Abstract: A ground-engaging track system includes a center tread idler having an inner surface defining an idler axis of rotation, and an outer tread surface. The ground-engaging track system further includes a track contacted by the idler between parallel track chains and defining a track pitch dimension. The outer tread surface defines an outer diameter dimension, and a ratio of the track pitch dimension to the outer diameter dimension is between 28% and 37%. The outer diameter dimension may be one of the outer diameters of Table 1. The idler and track contact during service at fixed bushing-idler contact locations so as to bias wearing away material of the idler to form pockets imparting a sprocketed configuration to the idler during service.

Abstract: The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice-versa. The wheel permits a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheel-track consists of several main components: an outer tire/tread, drive mechanisms for the wheel and track, support mechanisms for the outer tread when in either wheel mode or track mode, and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from a wheel to a track and vice-versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transition from wheel to track and vice-versa, and securely maintain each shape.

Abstract: A band track including a band having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first side face, and a second side face; a plurality of teeth extending from the inner surface and spaced apart circumferentially around the inner surface; a plurality of lugs extending from the outer surface and each spaced a distance apart circumferentially around the outer surface; a plurality of living hinges defined within the band circumferentially between each of the plurality of teeth; and at least one fiber-reinforcement disposed circumferentially within a neutral plane of the plurality of living hinges and a method of making the same.

Abstract: A method for securing a wear resistant body to a steel base comprise locating a body of tungsten carbide on a surface of the steel base, surrounding the body of tungsten carbide with a weld pool and while the weld pool is hot, slowly cooling the weld pool so as to assist with adhesion of the weld pool to the body of tungsten carbide by the application of head from frictional contact with a rotary wire brush.

Abstract: A crawler bar of a crawler track of a crawler vehicle is provided, including a linear bar base body and a cutting element. The cutting element contains a plurality of cutting element portions, each including a cutter-connecting member and a cutter. When installed, the crawler bar engages on a driving surface of the vehicle. The cutter-connecting member protrudes from and extends on the bar base body in a longitudinal extension of the bar base body. A main face of a first cutter-connecting member of a first cutting element portion lies in a plane (H1), a main face of a further cutter-connecting member of a further cutting element portion lies in a plane (H2), and the two planes (H1) and (H2) have a single intersection line (S)with each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a detachable traction system for track vehicles comprising a multiplicity of gripping bars each of which is bolted through a tread of a corresponding multiplicity of treads on each track of an endless track vehicle. The ice traction components include gripping bars each having a gripping surface comprising a patch of durable rough protrusive material. The mud or snow traction components include gripping bars each having a compression trough. In combination with the gripping bars being angled across their respective treads toward ensuring stability of steering and direction of travel of the vehicle, the tapering of the compression troughs reduces or eliminates clogging of the compression bars with mud or snow during travel thereby increasing performance through snowy, slushy, or semi-liquid terrain.

Abstract: A snowmobile track stud support includes a base configured to be coupled to a track of a snowmobile. A first boss extends from the base. The first boss includes a distal end having a boss aperture within which a stud can be disposed. A second boss extends from the base. The second boss includes a distal end with a boss aperture within which a stud can be disposed. A support flange extends from at least one of the first and second bosses and is disposed between the first and second bosses. The support flange includes a peak that projects away from the base. The distance from the peak to the base is greater than the distance from the distal end of the first boss to the base.

Abstract: A rubber crawler includes: a rubber belt serving as an example of an endless rubber body entrained around plural wheels; plural rubber projections that are formed at the rubber belt at intervals around a crawler peripheral direction of the rubber belt, that project toward an inner peripheral side of the rubber belt, and that limit movement of the wheels in a crawler width direction through contact; and at least one metal member embedded in each rubber projection, the at least one metal member raising a rigidity of the rubber projection in the crawler width direction, and including a portion that is exposed from the rubber projection.

Abstract: A traction enhancement device for a snowmobile including a plurality of traction studs extending from a stud plate. The device configured for mounting to a snowmobile track by a central mounting stud extending through the track and the stud plate. The device provides for a plurality of traction studs to be mounted to the track with only a single hole in the track. A method of mounting a fraction enhancement device to a snowmobile track that provides a plurality of traction studs with only a single hole through the track.

Abstract: An endless track for a track assembly providing traction to a work vehicle (e.g., an agricultural vehicle, a construction vehicle, etc.). The endless track comprises an elastomeric carcass having an inner side for facing wheels of the work vehicle and a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground. The endless track has a lug replacement capability to facilitate replacement of one or more drive/guide lugs on the inner side and/or one or more traction lugs on the ground-engaging outer side or portions of these lugs.

Abstract: A track assembly having a carriage with frames that support a plurality of idler and bogey wheels. A portion of one of the frames is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame. A tensioning apparatus is connected to the frames so that they are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage may include an offset hub support frame that includes an aperture that rotatably receives a spindle of an adaptor. The adaptor includes a peripheral flange to which a segmented sprocket may be connected, and a ring extension that may be connected to a wheel hub of an irrigation vehicle. A flexible endless track, that is entrained about the wheels and the sprocket may be provided with one or more cleats that are removably connected to the flexible, endless track, with each cleat including a ground engaging member that serves to increase the traction of the endless track.

Abstract: In some implementations, a flexible track for a tracked vehicle comprises a flexible belt with an inner surface and a ground-engaging surface, the ground-engaging surface comprising outwardly projecting lugs spaced apart along the track, wherein at least one of the lugs comprises a vertical section having a curved leading edge. In some implementations, the flexible track comprises a flexible belt with an inner belt surface, an opposite outer belt surface and at least one track bar attached to the outer surface and extending approximately perpendicular to a direction of the track's travel, the track bar having an outer surface with multiple projecting lugs and an inner surface with at least one holding element, and wherein when the track bar is tightened against the outer belt surface, the holding element engages the outer belt surface, thereby reducing slipping between the flexible belt and the track bar.

Abstract: A cross-link for a track of a tracked vehicle, such as a tracked carrier vehicle. The track comprises a plurality of belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of the tracked vehicle, the belts having a ground-facing side for facing the ground. The cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts. The elongate member has a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts. The cross-link also comprises a sole mountable to the elongate member. The sole comprises a ground-engaging portion for engaging the ground. A ground contact area of the sole may be substantially different from a projected area of the elongate member onto the ground. For example, a length of the ground-engaging portion of the sole may be substantially different from a length of the elongate member.

Abstract: A grouser for crawler vehicle tracks defined by a fastening member which extends in a first direction substantially crosswise to a second traveling direction of a track, is fixed to at least one supporting belt of the track, and has an inner cavity open laterally in the first direction. The grouser includes a toothed gripping member projecting from the fastening member to grip the terrain. The grouser also includes two plugs for closing the inner cavity laterally in the first direction.

Abstract: In some implementations, a flexible track for a tracked vehicle comprises a flexible belt with an inner surface and a ground-engaging surface, the ground-engaging surface comprising outwardly projecting lugs spaced apart along the track, wherein at least one of the lugs comprises a vertical section having a curved leading edge. In some implementations, the flexible track comprises a flexible belt with an inner belt surface, an opposite outer belt surface and at least one track bar attached to the outer surface and extending approximately perpendicular to a direction of the track's travel, the track bar having an outer surface with multiple projecting lugs and an inner surface with at least one holding element, and wherein when the track bar is tightened against the outer belt surface, the holding element engages the outer belt surface, thereby reducing slipping between the flexible belt and the track bar.

Abstract: A traction chain assembly for providing improved traction to elastomeric tracks is provided. The traction chain assembly comprises two side brackets adapted to be mounted on each side of the track and generally to the drive lugs thereof. The traction chain assembly further comprises generally two laterally extending chains which are attached to the side brackets and which further extend at least partially over the traction lugs located on the outer surface of the track and over which the assembly is disposed. Some of the chain links of the chains of the traction chain assembly are also generally equipped with outwardly projecting grousers for increasing the traction thereof.

Abstract: An individual replacement drive or guide lug for missing or worn lugs located on an inner circumference of various endless rubber tracks used on multi-surface vehicles. The lug comprises a body and a fastening including a bolt and washer. To install the drive lug properly, an inner surface of the track where the original vulcanized rubber drive lug was located must be prepared. When the original drive lug fails, it leaves an irregular surface and must be ground flat with the inner track belt substrate. The bolts are then secured through the track and the lug so as to removably secure the lug to the inner surface of the track.

Abstract: An individual replacement drive or guide lug for missing or worn lugs located on an inner circumference of various endless rubber tracks used on multi-surface vehicles. The lug comprises a body and a fastening including a bolt and washer. To install the drive lug properly, an inner surface of the track where the original vulcanized rubber drive lug was located must be prepared. When the original drive lug fails, it leaves an irregular surface and must be ground flat with the inner track belt substrate. The bolts are then secured through the track and the lug so as to removably secure the lug to the inner surface of the track.

Abstract: A stud mount for detachably mounting a traction stud to a snowmobile track assembly including an endless drive belt having at least one laterally extending reinforcing rod embedded in the drive belt. At least one stud mount is secured about the reinforcing rod by way of a mounting head and is opened to the ground-engaging side of the track to receive a traction stud. One or more stabilizing arms project laterally from the mounting head and are adapted embedded in the endless drive belt to provide lateral stability to the stud mounts under torque load.

Abstract: An individual replacement drive or guide lug for missing or worn lugs located on an inner circumference of various endless rubber tracks used on multi-surface vehicles. The lug comprises a body and a fastening including a bolt and washer. To install the drive lug properly, an inner surface of the track where the original vulcanized rubber drive lug was located must be prepared. When the original drive lug fails, it leaves an irregular surface and must be ground flat with the inner track belt substrate. The bolts are then secured through the track and the lug so as to removably secure the lug to the inner surface of the track.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction device for a terrain engaging element. The traction device defines a stud having a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion and adapted to be secured into the terrain engaging element. A plurality of spherical carbide pellets are bonded together on and to surfaces of the head. The carbide pellets are provided in multiple layers extending across the head surface. The carbide pellets are provided in a stacked relationship to each other so that during use the carbide pellets are capable of being individually dislodged to reveal a carbide pellet of an underlying layer.

Abstract: An individual replacement drive or guide lug for missing or worn lugs located on an inner circumference of various endless rubber tracks used on multi-surface vehicles. The lug comprises a body and a fastening including a bolt and washer. To install the drive lug properly, an inner surface of the track where the original vulcanized rubber drive lug was located must be prepared. When the original drive lug fails, it leaves an irregular surface and must be ground flat with the inner track belt substrate. The bolts are then secured through the track and the as to removably secure the lug to the inner surface of the track.

Abstract: A gasoline engine powered snowboard having an endless track trained about a support frame containing driven and idler wheels. A molded chassis having alternative contoured track support pans cooperate with flexible track surfaces (e.g. fringe or pleat members) and forward and rear foot supports to enable steering with foot and body movements. Engine operation is directed from an upright operator support column and directed servos coupled to the engine. One support pan exhibits a beveled contour and includes a recessed elliptic channel; another supports a reciprocating plate and steering wheels. Slit fringe members and pleats along right and left peripheral track edges cooperate with the pan contours and/or wheels to steer the vehicle. UHMW covered drive lugs and formed UHMW stiffener surfaces project from internal track surfaces. Ground contact lugs exhibit contoured thickness profiles, elongated, inverted V-shapes and include recesses.

Abstract: A detachable crawler (1, 20) capable of increasing the durability thereof on a rubber belt part (4) body side, wherein each of a metal core (6) and a track shoe (21) of a detachable pad (5) is formed so that tightening force in a specific range (approx. 4.90 to 78.5 MPa per unit area) can be applied to a rubber elastic body (4a) including a tensile reinforcing layer (2) sandwiched between a core bar (3) in the rubber belt part (4) and the metal core (6) or steel track shoe (21) of the detachable paid (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing bent snowmobile studs for use in an assembly are disclosed. The assembly comprises a bent stud having a head and proximal and distal shank portions and a fastener which is adapted to connect with respect to the distal shank portion of the stud. The head and shank of the stud are engaged by members which are mechanically pivoted with respect to one another such that the shank is bent. The assembly prevents rotational movement between the stud and the track.

Abstract: This invention refers to the traction lugs of reinforced elastomeric endless traction bands, and more particularly to those which are used on heavy vehicles like defense vehicles or for skid steer vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to traction lugs which are angled with respect to the transversal axis of the traction band and preferably disposed in chevrons, which optimize the band's traction while reducing the occurrences of teeth skipping and the level of vibrations and noise induced by the interaction of the traction band with the sprocket.

Abstract: A detachable grouser assembly for use with vehicles having continuous flexible tracks includes a traction grouser adapted and constructed to fit onto a track of the vehicle. A selectively releasable mechanical attachment assembly connects the traction grouser to the track of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire assembly for irrigation systems that prevents the formation of ruts caused by repeated travel along a path by tires of a mobile vehicle or structure. The tire assembly includes dual tires with a flexible belt member wrapped around the outer periphery of the two tires having a plurality of cleat members located on the outer surface of the flexible belt member. The cleat members direct water away from the center of the travel path. The flexible belt member further includes plural center guides to keep the belt in place. The tire assembly reduces soil compaction by providing a greater ground engaging surface area to more evenly distribute the weight of the equipment and by directing water away from the center of the travel path.

Abstract: A stud stabilizing, positioning and force distributing member for mounting a stud on the outer face of an endless track which includes a plurality of integrally formed traction lugs that extend outwardly beyond the outer track base. The force distributing member includes a hollow enclosure wall, defining an inwardly opening cavity, having a terminal rim which lies in a predetermined plane for abutting the outer face of the track portion between the traction lugs. The enclosure wall includes an aperture there-through which mounts a traction stud at a rearwardly forwardly inclined angle, relative to the direction of track travel and relative to a line perpendicular to the plane, to dispose the stud on the underside of the lower run of the track at a forwardly outwardly inclined angle relative to the vertical line when the track is not under load and a vertical position when the track is under load to drive a snowmobile.

Abstract: A grouser structure for use on an outer surface of a continuous track belt to provide traction and shock absorption, the grouser structure including a grouser body that defines a grouser chamber and a spline element positioned within the grouser chamber. In one preferred embodiment a shock absorption gap is formed between the inner chamber peripheral surface and the outer spline peripheral surface. In another preferred embodiment the base of the grouser body is solid or contains other structure to prevent the first body side leg and the second body side leg from spreading. In yet another preferred embodiment the spline element is a solid reinforcement spline element. In still another preferred embodiment the spline element is associated with an extension section to which an ice cleat may be functionally attached.

Abstract: This invention relates to endless tracks and systems used to propel track-laying 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 rubber track design and system allowing the endless track to be driven more efficiently at highway speeds. The track is made from a polymer adapted to travel over a drive sprocket, a plurality of guide wheels and a tensioning wheel, said track having a first exterior ground engaging surface and a second interior drive sprocket engaging surface, said track comprising: a carcass portion in which reinforcing means are embedded into said polymer; a plurality of tread lugs disposed on said first engaging surface; a plurality of drive lugs disposed on said second engaging surface and a plurality of drive horns disposed on said second engaging surface.

Abstract: The crawler belt 20 is structured of a plurality of inner shoes 21; a plurality of outer shoes 30 arranged to oppose each of the inner shoes; an endless ring-shaped rubber belt member 26 retained between the inner shoes and outer shoes respectively opposing each other; and an endless ring-shaped steel wire 27 embedded in the belt member extending in the longitudinal direction. The inner shoes 21 are arranged side by side along the inner periphery of the belt member, the outer shoes are arranged side by side along the outer periphery of the belt member, and concave portions are arranged in the longitudinal direction between the inner shoes and formed openly toward the inner periphery for receiving the sprocket teeth. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the travel noise while maintaining the advantages of the strength, durability and repairability of steel crawler belts.

Abstract: An endless track system for providing a plurality of rigid grouser members attached about the exterior surface of a rubber track. The inventive device includes an endless rubber track having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of gripping members attached to the outer surface of the endless track, and a plurality of inner members attached to the inner surface of the endless track and to the gripping members. Each of the inner members is comprised of an elongate support member with a pair of opposing side walls attached orthogonally to. The gripping members are preferably comprised of a center member surrounded by an outer coating. The outer coating may be comprised of any plastic or rubber material for reducing damage to surfaces traveled upon. The gripping members are preferably attached to the inner members by a plurality of fasteners that extend through the endless rubber track.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleat assembly for drive tracks for tracked vehicles, in particular those used for grooming ski slopes. The cleat assembly has a cleat member that includes, in cross section, a U-shaped body as a connection shank and two U-shanks connected with the connection shank via a flex rim that fit together and end opposite to the connection shank by forming an end piece of the cleat member. The flex rim includes a roll bead that is positioned projecting essentially outward from the connecting shank and bent upward toward the end piece.

Abstract: A clip for use on a track of a snowmobile of the type having a suspension system equipped with one or more elongated slide runners, the track consisting of an endless body having an outer face with transverse ground engaging profiles spaced longitudinally thereof and inner surface adapted to receive, on portions of the lower run thereof, a slide runner of the suspension system. The clip has an inner wall and a pair of side walls engaging the body of the track. The inner wall includes a flat face receiving a slide runner thereon during use of the snowmobile. The flat face displays a series of holes whereby snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels, when lodged in these holes during use, provides lubrication for the sliding contact of the slide runner on a clip and cooling of the clip body from heat generated by the frictional contact of the slide runner on the clip.

Abstract: A stud stabilizing, positioning and force distributing member for mounting a stud on the outer face of an endless track which includes a plurality of integrally formed traction lugs that extend outwardly beyond the outer track base. The force distributing member includes a hollow enclosure wall, defining an inwardly opening cavity, having a terminal rim which lies in a predetermined plane for abutting the outer face of the track portion between the traction lugs. The enclosure wall includes an aperture there-through which mounts a traction stud at a rearwardly forwardly inclined angle, relative to the direction of track travel and relative to a line perpendicular to the plane, to dispose the stud on the underside of the lower run of the track at a forwardly outwardly inclined angle relative to the vertical line when the track is not under load and a vertical position when the track is under load to drive a snowmobile.

Abstract: A crawler web for crawler belts of crawler vehicles, in particular for ski slope vehicles or cross-country trackers, is proposed, which is fastened, transversely to the running direction, to mutually parallel bands oriented in the direction of travel. The bands being an elongate basic body which has a sheet-like support connected in the direction of the bands. The object of the invention is to provide a crawler web which can be adapted individually for different applications and can be produced at comparatively low costs. The object is achieved in that the basic body encompasses, in cross section, two side legs with a connecting web arranged between them, at least one side leg approaching the other in such a way that a cutting edge can be inserted between the legs.

Abstract: Metallic clips are provided on the endless track of a snowmobile equipped with one or more elongated slide runners forming part of its suspension system. The clips are formed with a first portion adapted to be slidably and frictionally contacted by the slide runners during rotation of the track and with a second portion extending slightly above profiles integrally formed on the outer surface of the track so that heat generated as a result of the sliding friction of the runners on the clips is transferred directly to the snow or ice over which the snowmobile travels so as to cool the clips.

Abstract: A traction device for mounting on an endless track includes these components: an axial threaded shank with a head at one end, a T-nut with a base and a neck extending from the base, so that the neck is mountable on the shank, with the base at the shank head, a washer plate threadably fastenable on the T-nut on the shank, and a stud threadably mountable on the washer plate on the shank, to fasten the stud to the shank. The endless track is positioned between the T-nut and the back plate, with the shank extending through an opening in the track. A stud for a traction may be metal or nonmetal, such as composite with a metal insert. A paddle is mountable on a plurality of traction device pediments across a width of the track.

Abstract: Two endless wire rope loops spaced lengthwise of elongated grouser-mounting base plates of a tractor endless tread are secured to the grouser-mounting base plates by spaced U-shaped bows of clamping strips bolted to the grouser-mounting base plates, and the adjacent edges of adjacent clamping strips have interfitting projections and sockets for transmitting shear forces between such adjacent clamping strips.

Abstract: A track belt assembly includes an elastomeric track member which forms a closed loop. The elastomeric track member is advanced in a path of movement when a work machine is advanced in the forward direction of movement. The track belt assembly further includes a number of elastomeric tread bars mounted on an outer surface of the track member. A first cross section of each of the number of tread bars which is taken in a longitudinal direction which is oriented parallel to the forward direction of movement defines a leading terminal end point, a leading edge transition point, a trailing edge transition point, and a trailing terminal end point. The distance between the track member and each point of the first cross section which is interposed between the leading terminal end point and the leading edge transition point is smaller than the distance between the track member and the leading edge transition point.

Abstract: Endless loops spaced lengthwise of elongated grouser-mounting plates of a tractor endless tread in which each loop includes two side-by-side stretches of wire rope having the interstices between the strands of both wire rope stretches filled with elastomer material, and both stretches of wire rope being embedded in elastomer material integrating the two stretches into a single embedment, the two wire rope loops being secured to the grouser-mounting plates by spaced U-shaped bends of clamping strips bolted to the grouser-mounting plates, and spacer plates bridge between adjacent grouser-mounting plates and make loose tongue-and-groove joints therewith for enabling the grouser-mounting plates and the spacer plates to tilt relatively as the endless tread travels around a tractor wheel, but the straight tread portion of the tread extending between tractor wheels spaced lengthwise of the tractor is substantially inflexible inward.

Abstract: A ground penetrating traction stud for attaching to a flexible track, the stud having a longitudinal axis, a penetrating member formed with a contact face, a reinforcing rib and a pair of transition facets extending between the edges of the contact face and the reinforcing rib. The contact face may be inclined at an angle between about 3.degree. and 10.degree. to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A roller belt arrangement for a CATERPILLAR (endless track) vehicle has at least one pull resistant belt having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Drive members are connected to the first surface of the at least one pull resistant belt and extend transversely to a longitudinal extension of the at least one pull-resistant belt. The drive members have a U-shaped foot comprising a stay and two legs, wherein the stay rests on the first surface and the legs project perpendicularly from the first surface. The bolts, having a head and a threaded end opposite the head, are provided for connecting the drive members to the at least one pull-resistant belt. Plate members are non-rotatably positioned between the legs. The bolts penetrate the at least one belt, the stays, and the plate members, with the threaded ends positioned between the legs. Nuts, threaded onto the threaded ends of the bolts, are provided for securing the bolts and are nonrotatably secured relative to the plate members.

Abstract: A molded plastic retainer for supporting a spiked vehicle stud. In a construction useable with snowmobile studs, a ground engaging surface includes a self threading center bore and concentrically disposed to which are a raised, hexagon tool surface and a number of pointed secondary, traction enhancing studs. A track engaging surface of the retainer includes a tapered recess concentric to the stud receiving bore and a number of projections which enhance the grip between the retainer and track without squeeze out or tearing. Alternative configurations and mounting arrangements of the secondary studs and gripping projections are disclosed and some of which provide multi-faceted surfaces.

Abstract: A roller belt arrangement for a track-type vehicle has pull-resistant belts with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. Drive members are connected to the first surface of the pull-resistant belt so as to extend transverse to a longitudinal extension of the at least one pull-resistant belt. U-shaped members, having a stay and two legs defining a cavity therebetween, are positioned on a second surface opposite the drive members such that the stay rests on the second surface. Cushion members are positioned in the cavity of the U-shaped members. Screw bolts for connecting the drive members to the pull-resistant belt are provided. The screw bolts extend sequentially through the cushion member, the stay of the U-shaped member, the pull-resistant belt, and the drive member. The screw bolts are directly threaded into the drive members.

Abstract: A stud for improving the traction of a tread element is provided. The stud includes a body portion including a head and an elongated shank portion extending from the head. A mound of particles of a hard and durable material is bound together on and to the head of the stud such that the mound of particles has a multifaceted surface including multiple points which can engage the terrain.

Abstract: A traction stud for an endless snowmobile belt including an elongate rod having a ground engagable end and a threaded end which can be coupled to the track with a threaded fastener. A slot is cut into the threaded portion of the track such that the terminal end threaded portion is separated from the remaining threaded portion by a gap but coupled thereto via a reduced stem which, after installation, can be broken away so that the remaining portion of the stud shank is flush with the fastener. The invention also contemplates the method of making the stud and the method of installing the stud with a transverse slot providing a weakened break away portion which can be severed by the application of transverse force to remove the axially inner terminal end of the stud.

Abstract: Prestressed compressible drive blocks are positioned on an endless belt of a track machine. The blocks are mateable with openings in drive wheel and function for driving the track and for guiding the track. Drive bars are associated with the drive wheel openings for exerting pressure on the drive/guide bars while maintaining the drive/guide bars against excessive wear.

Abstract: A traction point for a snowmobile track includes a fastener that extends through the track with a head on one side of the track, and a pointed nut that has a pointed end and which is threaded onto the fastener on the opposite side of the track from the fastener head. The traction point includes a base for support on the track, and pyramidal shaped reinforcement gussets that merge at a point to provide for increased traction for the snowmobile. Small ribs can be provided on the traction point for engaging the track to reduce the likelihood of the traction point unthreading and coming off during use. The pyramid shaped flanges give a paddle effect as they engage ice or snow to provide increased surface area for reaction of the driving forces from a snowmobile transmitted through the track, and also increased corner traction and braking effect.