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel and the main frame, wherein the track tension cylinder maintains tension on the belt by moving the axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel in a horizontal.

Abstract: A tension management system for generating tension in an endless track of a tracked work machine. The tension management system comprises a biasing element, an idler wheel, a swing link, an idler arm, and a pivotal bracket linking the biasing element with the idler arm. The biasing element generates force that is translated via the biasing arm to the pivotal bracket. The pivotal bracket provides a mechanical advantage in the translation of the force that enables the force exerted upon the swing link to be greater than the force generated by the biasing element. The idler arm connects the pivotal bracket to the swing link and exerts force on the swing link causing it to pivot. The idler wheel is mounted on the swing link and exerts force, generating tension, in the endless track as the swing link pivots.

Abstract: Track-tightening device for crawlers wherein the bogie comprises a track-tightening structure to modify the wheel base of the front and back wheels of the bogie equipped with one or more movable supporting rollers capable of always remaining at the same distance from the idler wheel of the track-tightener under all operating conditions.

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 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 rear drive assembly for a snow bicycle includes a body adapted to be supported by an axle which rotatably supports a rear wheel of a bicycle. An upper arm is rigidly affixed to and extends upwardly from the body. A lower arm is rigidly affixed to and extends at an angle downwardly and rearwardly from the body. A track tensioning and guide assembly is positioned at the remote attachment end of the lower arm. An extendible and retractable attachment member is positioned at a remote attachment end of the upper arm and is, preferably, attached to a seat post of the bicycle. As the bicycle begins to ascend a slope the attachment member retracts to maintain the track in ground contact and as the bicycle begins to descend the slope the attachment member extends to maintain the track in ground contact.

Abstract: A track system for a ground engaging vehicle such as a tractor is provided. Track systems shown include the ability to maintain existing gear ratios and vehicle speed when interchanging wheels with track systems as described above. Embodiments shown also exhibit improved support of the track system in relation to a vehicle axle that reduces stress problems associated with the axle or related components. Another feature includes pivoting the track system in a way that prevents the track system from rotating 360 degrees around the axle when large obstacles are encountered.

Abstract: A crawler track tension adjusting device is provided in which a driving unit having a closed structure carries out automatic tension adjustment in response to a control signal to create optimum tension on a crawler belt. The crawler track tension adjusting device includes a tension adjusting cylinder which is operable to control the tension and is actuated by a hydraulic pump that is driven by a motor. An electromagnetic direction selector valve is disposed in an oil pipeline for connecting the hydraulic pump to the tension adjusting cylinder, and a hydraulic sensor for detecting the operating condition of the tension adjusting cylinder is disposed in the hydraulic circuit in which the tension adjusting cylinder, the hydraulic pump and the selector valve are provided. The hydraulic sensor is connected to a controller to operate the hydraulic pump and the direction selector valve so as to control the tension adjusting cylinder.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus of a crawler vehicle can achieve both reduction of an impact applied to an operator cab and maintenance of high traction force even at a time of backward traveling on a ground surface having an irregularity. Right and left track frames (11, 11) are mounted to pivot shafts (31, 31) respectively mounted to right and left sides of a rear end portion of a main frame (30) so as to freely swing in a vertical direction, a rear frame (40) having a horizontal shaft apparatus (46) arranged therein is suspended to a rear portion of the main frame so as to freely swing in the vertical direction, final reduction gears (50) are attached to right and left outer sides of the rear frame, and an output shaft of the horizontal shaft apparatus is connected to an input shaft of the final reduction gear.

Abstract: An axle mount device for mounting an axle to a snowmobile track suspension frame has a base portion and an adjuster portion. The base portion has an axis and a bore coincident with the axis. The adjuster portion is secured to the base portion asymmetrically with respect to the axis, and engages an opening in the frame. The axle mount may be moved between first and second positions to vary a position of the axle with respect to the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel tracked vehicles [i.e., vehicles which use endless tracks rather than tires to contact the terrain over which they are driven, e.g., tractors, tanks, bulldozers, etc.] and, more particularly, to an improved split wheel design and installation process therefore. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tension wheel. A new step by step methodology allows the endless track to be installed and used more efficiently when the tension wheel or the drive sprocket is replaced by a split wheel.

Abstract: An idler assembly includes a hub has a plurality of segments connected thereto. A groove is positioned in either an outer circumferential surface of the hub or the inner surface of the plurality of segments. The groove has first and second tapered sides that terminate at a bottom surface. An isolation member is mounted between the hub and at least one of the plurality of segments to provide sound suppression.

Abstract: A head sprocket assembly and sprocketless tail roller assembly for a pontoon track drive system wherein the sprocket assembly and tail roller is fitted with a plurality of support rings for straightening the track's elongated cleats attached to a plurality of chains passing lengthwise around the pontoons.

Abstract: An idler for supporting the forward end of an endless track of a track-type tractor has an endless chain resiliently supported on an outer flange of the idler hub. An outer surface of the chain provides a substantially continuous bearing surface for supporting the endless track on the idler.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a track chain having a track link, a first bushing mechanically coupled to the track link, and a second bushing mechanically coupled to the track link. The first bushing has a first center point C1 defined thereon. The second bushing has a second center point C2 defined thereon. The first center point C1 is spaced apart from the second center point C2 by a distance D1. The arrangement includes an idler wheel having a circumferentially extending surface defined thereon. The circumferentially extending surface has a first notch and a second notch defined therein. The first notch has a first wall portion. The first wall portion has a first point P1 defined thereon at a first location. The second notch has a second wall portion. The second wall portion has a second point P2 defined thereon at a second location which corresponds to the first location. The point P1 is spaced apart from the point P2 by a distance D2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprung track tensioning device (10) for tracked vehicles, intended to be mounted at the rear on a support (16) of a track set of the vehicle. The device comprises an elongate pendulum arm (12), one end portion (14) of which is designed to be fastened pivotably to the support (16) via a first torsion spring (18). The pendulum arm (12) bears a second torsion spring (36) which can be connected to the support (16) via a link arm system (38).

Abstract: The adjustment mechanism of the present invention is mounted to a frame and comprises an alignment cam that is pivotally mounted to the frame by a tension link pivot pin. The alignment cam is provided with an actuating arm that is coupled to a longitudinally extendible adjusting member. The longitudinally extendible adjusting member comprising a screw jack. A tension link is pivotally mounted to the tension link pivot pin. Camming surfaces on the alignment cam are skewed with respect to the transverse axis defined by the tension link pivot pin so that rotation of the alignment cam twists the tension link and thereby the idler wheel predominately about a vertical axis. Albeit to a lesser degree, rotation of the alignment cam also twists the tension link and idler about a longitudinally extending horizontal axis. Therefore by extending or retracting the screw jack, the toe-in/toe-out orientation of the idler wheel can be adjusted.

Abstract: Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track roller assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track roller assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. An automatic belt alignment system is utilized to align the endless rubber belt during operation of the endless track laying work machine (10). The automatic belt alignment system also provides connection of the idler wheel assembly to a tensioning system and to the forwardly extending nose portion of a track roller frame.

Abstract: A shock absorbing, tracked wheel assembly of an off-road vehicle has a set f spoke-like structures radiating from the assembly's center or spider. The spoke-like structures include cylinders affixed to the spider and pistons axially translatable in the cylinders. The pistons are biased radially outward by coil springs in the cylinders. The springs' action is dampened by a flow restrictive collar girding the piston and separating fluid in the cylinder into separate chambers. Struts extend from the pistons and the struts have track engagement shoes on their outer ends. The shoes have a generally arcuate sector that engages a track or band in tractive contact with the ground. Rotating the struts about their longitudinal axis will vary the distance between the cylinder and the track shoe so that tension on the track can be adjusted. Sufficient strut rotation allows the track to be removed from the assembly for purposes of track repair or replacement.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a track-laying vehicle having a track trained around the leading edge of a front wheel and the lagging edge of a rear wheel where at least one of the wheels is mechanically or hydraulically driven by the vehicle's motor. The tensioning assembly includes: (1) a rigid beam assembly made of a beam element telescopically and adjustably slid inside a rigid hollow member; (2) a front and rear set of bearings attached to each end of the rigid beam assembly; (3) front and rear shafts respectively journaled in the front and rear bearing sets; and (4) a plate to respectively attach the front and rear shafts to the external face of the hubs of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A track apparatus having a frame is provided. The track apparatus is mountable on a rotatable axle of a vehicle and includes a continuous flexible track and a drive wheel mountable to the rotatable axle of the vehicle for rotational movement therewith. The drive wheel drives the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle of the vehicle. The leading and trailing pairs of idler wheels and the pairs of bogie wheels of the track apparatus are mounted on stub axles so as to allow the drive wheel to pass therebetween. This, in turn, allows for the drive wheel to have an increased diameter.

Abstract: A guide wheel for a track apparatus is provided. The guide wheel includes a central hub rotatably mounted to a frame of a track apparatus. A first guide wall extends radially from the central hub and terminates at an outer edge. A second guide wall also extends radially from the central hub and terminates at an outer edge. The first and second guide walls define a circumferentially extending channel in the guide wheel. The channel in the guide wheel sequentially receives a plurality of lugs extending from the inner surface of a flexible track of the track apparatus so as to prevent lateral movement of the track.

Abstract: A track apparatus is provided for mounting on a rotatable axle of a vehicle. The track apparatus includes a flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length. A drive wheel is mountable to the rotatable axle so as to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle. Leading and trailing idler assemblies are attached to the frame. Each idler assembly includes a non-pneumatic idler wheel having a plurality of voids therein. In addition, a bogie assembly is also supported by the frame. The bogie assembly includes a non-pneumatic bogie wheel having a plurality of voids therein. The idler wheels and the bogie wheels have increased dimensional reliability and provide shock absorption and self-cleaning features to the track apparatus.

Abstract: A mounting device is provided for mounting a drive wheel of a track apparatus to a rotatable axle of the vehicle. The mounting device includes a generally cylindrical sleeve having first and second opposite ends. The cylindrical sleeve includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots therein. An attachment device interconnects the cylindrical sleeve and the axle of the vehicle and also interconnects the cylindrical sleeve and the drive wheel.

Abstract: A drive wheel mounted on a rotatable axle of a vehicle is provided for driving a continuous flexible track. The drive wheel includes a central hub mountable on the axle for rotational movement therewith. First and second rim walls extend radially from the central hub and define a circumferentially extending void in the drive wheel. A plurality of circumferentially spaced rollers are rotatably supported in the void for engaging a portion of the track.

Abstract: A four pivot point track suspension apparatus for a vehicle. The track suspension apparatus includes a frame, a drive wheel, an undercarriage, and a continuous flexible track. The continuous flexible track is engaged by and driven by the drive wheel which is rotatably attached to the vehicle and operably attached to the frame. The undercarriage includes a leading equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame and having leading and trailing idler rollers rotatably attached thereto and a trailing equalizer pivotally mounted to the frame having an intermediate idler roller assembly and trailing idler rollers rotatably attached thereto. The leading equalizer is spring biased against the frame to maintain constant tension on the track and to ensure that all the idler rollers are in constant engagement with the track.

Abstract: A heavy duty belt laying work machine includes a frame, a driver wheel mounted in supporting relation to the frame on each lateral side thereof, an idler wheel assembly disposed on each lateral side of the frame. The idler wheel assembly includes an idler wheel and a carry-roller, each of which is rotatably connected to an idler support arm that is pivotally mounted in supporting relation to the frame. A mid-roller is disposed on each lateral side of the frame between the driver wheel and the idler wheel assembly and rotatably connected to a mid-roller support arm mounted in supporting relation to the frame. An endless, inextensible belt is entrained about each respective idler wheel and driver wheel on each lateral side of the frame and contacts the mid-roller and the carry-roller. Apparatus are provided for controllably tensioning and urging each belt into frictional driven engagement with a corresponding one of the driver wheels.