Abstract: A track system for traction of a vehicle that is connectable to an axle of the vehicle and includes a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track-engaging assembly includes a drive wheel for driving the track, idler wheels for contacting a bottom run of the track, and a bogie carrying the idler wheels. The track system includes a transmission for transmitting power from the axle of the vehicle to the drive wheel such that a rotational speed of the drive wheel is different from a rotational speed of the axle of the vehicle. The track system includes a connector disposed between the transmission and the bogie such that the bogie is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the transmission. The connector may be disposed below an output shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: Guide projections 24 of protruding profile are disposed to the peripheral inside of a rubber crawler 10 so as to project out from an inner peripheral face of a rubber resilient body 12. Each of the guide projections 24 is configured with an indented portion 26. The indented portions 26 are open in the guide projections 24 on the peripheral inside.

Abstract: A track assembly for providing traction to an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other tracked vehicle. The track assembly may comprise a wheel device for contacting an inner side of an endless track such that a longitudinal end segment of the endless track turns around the wheel device. The wheel device allows a change in curvature of the longitudinal end segment of the endless track when the longitudinal end segment of the endless track contacts an obstacle on the ground. In some embodiments, the wheel device may comprise a resilient wheel that is elastically deformable. In other embodiments, the wheel device may comprise a wheel carrier carrying a plurality of carried wheels.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for normally wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support member. The track system also comprises a movement limiting link mounted both to the support member and to the vehicle frame. The movement limiting link limits longitudinal and lateral movements of the track system, such as to prevent contact between the track system and the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle track-module including an upper drive wheel, a plurality of idler and bogey wheels, and an endless rubber track with spaced lugs which extends around the wheels and is driven by the drive wheel, which has: a middle main plate with a outer edge of first diameter and inward and outward sides forming the exposed inward and outward surfaces of the drive wheel; drive members axially across and projecting radially beyond the main-plate edge to a second diameter, each drive member having axially inward and outward end portions, a middle portion affixed at its middle position to the main-plate edge, and an outer track-engaging surface; and a rigidity ring affixed to the inward end portions of the drive members and having an inner diameter no less than half the first diameter and an outer diameter no greater than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the axial dimension of the track-engaging surfaces of the drive members is at least 50% greater than the axial dimension of the track lugs.

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: A vehicle track-module including an upper drive wheel, a plurality of idler and bogey wheels, and an endless rubber track with spaced lugs which extends around the wheels and is driven by the drive wheel, which has: a middle main plate with a outer edge of first diameter and inward and outward sides forming the exposed inward and outward surfaces of the drive wheel; drive members axially across and projecting radially beyond the main-plate edge to a second diameter, each drive member having axially inward and outward end portions, a middle portion affixed at its middle position to the main-plate edge, and an outer track-engaging surface; and a rigidity ring affixed to the inward end portions of the drive members and having an inner diameter no less than half the first diameter and an outer diameter no greater than the second diameter. In some embodiments, the axial dimension of the track-engaging surfaces of the drive members is at least 50% greater than the axial dimension of the track lugs.

Abstract: A soil stabilizer for treating ground surface includes a stabilizer frame, a rotor rotatably mounted thereon, the rotor being movable such that the rotor may engage various depths of earth, a rotatable axle, and a track apparatus mounted on the rotatable axle, the track apparatus supporting the stabilizer frame and providing for movement of the stabilizer frame and rotor across the ground surface. The track apparatus may include a continuous flexible track having an upper length and a ground-engaging lower length and including an inner surface, an axle wheel mountable to the rotatable axle for rotational movement therewith, the axle wheel engaging the inner surface of the flexible track along the upper length to drive the flexible track in response to rotation of the axle, and a track apparatus frame for mounting the axle wheel.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending endless track disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, idler and road wheels, and a guide rail.

Abstract: A track assembly having a drive sprocket capable of concentrically supporting several detachable drive rings containing drive teeth shaped to rotate without interfering with track support idler wheels, to provide a reduced center of gravity and substantially provide the same vehicle operating characteristic with tracks as with wheels. A track retainer guide member mounts along a peripheral edge of the track and overlies the track to resist track dislodgement. Independent and/or resiliently biased, rocker arms support track idler wheels to induce track flexion and conformance to encountered obstructions.

Abstract: A track unit for moving a ground work vehicle, comprising two elastic elements proximate to the front and rear ends, interposed between a monolithic upper portion of the structure that supports the driving wheel and a monolithic lower portion that supports two pairs of coaxial guiding wheels with parallel axles and resting rollers, means adapted to ensure a coplanar arrangement of the upper and lower portions of the structure being also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.

Abstract: A vehicle, having a main body is equipped to be fitted mechanically with devices to form a wheeled vehicle, or with devices to form a crawler vehicle. The main body having of the vehicle houses the common components utilized in both configurations such as the engine and the gear box of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked running gear, in which two running gears are arranged parallel to one another and each running gear has a longitudinal member (1) and a running gear chain (2) which runs around the longitudinal member in the longitudinal direction thereof and forms an upper and a lower strand, and at least one traction drive, composed of a motor, transmission and a drive gearwheel which meshes into the running gear chain and also a deflecting wheel which permits chain tensioning by means of a movement relative to the fixed part of the longitudinal member, characterized in that at least one additional traction drive (3) which acts on the upper strand is provided on the longitudinal member, wherein the running gear length is changed or remains unchanged.

Abstract: A track assembly having a drive sprocket capable of concentrically supporting several detachable drive rings containing drive teeth shaped to rotate without interfering with track support idler wheels, to provide a reduced center of gravity and substantially provide the same vehicle operating characteristic with tracks as with wheels. A track retainer guide member mounts along a peripheral edge of the track and overlies the track to resist track dislodgement. Independent and/or resiliently biased, rocker arms support track idler wheels to induce track flexion and conformance to encountered obstructions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. The traction assembly pivots around a pivot point located under the traction axle of the vehicle. This pivot point is preferably longitudinally displaced in relation to such axle.

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: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. The traction assembly pivots around a pivot point located under the traction axle of the vehicle. This pivot point is preferably longitudinally displaced in relation to such axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked running gear, in which two running gears are arranged parallel to one another and each running gear has a longitudinal member (1) and a running gear chain (2) which runs around the longitudinal member in the longitudinal direction thereof and forms an upper and a lower strand, and at least one traction drive, composed of a motor, transmission and a drive gearwheel which meshes into the running gear chain and also a deflecting wheel which permits chain tensioning by means of a movement relative to the fixed part of the longitudinal member, characterized in that at least one additional traction drive (3) which acts on the upper strand is provided on the longitudinal member, wherein the running gear length is changed or remains unchanged.

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 small loader has a central body that is formed as a unitary frame that has spaced apart side walls. The body is supported on drive and support units that are independently assembled, and have mounting plates that bolt to the exterior of the respective side walls of the body when the loader is to be assembled. The mounting plates support a framework for mounting spaced rotatable members, as shown members that mount a drive track for propelling and supporting the body. In one form a separate track drive sprocket is positioned above a slidably mounted track idler that creates a tension in the drive track.

Abstract: A track apparatus of the type mountable on a rotatable axle of a vehicle is provided with a frame having excellent rigidity. The frame, which is preferably of unique uni-body construction, includes first and second portions that define a drive wheel receipt well therebetween for receiving the drive wheel of the track apparatus.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having (i) central passage, and (ii) an inwardly extending annular flange defined therein. The inwardly extending annular flange extends into the central passage so as to define a flange opening having a first diameter. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft having a first end portion which is positioned outside of the central passage of the roller rim and a second end portion which is positioned within the central passage of the roller rim. The second end portion of the roller shaft has an outwardly extending annular flange secured thereto. The outwardly extending annular flange of the roller shaft has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. An undercarriage for a work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having central passage defined therein with (i) a first end of the central passage of the roller rim defining a first access opening, and (ii) a second end of the central passage of the roller rim defining a second access opening. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft having a first end portion which is positioned outside of the central passage of the roller rim and a second end portion which is positioned within the central passage of the roller rim, the second end portion of the roller shaft having an outwardly extending annular flange secured thereto. Yet further, the roller assembly has a retainer press fit into the second access opening. In addition, the roller assembly has an axial thrust bearing interposed between the outwardly extending annular flange of the roller shaft and the retainer. A method for manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A crawler-type vehicle undercarriage including a track frame, an idler, a sprocket, a crawler encompassing the idler, track rollers, and the sprocket and the idler, the sprocket and the track frame located to line up in a straight line comprising the crawler-type vehicle undercarriage comprising (i) an idler avoided from pivoting upwardly or downwardly relative to the track frame, (ii) a first arm pivotally mounted at the bottom of the track frame, and (iii) a second arm pivotally connected to end portion of the first arm. The track roller unit most adjacent the sprocket is preferably pivoted about a pivot center of the first arm positioned at the bottom of the track frame and toward the idler relative to a pivot center of the second arm.

Abstract: A tracked suspension for a tractor or other work vehicle is disclosed having an endless belt, a belt tensioner, a drive wheel, and a plurality of idler wheels mounted to a suspension frame or idler carriage, the assembly being arranged such that the belt tension provided by the tensioner is absorbed within the frame and is not transmitted to the axle extending from the tractor that drives the tracked suspension. The tracked suspension can be adjusted by loosening or removing mounting bolts that fix the suspension to beams extending from the vehicle, sliding the suspension toward or away from the vehicle, and tightening the bolts. By absorbing the belt tensioning forces within the tracked suspension itself, rather than transmitting the belt tensioning forces to the axle, the suspension can be more easily adjusted without requiring the removal and replacement of the drive axle.

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: 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 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 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 recoil and slack adjustment mechanism for tensioning an endless track chain of an undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a ram assembly and an accumulator assembly. The ram assembly includes a ram housing having a ram chamber defined therein. A recoil ram is movably housed within the ram chamber. The recoil ram has a ram subchamber defined therein. The tensioning ram is movably housed within the ram subchamber and is coupled to a front idler roller of the undercarriage assembly. A check valve is disposed between the ram chamber and the ram subchamber such that fluid pressure from the accumulator assembly is selectively exerted on the tensioning ram thereby urging the front idler roller so as to bias the track chain of the undercarriage assembly. The recoil and slack adjustment assembly provides continuous, constant tensioning of the track chain, and does not require the use of live hydraulics.

Abstract: An improved system in an endless track unit of an all-terrain vehicle. A track is driven with a drive wheel that has sprocket disks drivingly engaging the track with more than two teeth from those disks drivingly engaging the track at any given time. The track is trained around the drive wheel and a plurality of undriven guide wheels. A damper wheel may sit downstream of the drive wheel between the drive wheel and the first guide wheel and supports the underside of the track. A preferred embodiment has a sprocket disk with thirteen cogs that have a generally tear-shaped cross section forming teeth of the sprocket, more than two of which drivingly engage a stretch-resistant track at any given time. The track a continuous belt formed of molded rubber with stretch-resistant chords imbedded therein.

Abstract: An endless track structure to replace the wheels of an all-terrain vehicle, that is adequately attached to the existing wheel hub by a removable mounting shaft. This provides a non-rigid frame that supports spaced apart synchronized driving cog wheels. This frame has mounted within its upper portion, two hexagon bore anti-friction bearings that slide onto a hexagon shaped thin wall sleeve, allowing the assembled track structure to be installed as a unit. There are spaced idler wheels in front and rear portions of the non rigid frame that support the track. They form a triangular configuration with raised front portion and flat rear portion. A non rigid frame provides interconnected resilient leaf spring supports located in the front and rear of the track.An endless track maintains its appropriate configuration over the driving cog wheels by the front and rear idler wheels, and under the lower course by spaced apart slider rub bars supported by a flexible frame.

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 track suspension apparatus for a vehicle having a frame and a continuous flexible track is provided and is turned by a drive wheel operably attached to the frame for engaging and driving the flexible track. Structure is provided for rotatably mounting the drive wheel to the vehicle and an adaptive device is associated with the mounting structure is provided for permitting the mounting structure to be attached directly to a first vehicle at times and, alternatively, to a second vehicle at other times.

Abstract: A modular endless track assembly which bolts to the wheel of a wheeled vehicle (e.g. pickup truck or ATV). The assembly includes a wheel retainer plate, drive drum, track frame and plurality of idler wheels, track tension adjuster, and vehicle support bracket. The drive drum and idler wheels cooperate with lugs and channels at the track. The support bracket includes an anti-torque coupler mounted between the vehicle and track frame. The coupler centers the track to an equilibrium position and prevents over rotation. The mounting position of the coupler and mounting brackets is varied at the track frame to accommodate front and rear wheel track assemblies. A recurring, W-shaped groove pattern at the track cooperates with the idler wheels to self-clean the track and maintain controlled vehicle steering.