METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETAINING A TRACK CHAIN JOINT

摘要

A method and apparatus of assembling a joint of an endless track chain (10) for track-type machines to prevent endplay in the joint (14) is disclosed. T he joint (14) includes a pair of links (12) and a cylindrical pin (52). Each li nk (16) includes a outwardly offset outboard end collar (20) having a boss (50) extending outwardly therefrom and a bore (40) therethrough. Each boss (50) h as an outer surface (44). The pin (58) includes opposite end portions (58). Eac h end portion (58) is pressed and non-rotatably mounted into respective one of the bores (44) of the outboard end collars (20). The method comprises the steps of forming an annular groove (62) about each of the end portions (58), placing a swage tool (67) against the outer side surface (44) of the boss (2 0) in axial alignment with the pin (52), and applying a sufficient force on the swage tool (67) to form at least one mechanically formed nodule (64) protruding from the outer side surface (38) into a respective ones of the grooves (62). The nodule (64) having a cross-sectional configuration substantially conforming to the groove (62).