Abstract: Track systems for traction of a vehicle in which a spacing of laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems in a widthwise direction of the vehicle is adjustable. This may facilitate use of the vehicle in different conditions (e.g., in different field configurations, such as in different configurations of row crops, where the vehicle is an agricultural vehicle). For instance, the spacing of the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems may be adjustable while the laterally-adjacent ones of the track systems are connected to a powertrain of the vehicle and/or without requiring use of additional parts (e.g. spacers).

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle configured to be propelled by an endless loop track and a suspension system therefore comprises first and second lower suspension rails pivotally attached to one another at a central pivot. First, second and third suspension supports are provided, each comprising a resilient element and a suspension strut, the suspension strut having an upper end pivotally connected to the frame and a lower end. The lower end of the suspension strut of the first suspension support is pivotally connected to the first lower suspension rail. The lower end of the suspension strut of the third suspension support is pivotally connected to the second lower suspension rail. The lower end of the suspension strut of the second suspension support is pivotally connected to the first lower suspension rail, the second lower suspension rail or the first and second lower suspension rails proximal the central pivot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. One of the idler wheels is movably connected to the main frame and is movable by an actuator. The carriage is removably connected to a spindle of a vehicle by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a first or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled vehicle that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled vehicle using one or more track assemblies. Each track assembly includes a carriage with a main frame that support forward and rearward idler wheels and a plurality of centrally located, inner bogey wheels, and an outrigger beam that supports a plurality of centrally located, outer bogey wheels. One of the idler wheels is movably connected to the main frame and is movable by an actuator. The carriage is removably connected to a spindle of a vehicle by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a first or lower section and a second or upper section that generally encircle a portion of the spindle housing, and which are connected thereto by a plurality of fastening elements. A sprocket is operatively connected to a wheel hub of the spindle either directly or indirectly by way of a spacer element.

Abstract: An undercarriage is disclosed that includes a rigidly mounted track roller near or adjacent to a rear drive sprocket, with the outer radius of the track roller overlapping the outer radius of the drive sprocket. The remaining rollers and bogies may be flexibly suspended.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes comprises a crawler track assembly having a plurality of supporting rollers arranged one behind the other in the direction of travel of the vehicle and around which a belt is wrapped. The rollers are adjusted by way of an actuator between a first configuration, in which all supporting rollers are loaded, and a second configuration, in which at least one outer roller of the supporting rollers is relieved. An energy accumulator is charged by a drive energy source and connected to the actuator in order to provide the actuator with the drive energy required to adjust the configuration.

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: The one-piece running gear (1) has at least two wheels (2), each mounted to rotate about a shaft (6) on a mounting (7). The rotary shaft (6) of at least one of these wheels (2) can be moved away by at least one spacer means (13), the force for returning it to position being exerted by an endless kinematic running link (3) travelling around the wheels (2), said wheels being kinematically connected together by this running link (3). The running gear (1) may be mounted in a pivoting or fixed fashion on a rolling base serving as the chassis of a vehicular or other moving assembly.

Abstract: A rubber crawler which includes: a rubber crawler body having an endless belt shape and which has a left-right pair of rolling wheel passing surfaces on the inner circumferential surface thereof; a steel cord layer in which a plurality of steel cords extending in the crawler circumference direction are embedded in the rubber crawler body so as to be arranged in the crawler width direction, and a plurality of bias reinforcing layers that are disposed on the outer circumferential side of this steel cord layer in the rubber crawler body, in which the left-right pair of rolling wheel passing surfaces are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the rubber crawler body at positions corresponding to the respective end portions in the crawler width direction of the steel cord layer and the plurality of bias reinforcing layers; the rubber crawler further includes: a rubber layer disposed between an innermost reinforcing layer that is positioned on the innermost side of the plurality of bias reinforcing layers

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 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 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 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 suspension system for a track vehicle, the suspension system comprising: a frame; a track surrounding the frame; a plurality of suspension modules resiliently interconnected between the frame and track to bias the track into engagement with a ground surface upon which the track vehicle sits; and at least one idler over which the track extends. Under a normal load, all weight of the track vehicle is borne by the suspension modules and not by the at least one idler. Under selected conditions the at least one idler bears at least some weight of the track vehicle to rigidify the track vehicle suspension during such selected conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mower and a tracked implement that convert from one to the other by coupling a mower unit or a tracked unit to a common drive unit. The drive unit is thus used in both products to provide cost savings in the purchase of the equipment. In the tracked unit, a cab for enclosing the operator's station is part of the tracked unit and gets mounted to the drive unit when the tracked unit is coupled to the drive unit. A pair of idlers rotate on pivot axes that are fixed relative to a pivotal idler support that carries the idlers. The pivot point for the idler support is chosen to prevent track elongation when the tracked unit climbs obstructions such as a curb. In the mower unit, a relatively heavy cutting deck is used and spring biased weight transfer arms transfer some of the deck weight to the mower frame.

Abstract: Described is a belt used in conjunction with road wheels device and method of supporting weight of hybrid tire tracking-laying vehicles more safely and efficiently at highway speeds. The supporting device includes belts 004, road tires 002, track tires 003, tensioning tires 015, and supporting frame and axles. The road tires 002 are located outside beside the belt 004 with a larger diameter than the belt 004. The outside road tires work to laterally guide the belt 004 and to prevent the rubber belt 004 from track-throwing. The tensioning tires 015 running inside the belt 004 along the wheel runways 027, are guided by the belt guide horns 020. In this proposed device, the belt 004 can remain sufficiently taut to prevent the guide horns 020 from slipping over the track tires 003 and road tires 002. The designed hybrid belt with tires can remove debris such as mud and sand, and prevent track-throwing even during turning maneuvers.

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 track driven device having a suspension system, positive hydraulic braking system, positive drive belt system and belt tensioning system for an improved ride, reducing belt wear and belt failure.

Abstract: To provide a roller for a crawler type traveling vehicle. The manufacture of this roller is streamlined by simplifying a structure for holding a seal mechanism between a bearing part and the outside and a thrust bearing and facilitating working while eliminating the need for welding. Roller pieces shaped to be axially separable are combined with a support shaft and formed integrally at a parting section (including a stepped engagement part and an external engagement part) by press fitting. The support shaft is provided with a projection for restraining the left and right roller pieces from moving in an axial direction.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a track-type vehicle which makes the effective ground contact length within the tumbler distance as large as possible. The drive assembly has a single track roller unit disposed closest to the idler and closest to the sprocket respectively, each for supporting the track roller rotatably at the distal end portion of an arm attached at its proximal end portion rockably to the track frame and for bearing a vehicle body load at the distal end portion of the arm through elastic members, and a double track roller unit interposed between the single track roller units and including a first arm attached at its proximal end portion to the track frame and a second arm attached at its central portion to the distal end portion of the first arm, for supporting the paired lower rollers at the two end portions of the second arm.

Abstract: A guiding arrangement has a guide structure having an opening defined therein. The guiding arrangement also has a roller assembly. The guiding arrangement further has an axle positioned relative to the guide structure so that a portion of the axle is located within the opening.

Abstract: This invention includes an undercarriage support and adjustment system for a tracked vehicle having first and second elongated outwardly extending members coupled to the vehicle, a first undercarriage bearing support coupled to the vehicle between the first and second outwardly extending members, and an undercarriage bearing support member slidingly coupled to the outer ends of the two support members and having a second undercarriage bearing support.

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 undercarriage assembly includes a roller frame and a pair of wheels held in spaced apart relation by the roller frame. An endless track belt is entrained about the pair of wheels. A bogie arm is pivotally connected to the roller frame at a pivot axis. The bogie arm includes a roller arranged and configured for supporting the track belt between the wheels. The undercarriage assembly also includes an elastomeric bearing positioned about the pivot axis of the bogie arm for reducing shock loads applied to the bogie arm. The elastomeric bearing can be arranged and configured to bias the bogie arm toward the track belt via torsion.

Abstract: A system for supporting roller wheels from the undercarriage of a tracked vehicle having a rubber track.

Abstract: An undercarriage structure for a track-type machine has first and second spaced apart track roller frame assemblies which are positioned adjacent and parallel to the longitudinally extending centerline of the machine. A plurality of first and second track guiding rollers are connected to the respective roller frame assemblies and the axis of rotation of each guide roller is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinally extending centerline. This arrangement produces either "toe-out" or "toe-in" of the guide rollers, which results in the links of the track chain assembly contacting the track rollers in different areas as the machine travels in forward and then reverse directions. The wear life of the undercarriage structure is thereby prolonged.

Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked vehicle comprising a first axial member pivotally coupled to the main drive wheel axle housing and extending forward towards the idler wheel, and a second axial portion pivotally coupled to the first axial member and to which the idler wheel is rotatively mounted. The second axial member is provided with a track roller extension on which is mounted a track roller frame having three pairs of track rollers. The first axial member is coupled to the tractor frame by a pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly comprises first and second parallel tubes having cylindrical apertures. The tubes are parallel to and offset from one another so that an outwardly projecting transverse stub shaft from the tractor frame is received in one aperture and an inwardly projecting transverse stub shaft from the suspension system is received in the other aperture.

Abstract: A track suspension system for a vehicle having a frame and a continuous flexible track. A drive wheel is attached to the frame for engaging and driving the continuous flexible track. A leading idler arm is pivotally attached to the frame on each side thereof and a leading idler wheel is rotatably mounted for engagement with the track. A trailing idler arm is provided on each side of the vehicle and is pivotally attached to the frame and a trailing idler wheel engagement with the track is rotatably mounted to one end of each idler trailing arm. A leading mid-roller assembly engagement with the track is operably attached to the leading idler arm and a trailer mid-roller assembly is in engagement with the track and is attached to the trailing idler arm. A cushioning device interconnects the leading and trailer idler arms for providing shock absorbing function.