Abstract: An endless track vehicle with increased traction and/or installation, modification, and/or use of track cleats for traction for the endless track of the endless track vehicle. A body is mountable to the endless track exterior. The body defines bores extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body, wherein the bores have counterbores. First and second cleats/bolts respectively having a cleat/bolt heads, the cleats/bolts mounted in respective bores and optional extending out a distance out of the second end of the body, wherein the cleat/bolt heads seat in the respective counterbores. Nuts may be used in the counterbores to optionally extend the cleats/bolts, and/or to secure and fasten the cleats/bolts.

Abstract: A track shoe for an endless track assembly has a base and an opposing hull. The hull of the track shoe has opposing sidewalls that are angled to meet at an apex, thus forming an inverted V-shape. The apex of the hull extends the width of the track shoe. Laterally-disposed ridges are spaced apart from the apex. and the height of the ridges tapers outwardly from the hull to form, respectively, a leading lip and a trailing lip of the track shoe. The track shoe may have upward bends at the ends of the width of the track shoe and optionally, may have secondary hulls.

Abstract: A cross-link for tracks of snow groomers, the cross-link comprising a section bar, which has an elongated shape, extends in a first direction, is limited by an outer surface and comprises a portion for fixing to at least one belt of a track of a snow groomer, and it is provided with an inner cavity, which extends through the section bar in the first direction, and is open at the side in the first direction; wherein the inner cavity is filled, at least in part, with a filling material comprising metal foam, and in certain embodiments, the inner cavity is completely filled with the filling material.

Abstract: An endless track for providing traction to a vehicle, such as a construction vehicle, an agricultural vehicle or other work vehicle. The endless track has: an inner side for facing a plurality of wheels of the vehicle; a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground; a first lateral edge; and a second lateral edge. The endless track comprises an elastomeric body and a plurality of cores at least partially embedded in the elastomeric body. Each core extends transversally to a longitudinal direction of the endless track to provide transverse rigidity to the endless track. The endless track comprises an impact absorber in a lateral edge part of the endless track, the lateral edge part being located between the cores and a given one of the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge. The impact absorber facilitates an elastic deformation of the lateral edge part when the lateral edge part impacts an obstacle on the ground.

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: A hardfacing process includes depositing a clad layer having a thickness greater than about 1 mm (0.04 in) on a surface of the component by arc welding, and creating a heat affected zone directly below the clad layer due to the depositing. The heat affected zone may be a region of the component where a lowest hardness is more than 40% lower than a base hardness of the component below the heat affected zone. The method may also include heat treating the component after the deposition such that the lowest hardness in the heat affected zone is restored to within about 15% of the base hardness of the component.

Abstract: A track pad for a crawler, especially operating in a landfill, having a generally rectangular base plate with holes for attachment to a track chain link, the base plate having front, rear and side edges, a high rise grouser on the base plate, the grouser projecting from the base plate a distance substantially greater than conventional grousers, the grouser having a central portion with the general configuration of a plate with an edge distal from the base plate, the central portion being generally laterally centered on the base plate, the grouser being devoid of areas projecting significantly from the base plate adjacent the side edges of the base plate.

Abstract: A mobile machine track shoe includes a ground engaging surface including a first grouser bar and a second grouser bar substantially parallel to the first grouser bar. The track shoe further includes a base opposite the ground engaging surface. The base includes a first relief disposed opposite the first grouser bar, and a second relief disposed opposite the second grouser bar.

Abstract: A cross-link for a track that comprises belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of a tracked vehicle on which the track is mounted, the belts having a ground-facing side. In one embodiment, the cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts, the elongate member having a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts. The elongate member defines a channel including a bottom portion and a pair of sidewalls opposite one another on either side of the bottom portion. The cross-link also comprises a sole mountable in the channel for engaging a ground surface on which the tracked vehicle travels, the sole comprising a pair of sidewall-engaging surfaces for engaging the sidewalls when the sole is mounted in the channel.

Abstract: A mobile machine track shoe includes a ground engaging surface including a first grouser bar and a second grouser bar substantially parallel to the first grouser bar. The track shoe further includes a base opposite the ground engaging surface. The base includes a first relief disposed opposite the first grouser bar, and a second relief disposed opposite the second grouser bar.

Abstract: A track shoe for a track-type vehicle. The track shoe includes a base plate and a grouser projecting away from the base plate. A capping surface structure of substantially horseshoe shaped cross-section is disposed across a distal portion of the grouser. The capping surface structure covers portions of a distal edge surface and adjacent lateral surfaces. The capping surface structure is formed from an material characterized by enhanced wear resistance relative to portions of the grouser underlying the capping surface structure.

Abstract: A track shoe for a track-type vehicle. The track shoe includes a base plate and a grouser projecting away from the base plate. A capping surface structure of substantially horseshoe shaped cross-section is disposed across a distal portion of the grouser. The capping surface structure covers portions of a distal edge surface and adjacent lateral surfaces. The capping surface structure is formed from an material characterized by enhanced wear resistance relative to portions of the grouser underlying the capping surface structure.

Abstract: The additional traction accessory for use with a continuous track includes a U-shaped member in which one side is more elevated than the opposing side. The U-shaped member has an overall length greater than the overall width of the continuous track that the accessory is installed upon. The accessory acts as a larger cleat when compared to a cleat of a stuck continuous track. A first embodiment employs a pair of hooks and a ratcheting means that are designed to attach the accessory onto the continuous track between two cleats on a temporary basis in order to improve the traction of a continuous track by the addition of a larger cleat onto a continuous track that is stuck in a muddy area or area having loose soil. A second embodiment employs a slideable hook that locks at different lengths via bolting means to accommodate different continuous track widths.

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: A snowmobile traction stud support and enhancement device includes a base and at least one boss that extends from the base. Each boss includes a boss aperture through which a stud can pass. Support flanges around the at least one boss can be longer, shorter or equal to the length of the at least one boss. The support flanges extend from the at least one boss to a base plate, and can be tapered or straight, with differing wall cross-sections. The stud support is lightweight, has improved traction, and heightened resistance to bending, thereby increasing performance characteristics.

Abstract: A device 1 for use with a continuous track 3 of a tracked vehicle to enhance the traction of the vehicle. The device 1 has an elongate body 5 having a ground contacting surface 6 and a releasable bracket 7 for releasably securing the elongate body 5 to the continuous track 3. The releasable bracket 7 has a bracket body 11, a first clamping member 13, a second clamping member 15 extending at an angle relative to the first clamping member, and a fastener 17. The bracket is arranged such that fastening the fastener 17 causes the second clamping member 15 to draw the first clamping member 13 towards the elongate body 5 to releasably secure the elongate body 5 to the continuous track 3. The device has one or more ground engaging features 39. A kit of parts is also described.

Abstract: Traction enhancing detachable spikes are disposed on, and between, the grousers and the shoes of continuous tracks of motorized vehicles such as bull dozers, excavators, tanks, skid steers and the like. Spike receptacles are permanently affixed to the track of continuous track construction machinery, which spike receptacles house outwardly protruding spikes. The spikes are easily detachable and removable from the spike receptacle to facilitate use of the subject motorized vehicles on flat and graded surfaces, such as pavement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles (10) that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled irrigation vehicle (60) using one or more track assemblies (62). Each track assembly (62) includes a carriage (70) with frames (92, 94) that support a plurality of pairs of idler wheels (74, 76), and pairs of bogey wheels (80, 82, 84). A portion of one of the frames (94) is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame (92), so that the frames (92, 94) may move relative to each other in a linear fashion. A tensioning apparatus (212) is connected to the frames (92, 94) so that the frames are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage (70) also includes a hub support frame (90) that is connected to one of the frames (92) in an offset manner. The hub support frame (90) includes an aperture (132) that rotatably receives a spindle (262) of an adaptor (258).

Abstract: A cross-link for a track that comprises belts spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of wheels of a tracked vehicle on which the track is mounted, the belts having a ground-facing side. In one embodiment, the cross-link comprises an elongate member for mounting to the belts to interconnect the belts, the elongate member having a belt-engaging face contacting the belts on the ground-facing side when the elongate member is mounted to the belts. The elongate member defines a channel including a bottom portion and a pair of sidewalls opposite one another on either side of the bottom portion. The cross-link also comprises a sole mountable in the channel for engaging a ground surface on which the tracked vehicle travels, the sole comprising a pair of sidewall-engaging surfaces for engaging the sidewalls when the sole is mounted in the channel.

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: A track shoe for a track-type vehicle. The track shoe includes a base plate and a grouser projecting away from the base plate. A capping surface structure of substantially horseshoe shaped cross-section is disposed across a distal portion of the grouser. The capping surface structure covers portions of a distal edge surface and adjacent lateral surfaces. The capping surface structure is formed from an material characterized by enhanced wear resistance relative to portions of the grouser underlying the capping surface structure.

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: A track shoe fastened on a chain of the caterpillar vehicle includes a body and a buffer block. The body includes an first surface adjacent to the chain, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a third surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a groove defined on the second surface and through the third surface and the fourth surface, and the holes defined through the first surface and the second surface to communicate with the groove. The buffer block includes an embedded portion capable of being embedded within the groove of the body, and multiple lock holes defined through the buffer block to respectively communicate with the holes of the body. The buffer block is secured on the body through the embedment between the embedded portion and the groove, and secured on the chain by the fastening members within the holes and the lock holes.

Abstract: A runner and method of making a runner for mounting on a snow ski including a runner body fabricated of one piece of stamped metal which includes a central base portion and a pair of longitudinally extending runner portions which are bent downwardly from the base portions in laterally spaced relationship to one another. Carbide wear strips are secured to the lower edges of the runner portions, while the base portion 18 is fitted with mounting structure 48 which extends upwardly from the base portion and does not extend into the channel 36. The mounting structure 48 may be formed as one piece with the runner body 16 of the same material, has one or more tab features, and may be threaded and/or pierced to accommodate an associated net or mounting pin as desired for mounting the runner.

Abstract: An endless track comprising a plurality of links which are releasably, rotatably coupled together to form an endless track, and wherein each of the links has a male linking end, an opposite female linking end, and an outwardly facing surface, and wherein the male linking end of a first link releasably couples and decouples from the female linking end of an adjacent second link when the angular relationship between the first and second links as measured between the outwardly facing surfaces thereof lies in a range of greater than about 45 degrees to less than about 110 degrees, and wherein the first and second links freely rotate one relative to the other when the angular relationship between the first and second links lies in a range of greater than about 110 degrees to less than about 270 degrees.

Abstract: An individual replacement drive and or guide lug for missing or worn lugs on the inside circumference of various endless rubber tracks used on multi-surface vehicles. A user of multi-surface vehicles with endless rubber track drives can install the present design without the purchase of an expensive new rubber track. The original equipment manufacturer installs rubber tracks that have reinforced rubber composition lugs vulcanized on the inside circumference of the track. These rubber lugs interlock with openings in the equipment drive sprockets to drive the endless rubber track and the applicable equipment. After 250 to 500 hours of use or when used in a harsh environment the rubber drive or guide lugs start shearing and breaking off. When the drive or guide lugs start wearing additional load is placed on the remaining lugs which causes additional lugs to shear off until total equipment failure occurs.

Abstract: Track shoe assembly for a tracked vehicle, comprising a) a track shoe member with a chassis assembly having a pair of tubular housings (80) connected by a spaced web-portion, b) a replaceable rubber pad (9) with a curved sheet metal (13) having rims to hold the rubber pad rigidly and precisely in position, and c) an end connector (26) having a pair of bush holes (267) which accept an end of a track shoe pin (60) extending through a tubular housing, thus connecting adjacent track shoe members at either side in a pivotally flexible track. The chassis (9) also has a guide member (91) which is located on one a sleeve holding a housing and has a shape tapering towards its top end.

Abstract: A grouser shoe for track drives commonly utilized by industrial and commercial equipment (e.g., bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, etc.) including a supportive pad and a ground engaging bar, the ends of such bar being bent to form wings, and method of manufacture thereof. The center portion of the bar provides the primary transmission of driveforce from the vehicle to the ground, while the wings provide for significant reduction in vibration, facilitate steering, provide easier turning, and extend the service life of the grouser shoe.

Abstract: A stair-climbing wheelchair has a pair of track assemblies that can be placed in an operative drive mode to propel the wheelchair along ascending and descending paths of travel relative to an obstacle such as a stairway, curb, or the like. Each track assembly includes a guide member with rollers at opposite ends thereof carrying an endless cleated belt. The guide member is arched between its end sections thereby permitting the endless belt to deflect upwardly between the rollers when the endless belt engages an obstacle such as a step, curb or the like. This permits a smooth gradual transition of the wheelchair onto and/or off the top step of a staircase. Preferably, each track assembly also includes an inclined tail section having a separate endless cleated belt. The track assemblies can also be utilized in connection with remote control and/or unmanned motorized vehicles.

Abstract: A grouser shoe for track drives commonly utilized by industrial and commercial equipment (e.g., bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, etc.) comprising a supportive pad and a ground engaging bar, the ends of such bar being bent to form wings, and method of manufacture thereof. The center portion of the bar provides the primary transmission of driveforce from the vehicle to the ground, while the wings provide for significant reduction in vibration, facilitate steering, provide easier turning, and extend the service life of the grouser shoe.

Abstract: With the objective of providing an elastic crawler shoe capable of securing desired ground contact pressure on an icy road or a pressed snow road, thereby preventing a skid, a ground contact face of an elastic body which is bonded to a core bar so as to cover the core bar has grooves, and a central ground contact face in a longitudinal direction of the elastic crawler shoe is provided with stepped parts relative to end portions thereof so as to be protrusively stepped.

Abstract: With the objective of providing an elastic crawler shoe capable of securing desired ground contact pressure on an icy road or a pressed snow road, thereby preventing a skid, a ground contact face of an elastic body which is bonded to a core bar so as to cover the core bar has grooves, and a central ground contact face in a longitudinal direction of the elastic crawler shoe is provided with stepped parts relative to end portions thereof so as to be protrusively stepped.

Abstract: A replaceable tire gripping system for endless track for extending the useful life and operation of an endless track with grouser members. The inventive device includes a grouser bar having a first side and a second side, a pair of side walls attached to opposing ends of the grouser bar, a plurality of openings within the grouser bar, a plurality of grip members positionable within the plurality of openings with a portion exposed through the second side of the grouser bar, and a wear plate attached to the first side of the grouser bar for retaining the grip members within the openings. The openings and the grip members are preferably tapered for allowing the broad end of the grip members to be substantially flush with the first side and the wear plate.

Abstract: In the case of highly mobile vehicles overloading of the travelling pads (3) of crawler tracks frequently gives rise to incipient cracks in the base plate (14), which generally start from the bottom of the incision of the tongue. A long service life for the travelling pad (3) with base plate (14) is achieved by the base plate (14) being incision-free in the retaining region (10).

Abstract: The present invention is for a machine for digging under pipes, wherein the machine comprises a frame having a caterpillar drive traction device mounted thereon, as well as left and right end effectors. The end effectors are each made in the shape of a mount which is attached to the frame and capable of forced rotation about the vertical axis. These end effectors also comprise a cylindrical endless-screw-type driving cutters as well as a cylindrical blade attached to the mount coaxially behind the cutter. The cutter is mounted at a lower end and on the side of the mount so that its rotation axis is horizontal. The machine further includes a transversal stabilization device comprising two stabilization mechanisms, wherein each mechanism comprises an adjustable-height support member that rests on the bottom of the trench. The traction device includes a frame as well as a caterpillar that comprises rigid brackets and flexible support members.

Abstract: Improved tracks for a remote controlled sludge removal apparatus. The improved tracks include a plurality of spikes connected to the surface of the tracks at an angle to the tracks enabling the spikes to bite into sludge when the sludge removal apparatus of the invention is traveling forward.

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: A segment structure mounted on a wheel or an endless rubber track for increasing the driving force of off-road vehicles, civil engineering machines or construction machines is disclosed. A segment of a rubber elastic material mounted on the outer periphery of the wheels or the endless rubber track includes a bottom section adapted to be in contact with the wheel or the endless rubber track, a hollow section formed in the segment along the width of the wheel or the endless rubber track, and a stopper erected into the hollow section from the bottom section. The inner surface of the hollow section and the stopper are kept out of contact with each other under a static load.

Abstract: A crawler-mounted construction machine for executing slope strengthening work on a slope or a crawler-mounted slope traveling machine for carrying construction materials on a slope has shoe links (12) or (107) composed of shoe elements (18) or (113). Each shoe element is provided on its bearing surface with projections (23) or (118) as anti-side slip grousers, in addition to ordinary grousers (19) or (114). The projections (23) or (118) are provided as plate-shaped projections extending in parallel to or at an inclination to the traveling direction and arranged on the shoe links continuously or at intervals in the traveling direction. The height of each projection is set to be greater than that of each ordinary grouser (19) or (114) to prevent the traveling machine from the side slip due to the load acting on the traveling machine during its horizontal travel or work on the slope.

Abstract: A segment structure mounted on a wheel or an endless rubber track for increasing the driving force of off-road vehicles, civil engineering machines or construction machines is disclosed. A segment of a rubber elastic material mounted on the outer periphery of the wheels or the endless rubber track includes a bottom section adapted to be in contact with the wheel or the endless rubber track, a hollow section formed in the segment along the width of the wheel or the endless rubber track, and a stopper erected into the hollow section from the bottom section. The inner surface of the hollow section and the stopper are kept out of contact with each other under a static load.

Abstract: The present invention is an elastic-bodied crawler plate and crawler band which have a service life substantially equal to that of an integral rubber crawler band and are convenient to replace at the time when damaged or the like. To this end, an elastic-bodied crawler plate (10) integrally formed by embedding a core body (2) in an elastic body (1), is constructed so that a side surface in a longitudinal direction of a link is defined by an inversely-warped initial contact surface (1d) which extends from a link mounting surface side to a ground contacting surface side, and a subsequent contact surface (1e), which connects an end of the ground contacting surface side of the inversely-warped initial contact surface (1d) and an end of a ground surface (11). Further, an endless crawler band (100) is connected so as to provide a specified space (e) between rectangular parallelepiped elastic bodies (1A) of adjacent elastic-bodied crawler plates (10a, 10b).

Abstract: A ground engaging segment providing a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and the like, which is not pneumatic in nature, thereby not susceptible to puncture, and which is resiliently flexible to offer some resistance to shock. The ground engaging segment comprises a base and a number of removable, hollow, tubular ground engaging elements which extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface. Said ground engaging elements include an inner face for engagement to the base and an outer face for contact with the ground surface, and angular shaped side faces between the inner and outer faces allowing for resilient flexibility under normal load conditions. It is preferable that the ground engaging elements are open at their ends to allow for dissipation of heat and are arranged in circumferential rows, defining a chevron pattern, to prevent resultant side thrust imposed upon the running surface.

Abstract: An improved unit having a base and a plurality of teeth integral with the base and projecting outwardly therefrom. The teeth and base are formed of a suitable elastomeric material, such as natural rubber or urethane rubber. The teeth have conical outer surface and V-shaped notches or openings between adjacent teeth. The teeth have flat, angled surfaces. There are two rows of teeth on each base, respectively, and the teeth are aligned with each other front to back. The base is beveled so that each tooth will have maximum area at the root thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides for a pocketed anchor for post-tensioned concrete reinforcement. The anchor includes a body having a flange portion with a front and rear surface, a button portion extending from the rear surface, and a nose portion extending from the front surface. The anchor also includes a tapered bore that extends through the nose, flange, and button portions. The bore can receive a wedge that cams against the bore to clamp down on a tendon. The front surface of the flange has at least two planar surfaces that are parallel to the bearing surface on the rear surface of the anchor. One of the planar surfaces is recessed relative to the other such that the recessed surface is closer to the load bearing surface on the rear surface of the anchor. The two planar surfaces define a pocket on the anchor, where mounting holes may be located.