Abstract: A track wheel for moving an object across a surface having a non-planar obstruction to allow smoother, easier and safer movement of the object over the obstruction. The track wheel has a track frame, a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly and a fluid-filled track assembly. The track frame interconnects the two wheel assemblies. The track assembly encircles the two wheel assemblies and frame in an endless loop manner. A mounting assembly connects the track frame to the object. The track assembly has a track link assembly and a pair of dampener tubes in the track link assembly. The track assembly passes into and out of a shield of the wheel assemblies that cleans the track assembly.

Abstract: In some implementations, a controller may obtain, during an event, pressure data regarding an amount of pressure of fluid associated with a component of the machine. The controller may obtain, during the event, flow data regarding a flow of the fluid associated with the component of the machine. The controller may determine, based on the pressure data and the flow data, an amount of wear of a track of the machine. The controller may perform an action based on the amount of wear of the track of the machine.

Abstract: An undercarriage system for a track-type machine includes an idler height adjustment system having piston assemblies supported in a frame, in opposition to one another, to contact upper and lower sides of an idler support element or block. A conduit connects the piston assemblies and has therein a fluid exchange valve adjustable to an open position where a flowable material such as grease is exchanged through the conduit between the piston assemblies, and a closed position where fluid connection between the piston assemblies is blocked and idler height is fixed.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a drive wheel, front and rear idler wheels and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A belt disposed about the drive and idler wheels. A roller frame defines a main pivot axis located between front and rear ends. The front idler wheel is connected to the front end of the track roller frame. A major bogie having a forward bogie arm and a trailing bogie arm pivotably connects to the roller frame. The rear idler wheel connects to the trailing bogie arm. A swing link is pivotably connected to the trailing bogie arm, wherein the rear idler wheel is mounted on the swing link. A hydraulic cylinder connected between the rear end of the track roller frame and the swing link rotates the swing link to maintain desired tension in the track belt.

Abstract: An injector head unit includes one or more drive chains revolving within a common plane mounted on an upper drive sprocket and a lower drive sprocket, wherein at least one of the upper and lower drive sprockets are configured to move vertically to tension the drive chains, and at least one fixed reference point proximate to at least one of the upper and lower drive sprockets, wherein relative positioning of one of the movable upper and lower drive sprockets with the fixed reference point indicates to a user an amount of elongation of the drive chains after a certain period of time.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an idler assembly for a track roller frame. The idler assembly may provide travel with reduced vibrations in a track type machine. The idler assembly may comprise a hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod extendable along a linear actuation path; an idler wheel movable along a linear tensioning path inclined relative the linear actuation path; and a coupling mechanism coupling the piston rod to the idler wheel wherein the movement of the piston rod along the linear actuation path actuates the idler wheel to move along the linear tensioning path.

Abstract: The track tension of a tracked vehicle is actively controlled by a track tensioner system that is positioned behind or within an idler wheel of a tracked vehicle. The system employs no exposed hydraulic line and is operable to default to a passive tensioning mode in the event of a system failure. The hydraulic circuit of the track tensioner system is powered by the rotation of the idler wheel inside which the system resides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chain drive assembly for a work machine, in particular for a crawler-mounted crane or a crawler excavator, having a drive crawler track, at least one displaceably supported sprocket wheel, in particular a guide wheel or idler wheel, and at least one tensioning device to tension the crawler track, wherein at least one abutment is provided which bounds the displacement of the displaceably supported sprocket wheel. The present disclosure further relates to a work machine, in particular to a crawler-mounted crane or a crawler excavator, having such a chain drive assembly.

Abstract: A track tensioning assembly rotatably supports an idler wheel and actuator to simplify maintenance and repair. The track tensioning assembly can be provided in a crawler tack assembly forming part of a work machine, and includes a sliding frame with an idler wheel rotatably mounted on the sliding frame. A hydraulic actuator including a cylinder is mounted to the sliding frame. A ram extends from the cylinder away from the idler wheel, and includes a rod port extending through the ram for supplying hydraulic fluid to the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tension of a track, and more particularly to an apparatus for preventing a track wheel from separating due to an uneven road surface and obstacles on the road surface by minimizing space between a moving idler and roller when controlling the tension of the track, and for supporting the weight of a machine more safely by maximizing the space between a rear roller and a front roller. To this end, the present invention is characterized by: a track frame structure in which the idler and the front roller move together when controlling the tension of the track; and a damping member for absorbing external shock, wherein the idler is fixed in an idler frame, the front roller is fixed in a roller frame, and the buffer member is positioned between the idler frame and the roller frame.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling a track tension wheel of a tracked vehicle, comprising a guide arm system (12), which is swivel-mounted in a part fixed to the vehicle and which carries a wheel axle journal (29) for rotatably supporting the track tension wheel, in such a way that this can be swiveled by means of a first drive element (34) between a raised position and a lowered position, and a second drive element (36) for varying the center-to-center distance between the center axis of the track tension wheel and the swivel axis of the guide arm system in the part fixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a traction track of a machinery via a hydraulic cylinder applying a tensioning force on at least one of the wheels on which the track is wound according to a closed chain configuration in which the hydraulic cylinder is fed with different pressures according to the traction direction, in a first traction direction the feeding pressure of the tensioning hydraulic cylinder being a first pressure approximately corresponding to the pressure which is generated by a pump which is present on a closed circuit feeding the traction devices, in a second traction direction the feeding pressure of the tensioning hydraulic cylinder being a second pressure

Abstract: A track type machine includes an integrated track adjustment/recoil system unit cantilever mounted in a track roller frame, and operable to resist movement of the idler along a recoil line. The integrated track adjustment/recoil system unit includes track adjust cylinder that is attached to a gas cylinder by a joining component that has two sets of identical external threads mated to the track adjust cylinder and the gas cylinder respectively. A track adjust piston is partially received in the track adjust cylinder, and a recoil piston is positioned in the gas cylinder. The recoil piston and the gas cylinder define a gas volume. The recoil piston, the gas cylinder, the joining component, the track adjust cylinder and the track adjust piston define a grease volume. Track tensioning is adjusted by adjusting the amount of grease in the grease volume, and the recoil action is adjusted by setting the gas pressure in the gas volume.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to track systems 14, 14? that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles 10. A preferred embodiment of the track system 14, 14? includes a frame 60, 182 having a reinforcing enclosure 150, 230, a plurality of track engaging rollers 82-86, 202-206, a sprocket 102, 214, and an endless track 76, 198 operatively connected to the frame 60, 182. Tension on the endless track 76, 198 is maintained with two tensioning members 170, 244 operatively connected to the forwardmost roller 82, 202. The track system 14, 14? preferably includes a limiting apparatus 300 that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame 60, 182 relative to a vehicle axle 16 to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus 300 has a first component 40, which is associated with the vehicle axle 16, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component 262, which is associated with the frame of the track system 14, 14?.

Abstract: A track type machine includes an integrated track adjustment/recoil system unit cantilever mounted in a track roller frame, and operable to resist movement of the idler along a recoil line. The integrated track adjustment/recoil system unit includes track adjust cylinder that is attached to a gas cylinder by a joining component that has two sets of identical external threads mated to the track adjust cylinder and the gas cylinder respectively. A track adjust piston is partially received in the track adjust cylinder, and a recoil piston is positioned in the gas cylinder. The recoil piston and the gas cylinder define a gas volume. The recoil piston, the gas cylinder, the joining component, the track adjust cylinder and the track adjust piston define a grease volume. Track tensioning is adjusted by adjusting the amount of grease in the grease volume, and the recoil action is adjusted by setting the gas pressure in the gas volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling tension of a track, and more particularly to an apparatus for preventing a track wheel from separating due to an uneven road surface and obstacles on the road surface by minimizing space between a moving idler and roller when controlling the tension of the track, and for supporting the weight of a machine more safely by maximizing the space between a rear roller and a front roller. To this end, the present invention is characterized by: a track frame structure in which the idler and the front roller move together when controlling the tension of the track; and a damping member for absorbing external shock, wherein the idler is fixed in an idler frame, the front roller is fixed in a roller frame, and the buffer member is positioned between the idler frame and the roller frame.

Abstract: A crawler has a track connection system. The crawler includes a crawler frame; at least one drive tumbler supported on the frame; a track made of a plurality of track shoes connected in series to produce a track having a first end and second end that can be connected together to form the track into an endless track. The track is wrapped around the frame, with the first and second ends spaced apart but each adjacent a section of the frame. The track connection system is mounted to the frame and includes a mover device connected to the frame; and a track engagement member coupled between the mover device and the track; iii) whereby actuation of the mover device causes the track engagement member to move the track into a position where the first and second ends can be connected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chain drive assembly for a work machine, in particular for a crawler-mounted crane or a crawler excavator, having a drive crawler track, at least one displaceably supported sprocket wheel, in particular a guide wheel or idler wheel, and at least one tensioning device to tension the crawler track, wherein at least one abutment is provided which bounds the displacement of the displaceably supported sprocket wheel. The present disclosure further relates to a work machine, in particular to a crawler-mounted crane or a crawler excavator, having such a chain drive assembly.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling a track tension wheel of a tracked vehicle, comprising a guide arm system (12), which is swivel-mounted in a part fixed to the vehicle and which carries a wheel axle journal (29) for rotatably supporting the track tension wheel, in such a way that this can be swivelled by means of a first drive element (34) between a raised position and a lowered position, and a second drive element (36) for varying the centre-to-centre distance between the centre axis of the track tension wheel and the swivel axis of the guide arm system in the part fixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A track type tractor includes a modular track roller frame made up of easily assembled sub-components. Among these sub-components are an idler recoil assembly that may slide into, and then fastened to a housing as a unit to create a track roller frame assembly. The idler recoil assembly includes a gas spring telescoping section and a length adjustment telescoping section located between a housing contact end and a yoke contact end. Although suspended above a floor of the housing, the idler recoil assembly may only be attached to the housing in a plane via an array of fasteners that surround a shaft axis. The housing encloses the idler recoil assembly against debris entry, but includes an access cover for servicing the gas spring and/or adjusting track tension via the length adjustment feature.

Abstract: A device for tensioning chains on crawler-type or tracked vehicles, in particular the chains of hydraulic excavators, comprises a first cylinder arranged in an area of the chassis for the tracked vehicle, and operatively connected via a piston rod to a guide wheel to tension the chain. A second cylinder forms a spring cylinder and is operatively connected to the first cylinder. The second cylinder concentrically encloses the first cylinder to form a double cylinder and each cylinder is provided with a separate hydraulic connection. At startup of the tracked vehicle, the hydraulic connections of the double cylinder are admitted with a specifiable pre-tensioning pressure. The spring cylinder can be moved with maximum spring travel to its end position because of its larger cross-sectional surface, and the tensioning cylinder pre-tensions the chain with a force that corresponds to the pre-tensioning pressure.

Abstract: An automatic track tensioning system is provided for use with a track-type work vehicle for automatically tensioning an endless track chain of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A tensioning system for an endless track of a crawler-type vehicle includes an actuator, such as a dual-acting hydraulic cylinder and piston, which is coupled to a roller to translate the roller into and out of engagement with the endless track to tension or slack the endless track, respectively. The tensioning system has a mechanical stop that limits retraction of the actuator, and thus limits how much slack can be created in the endless track. The actuator automatically adds tension to the endless track when an undertensioned condition is present and automatically removes tension from the endless track when an overtensioned condition is present. To add additional slack to the endless track for removing the endless track for service, repair, or replacement, the mechanical stop may be removed which allows additional retraction of the actuator and thus disengagement of the roller from the endless track.

Abstract: In a crawler track comprising at least one guide wheel and caster wheels at a track carrier, at least one driving wheel for the track, and a guide wheel tensioning device including at least one tensioning member which acts on the guide wheel via a tensioning lever supported at the track carrier, the guide wheel is provided in a guide part which is exclusively linearly moveable and is laterally supported in the track carrier with a slide block arranged between the guide part and the tensioning lever, which slide block can slide crosswise and relatively to the linear direction of movement of the guide part while transmitting the tensioning force substantially parallel to the linear direction of movement of the guide part.

Abstract: A machine including: a frame assembly including one or more drive wheels and one or more idler wheels affixed to the frame assembly; a track belt disposed about the drive and the idler wheel; a hydraulic actuator arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator affixed to the idler wheel that provides a force to tension the track belt; and a tension management system in operable communication with the hydraulic cylinder that maintains a pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder within a specified range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating a track tension wheel on a tracked vehicle. The device comprises two operating cylinders, a pivoting cylinder (38, 48) for pivoting a tension wheel arm (10) that carries a tension wheel, and a tensioning cylinder (28, 30) for changing the distance between the center (25) of the tension wheel and the center of rotation (12) of the tension wheel arm. The tensioning cylinder (28, 30) is pivotally connected to a pivoting link arm (36), which link arm is arranged to be stationary in a first phase of a pivoting upward movement of the tension wheel arm (10) from a lowered position and to pivot around its connection to the link arm (36). In a second phase of the upward pivoting movement, a lug (50) on the tension wheel arm (10) is arranged to engage with the link arm (36) to cause the tensioning cylinder (28, 30) to be pivoted around the connection of the link arm (36) to the attachment (18) during a continued upward pivoting movement of the tension wheel arm (10).

Abstract: A hydraulic recoil and adjustment mechanism is provided for a track assembly having an idler. The mechanism includes a recoil cylinder configured to contain a quantity of hydraulic fluid. A rod element is coupled to the idler and configured to reciprocate within the recoil cylinder. The idler is configured to exert a force on the rod element to drive hydraulic fluid from the recoil cylinder when the force exceeds a predetermined force. An accumulator includes a piston and is configured to contain a quantity of gas under pressure on one side of the piston, and to receive from the recoil cylinder a quantity of the hydraulic fluid on the other side of the piston when the force exceeds the predetermined force. An adjustment mechanism includes a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, and is configured to deliver hydraulic fluid from the adjustment mechanism to the recoil cylinder under sufficient pressure to move the rod element and the idler.

Abstract: A machine including: a frame assembly including one or more drive wheels and one or more idler wheels affixed to the frame assembly; a track belt disposed about the drive and the idler wheel; a hydraulic actuator arrangement including a hydraulic cylinder and accumulator affixed to the idler wheel that provides a force to tension the track belt; and a tension management system in operable communication with the hydraulic cylinder that maintains a pressure inside the hydraulic cylinder within a specified range.

Abstract: A track frame or undercarriage is made to support a rubber track on suitable guide rollers. A tensioning roller is provided as one of the guide rollers on the interior of the track and is mounted on a pivoting bracket. The pivoting bracket moves the tensioning roller to a working position for creating tension in the track. An actuator provides a known force on the pivoting bracket to move the tensioning roller to its working position, using a controlled pressure applied to the actuator. Drive sprockets for the track are mounted onto a drive case that is mounted to the frame through pivoting linkages such that the drive case and the drive sprocket can be held in a working position and retracted away from the track. The position of the tensioning roller is maintained within set limits of retractions during use, by providing a stop to limit the amount that the tensioning roller can retract.

Abstract: A crawler track tension adjusting device is provided in which a driving unit having a closed structure carries out automatic tension adjustment in response to a control signal to create optimum tension on a crawler belt. The crawler track tension adjusting device includes a tension adjusting cylinder which is operable to control the tension and is actuated by a hydraulic pump that is driven by a motor. An electromagnetic direction selector valve is disposed in an oil pipeline for connecting the hydraulic pump to the tension adjusting cylinder, and a hydraulic sensor for detecting the operating condition of the tension adjusting cylinder is disposed in the hydraulic circuit in which the tension adjusting cylinder, the hydraulic pump and the selector valve are provided. The hydraulic sensor is connected to a controller to operate the hydraulic pump and the direction selector valve so as to control the tension adjusting cylinder.

Abstract: A method of operating a track-type machine having a drive wheel and an idler. The method includes operating the drive wheel to advance a drive track around the drive wheel and the idler thereby moving the track-type machine. The method further includes determining a force to be applied to the idler based on a direction of operation of the drive wheel and applying the force to the idler. The method may include varying the force applied to the idler as a function of a drawbar load of the machine. The method may include sensing a pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel, wherein the force is determined based on the sensed pressure of fluid being used to operate the drive wheel. The method may include determining a force to be applied to the idler by selecting a recoil curve, sensing a position of the idler, and selecting the force to be applied based on a point on the selected recoil curve that corresponds to the sensed position of the idler on the selected recoil curve.

Abstract: A track driven device having a suspension system, positive hydraulic braking system, positive drive belt system and belt tensioning system for an improved ride, reducing belt wear and belt failure.

Abstract: A track tensioning system comprising a dynamic member supporting a sprocket of a tracked wheel of a tracked vehicle, in such a way that the dynamic member is forced against the track so as to maintain a constant tension thereof in spite of an elastic stretch thereof due to the motion of the tracked vehicle.

Abstract: A track tension actuator is provided for a track assembly having, an idler wheel, a drive wheel, a drive track entrained about the drive wheel and idler, and a hydraulic motor operable to advance the drive wheel. A drive circuit is operable to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor. The actuator is coupled to the idler wheel, and includes a travel chamber, travel piston, a recoil chamber, and a recoil piston. The recoil chamber is pressurized to urge the recoil piston in a first direction away from the drive wheel. The drive fluid pressurizes the travel piston, which in turn contacts and urges the travel piston in a second direction against the recoil piston to reduce the track tension.

Abstract: A track frame structure which can increase a crawler actual ground contact length (L0) from a first track roller to an endmost track roller without increasing a whole length of a traveling apparatus. A notch portion (2a) having a size not contacting with an endmost track roller (6r) is formed in a portion facing to the track roller (6r) in a side of a crawler drive wheel (8) of a joint plate (2) provided so as to close one end portion in a longitudinal direction of a track frame (1), and the endmost track roller (6r) is arranged close to a side of the crawler drive wheel (8) so that the endmost track roller (6r) faces to an inner side of the notch portion (2a). A side portion of the notch portion (2a) in a joint plate (2A) is bent toward the crawler drive wheel (8).

Abstract: A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having both a frame with left and right side members as well as left and right tracks that are both configured to translate along the ground to move the vehicle includes left and right wheel plates located substantially adjacent to a respective side member. Left and right wheels are coupled to the respective left and right wheel plates. The left and right wheels are coupled to the left and right tracks and rotate on a rotational axis so that, as the tracks translate along the ground, both wheels rotate with the tracks. For providing track tensioning to the tracks, each wheel plate pivots against the respective side member of the frame on a pivot axis that is displaced form the rotational axis. The left and right wheel plates may pivot in substantially parallel pivot planes. The substantially parallel pivot planes may be vertical. The left wheel plate may pivot around a left pivot axis and the right pivot plate may pivot around a right pivot axis.

Abstract: A track tensioning system for a tracked vehicle having left and right tracks includes a biasing system for simultaneously providing track tensioning to both tracks by biasing each track through a track-tensioning arc. The biasing system may include a linear force-generating system for generating a track-tensioning force. The linear force-generating system may for example be a spring or a piston and cylinder assembly. The biasing system may also include a pivoting rocker arm assembly for transmitting the track-tensioning force from the linear force-generating system to the tracks.

Abstract: A track tension actuator is provided for a track assembly having, an idler wheel, a drive wheel, a drive track entrained about the drive wheel and idler, and a hydraulic motor operable to advance the drive wheel. A drive circuit is operable to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic motor. The actuator is coupled to the idler wheel, and includes a travel chamber, travel piston, a recoil chamber, and a recoil piston. The recoil chamber is pressurized to urge the recoil piston in a first direction away from the drive wheel. The drive fluid pressurizes the travel piston, which in turn contacts and urges the travel piston in a second direction against the recoil piston to reduce the track tension.

Abstract: A light weight track drive mechanism that provides a large track drive surface area while maintaining a low weight to track contact surface area ratio so that the track drive could operate on soils with low support qualities. In addition, the track drive system is provided with high ground clearance so that fewer obstacles may prevent the track drive from moving around as needed.

Abstract: In an electronic control system for controlling the setting of two or more continuously variable parameters, the system comprises a hand operated lever and electronic processing means 14 having an input from the lever 1 and output means for outputting a signal or signals representative of the said continuously variable parameters, characterised in that: a) the lever 1 is arranged in a gate having two substantially parallel slots 3-5 and a transverse slot 6, the position of the lever 1 in each of the two parallel slots being substantially continuously variable and corresponding to a desired value for one or more of the said continuously variable parameters; b) the processing means includes means 14 for storing a record of the position of the lever 1 in one of the said slots after the lever has been removed from the slot.

Abstract: A work machine includes a machine body. The work machine also includes an undercarriage assembly having a frame assembly which supports the machine body. The frame assembly has (i) a first frame member, (ii) a second frame member which is movable relative to the first frame member, and (iii) a fluid cylinder for moving the first frame member relative to the second frame member. The work machine further includes a sensor for sensing position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. Moreover, the work machine includes a controller which is electrically coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to (i) communicate with the sensor so as to determine the position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member, and (ii) operate the fluid cylinder so as to move the first frame member relative to the second frame member based on the position of the first frame member relative to the second frame member. A method of tensioning a drive track chain is also disclosed.

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A fluid cylinder is connected to the idler wheel for tensioning the endless rubber belts. The present recoil activated valve includes a two position poppet valve positioned between the fluid cylinder and an accumulator. With this recoil activated valve the tensioning system locks the fluid cylinder as the work machine traverses side slopes. Thus, a simple system is provided that can be solely fluid actuated or actuated by an electronic monitoring system, thereby providing a system that reduces the possibility of the endless rubber track from un-tracking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprung track tensioning device (10) for tracked vehicles, intended to be mounted at the rear on a support (16) of a track set of the vehicle. The device comprises an elongate pendulum arm (12), one end portion (14) of which is designed to be fastened pivotably to the support (16) via a first torsion spring (18). The pendulum arm (12) bears a second torsion spring (36) which can be connected to the support (16) via a link arm system (38).

Abstract: Endless rubber track laying machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of supporting mid-rollers. A fluid cylinder is connected to the idler wheel for tensioning the endless rubber belts. The present recoil activated valve includes a two position poppet valve positioned between the fluid cylinder and an accumulator. With this recoil activated valve the tensioning system locks the fluid cylinder as the work machine traverses side slopes. Thus, a simple system is provided that can be solely fluid actuated or actuated by an electronic monitoring system, thereby providing a system that reduces the possibility of the endless rubber track from un-tracking.

Abstract: A method of operating a work machine having (i) a drive motor for driving a drive track chain, (ii) a track tensioning assembly for adjusting tension on the drive track chain, and (iii) a work implement for performing a work function includes the step of idling the drive motor so as to cease advancement of the work machine during a first period of time. The method further includes the step of operating the work implement so as to perform the work function during the first period of time. The method also includes the step of operating the track tensioning assembly so as to increase tension on the drive track chain during the first period of time. The method yet further includes the step of actuating the drive motor so as to advance the work machine during a second period of time. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating the track tensioning assembly so as to decrease tension on the drive track chain during the second period of time. A work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling actuation of an actuator of a track tensioning system for adjusting tension on a drive track chain includes a valve housing defining (i) a master chamber, (ii) a slave chamber, (iii) a fluid passage which fluidly couples the master chamber to the slave chamber, and (iv) a fluid outlet which fluidly couples the slave chamber to the actuator. The valve assembly also includes a master valve member positioned within the master chamber. The master valve member (i) isolates the master chamber from the slave chamber when the master valve member is positioned in a first master position, and (ii) places the master chamber in fluid communication with the slave chamber when the master valve member is positioned in a second master position.

Abstract: An undercarriage assembly of a work machine includes a first drive track chain and a second drive track chain. The undercarriage assembly also includes a first hydraulic actuator mechanically coupled to the first drive track chain so as to adjust tension on the first drive track chain and a second hydraulic actuator mechanically coupled to the second drive track chain so as to adjust tension on the second drive track chain. The undercarriage assembly further includes a slack adjuster assembly.

Abstract: The adjustment mechanism of the present invention is mounted to a frame and comprises an alignment cam that is pivotally mounted to the frame by a tension link pivot pin. The alignment cam is provided with an actuating arm that is coupled to a longitudinally extendible adjusting member. The longitudinally extendible adjusting member comprising a screw jack. A tension link is pivotally mounted to the tension link pivot pin. Camming surfaces on the alignment cam are skewed with respect to the transverse axis defined by the tension link pivot pin so that rotation of the alignment cam twists the tension link and thereby the idler wheel predominately about a vertical axis. Albeit to a lesser degree, rotation of the alignment cam also twists the tension link and idler about a longitudinally extending horizontal axis. Therefore by extending or retracting the screw jack, the toe-in/toe-out orientation of the idler wheel can be adjusted.