Abstract: An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a minimum tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the minimum tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: In a tracklaying gear with a frame having an idler wheel linear guide in which at least one guide piece holding the idler wheel axle is movable, and on which a tensioning means of a tensioning device supported in the frame can act in the guidance direction, at least one mechanically guided and centered elastomer spring body is installed to bulge under axial compression, such that the spring body can be readjusted, the elastomer spring body consisting of an elastomer material largely incompressible as a spring.

Abstract: A pretensioned spring track tensioning system provides a two stage loading of a tension roller on the interior of a vehicle drive track. The two stage loading first loads the track under a lower tension load for normal operation, but when the track is highly loaded, such as when digging, or when debris is forced between the track member and its drive sprocket or guide rollers, the compression of the lighter spring will be stopped mechanically and a second heavier compression spring will provide the tension loading. The additional spring tension under unusual conditions prevents detracking of the track and buckling of the track. A lighter tension load during normal operations reduces the loads on bearings, particularly in relation to a drive motor. The tensioning system has particular adaptability to “high” drive type tracks which have a drive sprocket elevated above the tension roller.

Abstract: A chain tensioner for a track of a track vehicle that has a track tensioning assembly including a compression spring mounted on to a shaft. The spring is captured between a pair of retainers, the outer end one of which is mounted to permit limited sliding movement of the spring during use. The limited sliding movement is provided by one of the retainers comprising a sliding block that is supported in position with a pair of cross pins that pass through cross recesses on opposite sides of the shaft to hold the block while permitting axial movement of the block between desired limits in longitudinal direction. The cross pins also to retain the block against rotation about the central axis of the shaft. The block will slide easily, and when used with hardened parts gets long wear life as well as maintaining a tension in the track as it moves.

Abstract: A resilient track-tensioning device for tracked automotive vehicles has a track tensioning wheel arrangement (26) which includes a generally elongated pendular arm (38) which rotatably supports a track-tensioning wheel unit (62), a pretensioning or biassing arm (72) which is much shorter than the pendular arm and which has a first end-part for force transmission engagement with the pendular arm (38) at its end-part (74) that carries the track-tensioning wheel unit (62), and a second end-part for pivotal attachment to a carrier (20) through the medium of a pretensioning or biassing means (76). The device further includes an element (66) for adjustably fixing the distance between the rotational center of the track-tensioning wheel unit (62) and the attachment point (46) of the pendular arm (38). The invention also relates to a track support assembly which includes an inventive track-tensioning device.