APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING A WHEELED VEHICLE TO A TRACKED VEHICLE

摘要

The invention relates to track systems that may be used to convert steerable, all-wheel drive construction equipment to steerable, multi-track construction vehicles. The track system may include a frame having a reinforcing enclosure, a plurality of track engaging rollers, a sprocket, and an endless track operatively connected to the frame. Tension on the endless track is maintained with two tensioning members operatively connected to the forwardmost roller. The track system preferably includes a limiting apparatus that is configured to restrict the rotational movement “r” of the frame relative to a vehicle axle to which it is attached. The limiting apparatus has a first component, which is associated with the vehicle axle, is configured and arranged to interact with a second component, which is associated with the frame of the track system. Preferably, the limiting apparatus is adjustable such that the range of rotational movement “r” can be varied.

主权项

1. A vehicle comprising:
a vehicle frame; a drive axle coupled to the vehicle frame, the drive axle comprising a hub, the hub being mounted for rotation about a drive axis, the hub being pivotally mounted to the drive axle by way of a steering housing, and the hub including a hub housing body and a torque transfer flange that projects radially outwardly from an inboard end of the hub housing body; a steering arm coupled to the steering housing for pivoting the steering housing about a steering pivot axis; a track system including:
a track frame supporting end rollers, the track frame being rotatably mounted to the drive axle;a sprocket that rotates with the hub about the drive axis;a track routed about the sprocket and the end rollers; and a limiting apparatus secured to the steering housing, the limiting apparatus comprising a collar extending completely around an exterior of the drive axle, the collar being configured and arranged to engage the track frame.