MASTER LINK JOINT FOR A TRACK UNDERCARRIAGE AND METHOD OF RETROFITTING AN EXISTING UNDERCARRIAGE

摘要

A master link joint (41) for a drive chain (33) is disclosed. The disclosed master link joint (41) includes two master links (121, 241). Each master link (121, 241) includes a first half link (42, 43, 442) and a second half link (44, 45) that engage each other along mating abutment surfaces (60, 70, 260, 370 ). The two master links (121, 241) are disposed on opposite sides of the chain (33). The first half links (42, 43, 442) are coupled by a pin (38) that traverses the chain (33) and the second half links (44, 45) are coupled by a bushing (135) that traverses the chain (33). The mating abutment surfaces (60, 70, 260, 370 )include a first ramp (65, 165) that meets a second offset ramp at a junction or root (67, 167, 467). An angle T defined by the second ramps (66, 166) of the mating abutment surfaces (60, 70, 260, 370) and a line (68, 168) parallel to the rail (69, 76, 269, 376) or bottom pad of the half links ranges from about 45 to about 53°.