Abstract: A road wheel for a tracked vehicle includes a first rim half and a second rim half operatively connected to the first rim half. The first rim half includes at least a first portion that is angled away from the second rim half. The second rim half includes at least a first portion that is angled away from the first rim half. A hollow cavity is formed between the first portion of the first rim half and the first portion of the second rim half.

Abstract: A work machine may include an drive frame, a drivable track coupled to the drive frame, an idler wheel coupled to the drive frame to facilitate movement of the drivable track, and a wheel weight coupleable to the idler wheel. The wheel weight may be coupled to the idler wheel without removing the idler wheel from the drive frame.

Abstract: A track roller rim is disclosed. The track roller rim may include an outer member including an annular configuration defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation, where the outer member has an inner circumference, an outer circumference, a first axial end disposed along the axis of rotation, and a second axial end disposed along the axis of rotation. The track roller rim may include a first annular inner member, where the first annular inner member is interference fit within the inner circumference of the outer member at the first axial end. The track roller rim may include a second annular inner member, where the second annular inner member is interference fit within the inner circumference of the outer member at the second axial end.

Abstract: A system includes a track and a track roller. In some examples, the track roller includes an axle member and at least three flange members. The axle member defines a first axis. The at least three flange members extend from the axle member substantially perpendicularly to the first axis. A first portion of the axle member is disposed between a first pair of adjacent flange members of the at least three flange members. A second portion of the axle member is disposed between a second pair of adjacent flange members of the at least three flange members. Each of at least two of the at least three flange members and the first and second portions are configured to contact the track when the track is mounted on a vehicle suspension system including the track roller.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation inhibiting device includes a mass body, a plurality of centrifugal elements, an actuation preventing mechanism and a cam mechanism. The mass body is rotatable with a rotor, and is rotatable relatively to the rotor. Each of the centrifugal elements is disposed to receive a centrifugal force to be generated by rotation of the rotor and the mass body, and is movable in a radial direction. The actuation preventing mechanism restricts at least one of the centrifugal elements from moving outward in the radial direction when the rotor or the mass body is rotated at a predetermined speed or greater. The cam mechanism converts the centrifugal force into a circumferential force with use of actuation of the plurality of centrifugal elements moved in the radial direction by the centrifugal force when a relative displacement is produced between the rotor and the mass body in a rotational direction.

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: A roller unit is provided which includes: (i) a roller configured to roll in contact with a crawler belt; (ii) a roller shaft for rotatably supporting the roller; (iii) a seal fit in an annular space defined between the roller and the roller shaft, wherein the seal is formed such that an inner circumference side sealing portion located on an inner circumference side and an outer circumference side sealing portion located on an outer circumference side and press-fit in the roller are fit together so as to come into slidable contact with each other; and (iv) a collar mounted to the roller shaft, wherein the collar has a boss portion onto which the inner circumference side sealing portion is pressed and a flange portion disposed on an atmosphere side of the inner circumference side sealing portion.

Abstract: A method of estimating soil conditions of a work surface during operation of a track-type tractor measures current operating conditions and current operating state to develop adjustments to a nominal pull-slip curve. The adjusted pull-slip curve is used to calculate optimum performance in terms of an input variable such as track speed. Two factors are developed to reflect soil conditions, coefficient of traction and a shear modulus adjustment that affect different portions of the nominal pull slip curve.

Abstract: A roller device includes a shaft, a bushing, a roller shell, a retainer, and a seal. The roller shell is fitted over the outer circumference of the bushing. The retainer is fixed detachably to an end of the bushing, and fitted in an end of the roller shell on a radially outer side. The seal is disposed on the outer circumference of the shaft so as to seal a gap between the shaft and the bushing. The seal includes a first seal member attached to the bushing and a second seal member attached to the shaft. The first seal member is rotatable relative to the second seal member. The second seal member has an outer circumferential end disposed on an inner side with respect to an inner circumferential end of the retainer.

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: An idler wheel assembly, for example a rear idler wheel assembly, for a snowmobile and includes at least one cross-member that permits load transfer and possible load damping as between a pair of rear idler wheels. The cross-member may be configured to transfer lateral loads, bending loads and other types of loads between the idler wheels. The cross-member is arranged between the wheels in such a manner that it is free to rotate with the idler wheels without interference to or from other structure of a skid frame assembly of the snowmobile. In one embodiment, each idler wheel includes a cross-member that extends inward to connect to the other wheel.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a track-type machine includes a circular body, and a sound dampening member. The circular body includes a central hub portion, an annular flange portion integral with the central hub portion, and a circumferential rim portion to define an annular cavity along with the central hub portion and the annular flange portion. The sound dampening member disposed in the annular cavity and a retainer plate positioned adjacent to the sound dampening member.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly for a track-type machine includes a circular body. The circular body includes a central hub portion, an annular flange portion integral with the central hub portion, and a circumferential rim portion to define an annular cavity along with the central hub portion and the annular flange portion. A sound dampening coating provided on the circular body.

Abstract: An idler for a machine undercarriage includes a hub. The idler may also include a body extending radially outward from the hub, the body including a single solid disk with a first substantially planar side and a second substantially planar side opposite the first substantially planar side.

Abstract: An idler for a machine undercarriage includes a hub. The idler may also include a body extending radially outward from the hub. The body may include a first disk extending radially outward from the hub. The body may also include a second disk extending radially outward from the hub and spaced laterally from the first disk. Radially outer portions of the first and second disks may form a split tread surface without depressed tread shoulders.

Abstract: A track idler includes a. hub having a first portion and a second portion. The track idler may also include a first web extending radially outward from the first portion of the hub, the first web and the first portion of the hub being formed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. Additionally, the track idler may include a second web spaced laterally from the first web, the second web extending radially outward from the second portion of the hub, the second web and the second portion of the hub being formed from a single, unitary piece of parent material.

Abstract: An undercarriage guiding assembly includes a track roller frame. The assembly may also include a roller connected to the track roller frame for rotation relative thereto, the roller having a roller body constructed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. The roller body may include a first roller tread disposed between a first end of the roller body and a second end of the roller body. The roller body may also include a second roller tread disposed between the first and second ends of the roller body. Additionally, the assembly may include an idler connected to the track roller frame for rotation relative thereto. The idler may include a huh and a body extending radially outward from the hub, the body having a first substantially planar side surface and a second substantially planar side surface opposite the first substantially planar side surface.

Abstract: A roller for a machine undercarriage may include a roller body constructed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. The roller may also include a first roller tread disposed between a first end of the roller body and a second end of the roller body. Additionally, the roller may include a second roller tread disposed between the first and second ends of the roller body.

Abstract: The crawler-type travel device includes a plurality of shoe plates, a first link section, a rotational wheel, and a shaft. The rotational wheel includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller makes contact with first end portions corresponding to axial outer ends of the first link members forming the first link section. The second roller is aligned with and disposed on the axial inner side of the first roller. The second roller is rotatable independently from the first roller. The second roller makes contact with second end portions corresponding to axial inner ends of the first link members.

Abstract: A method of modifying a track assembly wheel includes removing at least a portion of the wheel from the track assembly including a first disc, securing a second disc to the wheel on a first side of the first disc to create a modified track wheel, and replacing the modified track wheel on the track assembly such that the wheel engages a continuous track of the track assembly and an alignment mechanism of the track, the wheel being positioned such that a portion of the alignment mechanism is between the first disc and the second disc such that the first disc engages a first side of the portion of the alignment mechanism and the second disc engages a second side of the portion of the alignment mechanism.

Abstract: An endless track support roller is mounted for rotation about a shaft adapted for being fixed between parallel rails of a track support frame. The roller comprises mirror image halves, with a pair of thrust bushings being received on the shaft and respectively disposed in supporting relationship to the roller halves. Each thrust bushing includes an axially outwardly facing thrust face. Mounting brackets fixed to opposite ends of the shaft are adapted to be fixed to the pair of frame rails. Non-uniform edge loading of the bushings resulting from shaft deformations caused by flexure of the frame rails is minimized by providing axially inwardly facing ends of the brackets with spherically contoured surfaces, and by locating an annular spacer between each bracket and bushing thrust face, the annular spacer having outer and inner axially facing surfaces respectively shaped complimentary to the spherically contoured bracket surface and to the bushing thrust face.

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: A roller wheel for a track-type travelling vehicle is disposed on a non-ground-engaging side of a track and supported by a vehicle body frame. The roller wheel includes a shaft, a roller assembly and a bearing. The shaft is supported by the vehicle body frame. The roller assembly is disposed on an outer periphery of the shaft. The bearing allows the roller assembly to be rotatably supported by the shaft therethrough. The roller assembly includes a tubular inner roller shell disposed closer to the vehicle body frame, and a tubular outer roller shell disposed outwards of the inner roller, the tubular outer roller shell being coupled to the inner roller shell by a straddle fitting structure.

Abstract: A track roller assembly for a track-type machine such as an excavator or a tractor includes an outer surface with no fluid ports and an inner surface free from any fluids. The track roller includes a shaft resting on self-lubricated bushings, which include a substrate that has lubricating properties, such as a substrate that carries a solid lubricant. The track roller assembly also includes a collar on either side of the shaft, with a retention pin passing through the shaft and connecting the two collars.

Abstract: A roller for supporting an endless track of a track laying tractor is mounted for rotation about a shaft or axle fixed between transversely spaced, parallel rails of a track support frame. The roller is constructed of mirror image halves having axially inner ends welded together, with a pair of thrust bushings being received on the shaft and respectively disposed in supporting relationship the roller halves. Each thrust bushing includes an axially outer end defined by an annular flange having an axially outwardly facing flat bearing surface. A pair of mounting brackets are respectively received on, and fixed to opposite ends of the shaft and fixed to the pair of rails of the support frame.

Abstract: A track roller assembly for a track-type machine such as an excavator or a tractor includes an outer surface with no fluid ports and an inner surface free from any fluids. The track roller includes a shaft resting on self-lubricated bushings, which include a substrate that has lubricating properties, such as a substrate that carries a solid lubricant. The track roller assembly also includes a collar and a retention plate on both sides of the shaft.

Abstract: An idler assembly is disclosed for a shovel having a flexible track assembly. In an embodiment, the idler assembly comprises an idler gear operatively associated with the track assembly; a sleeve; a shaft, sets of splines on the shaft and on the sleeve sized for engagement, and connectors at ends of the shaft; at least one bearing block forming a bore therethrough; at least one bushing liner disposed within at least one bearing block; and at least one retaining device for constraining the shaft from withdrawal from the bearing block. A method for retrofitting a shovel with an existing idler assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises positioning at least one bushing liner within a bore of at least one bearing block; attaching an idler shaft and an idler gear together; and positioning the idler shaft within the at least one bushing liner.

Abstract: A drive unit (10) for an inspection vehicle which can be used on ferromagnetic bases (19), especially in generators, which drive unit includes a motor-powered crawler track (18) and also magnetic devices for holding the drive unit (10) on the base (19). An improved insensitivity to uneven spots in the base is achieved by the crawler track (18), in the region where it bears upon the base (19), being guided via inner, spring-mounted running wheels (12), and by the magnetic devices being integrated in the running wheels (12).

Abstract: Endless tracks constructed from the casing of a vehicle tire by removing the casing sidewalls. The track is installed “as is” over pneumatic tires which are mounted in a frame that allows the axle centerline of the tires to be skewed relative to each other so that the track will run on-center when no side load is present. Guide rollers contact the sides of the track to limit the amount of off-center displacement when a side load is present. A spring loaded wiper is installed so that it contacts the underside of the upper run of the track and removes debris prior to the track feeding onto the front pneumatic tire which applies driving force to the track.

Abstract: The invention refers to a truck roller assembly (12) for a crawler chain comprising at least two spaced track roller portions (5, 5?) with running surfaces for running on the crawler chain (13), and a star-shaped element (6) for guiding the track roller assembly (12) on the crawler chain (13). The star-shaped element (6) is mounted freely rotatably between the at least two track roller portions (5, 5?), and it is provided with a plurality of teeth (6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???). The teeth (6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???) co-operate with the crawler chain (13) in such a way that on rolling over chain links (3) of the crawler chain (13) they engage into corresponding gaps (8) in the crawler chain (13).

Abstract: A track-type work machine is provided, including a roller frame and a track extending about the roller frame. A track roller is mounted along the roller frame and rotatable against the track. The track roller is rotatably supported by a bearing that includes a shaft extending in the track roller and at least one sleeve rotatable about the shaft. At least one of the sleeve and the track roller include a load transmitting crown. A method is further provided of reducing edge loading of a track roller bearing, by transmitting selected loads on the bearing toward a center thereof at least in part by crowning a rotatable sleeve of the bearing.

Abstract: An assembly for a tracked vehicle includes a wheel defining a wheel cavity and a face seal including a rigid sealing ring and a flexible ring disposed on the sealing ring, the flexible ring having an outermost substantially cylindrical surface defining a maximum diameter of the ring. The flexible ring sized so that the maximum diameter is slightly larger than the wheel cavity.

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly including a shaft having a first diameter and including at least one circumferential groove, the shaft having second diameter less than the first diameter at the groove, and at least one idler wheel. The idler wheel includes a rim having an outside diameter greater than the first diameter and a split hub concentric with and coupled to the rim and having a normally circular shape with an inner diameter less than the first diameter and greater than the second diameter, wherein upon compression of the rim the split hub is configured to deflect from the normally circular shape such that the inner diameter of the split hub increases to exceed at least the first diameter to enable the split hub to be slid over the shaft to the groove, and upon removal of the compression to the rim, the split hub is configured to return to the normally circular shape such that the split hub fits into and is retained within the groove and is free to spin about the shaft.

Abstract: A metal cap covers the open end of a sleeve, forming the hub of a roller for a tracked vehicle, to form en enclosed oil bath for the bearings where the cap includes on a center domed section a center opening covered by a transparent window for viewing of a level of oil in the bath and has a first and a second filler opening each closed by a screw plug where the filler openings are arranged generally on opposite sides of the center opening such that generally one of the openings will be available for filling above a horizontal line passing through the center of the domed section.

Abstract: A track roller unit for a vehicle has at least one pivotable subframe, at least one further pivotable subframe, wherein each of the subframes rotatably accommodates at least one land wheel, at least one subframe is pivotably mountable on the vehicle, and at least the further substrate is pivotally mounted on the one subframe.

Abstract: There is provided a wheel assembly and associated method of mounting wheels about a hub, by providing a hub comprising a shoulder having a clearing space allowing a wheel introduced by one side of the hub to be pivoted to an opposite side thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a support roller of a crawler type traveling apparatus which can prevent a rotational resistance from being increased by the soil or the like, and can stably achieve a function serving as the support roller for a long time. The invention provides a support roller of a crawler type traveling apparatus provided with a shaft (1), a support portion (2) supporting a center portion in an axial direction of the shaft (1), and a pair of rollers (3, 3) respectively arranged in both end portions (1a, 1a) of the shaft (1) and rotating together with the shaft (1). A mounting seat portion (36) of the support portion (2) to a track frame (51) is set within a range (S) of a roller outer shape formed by a pair of rollers (3, 3) in a plan view.

Abstract: The invention provides a shaft for a roller wheel which is excellent in strength and can achieve a weight saving. The invention provides a shaft for a roller wheel which rotatably supports a roller (3) outward fitted between both end portions (5a, 5b) in a state in which both end portions (5a, 5b) are fixed, and receives a load in a diametrical direction via the roller (3). Recess portions (6, 6) are provided on a side to which the load is not applied, on an outer peripheral surface corresponding to the roller (3). The load applying direction is a vertical direction. A cross sectional shape of the shaft in the recess portions (6, 6) is formed in a shape which is constituted by an upper circular arc portion (10) on an upper side, a lower circular arc portion (11) on a lower side, and a vertical connection portion (12) passing through a shaft axis (O) and connecting the upper circular arc portion (10) to the lower circular arc portion (11).

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle is supported and driven by endless track units. Each track unit includes a drive belt with rows of interior drive lugs driven by cogs on multiple sprocket wheels of a common drive wheel assembly having an integrated, one-piece drum and hub. Multiple guide wheel assemblies engaging the lower run of the drive belt distribute the vehicle load across substantially the full width of the belt. Each guide wheel assembly includes a pair of guide wheel units mounted on opposite end portions of a common spindle and on opposite sides of a carrier beam of the track unit. Each guide wheel unit has a wide belt-engaging surface extending to, or close to, an edge portion of the belt and interrupted by an annular groove permitting passage of a row of the belt drive lugs while maintaining alignment of the belt and drive wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a shaft for a roller wheel which is excellent in strength and can achieve a weight saving. The invention provides a shaft for a roller wheel which rotatably supports a roller (3) outward fitted between both end portions (5a, 5b) in a state in which both end portions (5a, 5b) are fixed, and receives a load in a diametrical direction via the roller (3). Recess portions (6, 6) are provided on a side to which the load is not applied, on an outer peripheral surface corresponding to the roller (3). The load applying direction is a vertical direction. A cross sectional shape of the shaft in the recess portions (6, 6) is formed in a shape which is constituted by an upper circular arc portion (10) on an upper side, a lower circular arc portion (11) on a lower side, and a vertical connection portion (12) passing through a shaft axis (O) and connecting the upper circular arc portion (10) to the lower circular arc portion (11).

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 method of compacting a mat of hot mix asphalt which has been laid by an advancing asphalt paver, the method comprising advancing an asphalt compactor over the laid asphalt such that a compaction surface of the compactor, formed by a lower run of at least one belt, is engaged with any one portion of the mat for a period of at least 1.5 seconds, the compaction surface applying a maximum average load stress to the mat of less than about 50 kPa (7.252 psi). Compaction may be achieved using a compactor (60) comprising two longitudinally spaced modular compaction units (62) connected relative to each other, and a power source for driving at least one of the modular compaction units (62), wherein at least one of the modular compaction units (62) is adjustable to permit steering of the compactor, and wherein each of said modular compaction units (62) comprises a compaction belt (74), support means (78, 80) for the belt to define a planar lower run of the belt (74) forming a compaction surface.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle is supported and driven by endless track units. Each track unit includes a drive belt with rows of interior drive lugs driven by cogs on multiple sprocket wheels of a common drive wheel assembly having an integrated, one-piece drum and hub. Multiple guide wheel assemblies engaging the lower run of the drive belt distribute the vehicle load across substantially the full width of the belt. Each guide wheel assembly includes a pair of guide wheel units mounted on opposite end portions of a common spindle and on opposite sides of a carrier beam of the track unit. Each guide wheel unit has a wide belt-engaging surface extending to, or close to, an edge portion of the belt and interrupted by an annular groove permitting passage of a row of the belt drive lugs while maintaining alignment of the belt and drive wheel assembly.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle is supported and driven by endless track units. Each track unit includes a drive belt with rows of interior drive lugs driven by cogs on multiple sprocket wheels of a common drive wheel assembly having an integrated, one-piece drum and hub. Multiple guide wheel assemblies engaging the lower run of the drive belt distribute the vehicle load across substantially the full width of the belt. Each guide wheel assembly includes a pair of guide wheel units mounted on opposite end portions of a common spindle and on opposite sides of a carrier beam of the track unit. Each guide wheel unit has a wide belt-engaging surface extending to, or close to, an edge portion of the belt and interrupted by an annular groove permitting passage of a row of the belt drive lugs while maintaining alignment of the belt and drive wheel assembly.

Abstract: A shaft/roller unit for tracked vehicles which has a long life and resistance to wear is formed by a shaft (54) which has a shoulder (55) in its central portion, perpendicular to its axis, and onto which two wholly hardened steel half-rollers (56, 57) are fitted, one on each side of the shoulder, with the interposition of antifriction bushings (58, 59), the half-rollers grasping the shoulder (55) and, when they have been welded together along a mating contact and locating surface (60), forming a unitary roller which has a predetermined axial position on the shaft and can withstand considerable axial stresses.

Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a tire supported by an underlying wheel. The tire has inner and outer surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and first and second recesses. Cables are in the tire proximate the inner surface. The wheel has inner and outer flanges, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the wheel receives the inner surface of the tire. The outer surface of the outer flange has lesser and greater diameter portions extending from respective sides. The lesser diameter portion covers at least 60 percent of the width of the outer surface. The greater diameter portion, defines a side flange, integral with the outer flange. A second side flange is removably mounted to the outer flange. The side flanges comprise side-facing abutment surfaces which interface with side-facing surfaces on the tire. The difference between the lesser and greater diameters is greater than radial stretch capability of the tire.

Abstract: A structure for standardizing at least one kind of part of a roller assembly for a construction vehicle so that the part can be used for a same size of construction vehicles having different structural specifications of a plurality of construction vehicle makers. The at least one kind of part includes at least one of a shell, a shaft, a floating seal, a bushing and a collar. Structural specifications including the configuration and dimension, the kind of steel or material, and the heat treatment specification or the mechanical property for the at least one kind of part are unified as much as possible over the same size of the construction vehicles of a plurality of construction vehicle makers.

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 rolling wheel support structure for crawler traveling apparatus includes rotary shafts rotatably supporting rolling wheels which roll on a ground contacting side of an inner circumferential surface of an endless crawler, a track frame supporting the rotary shaft thereon, and a buffer member formed of an elastic material and provided between the track frame and a rotary shaft

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.