The invention relates to a swim arrangement (A) for facilitating amphibious operation of a tracked vehicle (V1). Said tracked vehicle comprises a vehicle body (10) and a two track assemblies (T1, T2) suspendedly connected to the vehicle body for driving the vehicle, each track assembly (T1, T2) comprising a drive means driven endless track (4). The vehicle body comprises under structure portions (12, 14), each under structure portion (12, 14) miming over an upper side (4a) of a track (4) of a track assembly (T1, T2). Each under structure portion (12, 14) is configured to be arranged at a distance from the upper side (4a) of the track (4) during land operation of the vehicle so that a space (S1, S2) is provided. The arrangement (A) comprises means (20, 30, 100) for reducing said space (S1, S2) so as to, during swimming operation, reduce the flow of water between the under structure portion (12, 14) and the upper side (4a) of the track (4) caused when the tracks (4) are driven.

A track assembly is to be mounted on a drive axle of a vehicle. The track assembly has a frame, at least one leading idler wheel mounted to the front of the frame for rotation about a transverse leading idler wheel axis, at least one trailing idler wheel mounted to the rear of the frame for rotation about a traverse trailing idler wheel axis parallel to the leading idler wheel axis, and a single drive wheel assembly. The drive wheel assembly includes a sub-frame removably securable to the frame in any one of a plurality of longitudinal securement positions on the frame, and a drive wheel rotationally mounted on the sub-frame for rotation about a drive wheel axis. The drive wheel is operatively connectable to the drive axle of the vehicle. A pair of track assemblies is also described. A vehicle having the pair of track assemblies is also described.

A track assembly is to be mounted on a drive axle of a vehicle. The track assembly has a frame, at least one leading idler wheel mounted to the front of the frame for rotation about a transverse leading idler wheel axis, at least one trailing idler wheel mounted to the rear of the frame for rotation about a traverse trailing idler wheel axis parallel to the leading idler wheel axis, and a single drive wheel assembly. The drive wheel assembly includes a sub-frame removably securable to the frame in any one of a plurality of longitudinal securement positions on the frame, and a drive wheel rotationally mounted on the sub-frame for rotation about a drive wheel axis. The drive wheel is operatively connectable to the drive axle of the vehicle. A pair of track assemblies is also described. A vehicle having the pair of track assemblies is also described.

The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) device is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice versa. The wheel mode allows a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track mode for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheeltrack device comprises several main components: an outer tire/tread, a drive mechanism for driving the tread when in track mode and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from wheel mode to track mode and vice versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transitions, and securely maintain each wheel and track shape.

The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) device is a novel mechanism that allows a wheel to transform into a track, and vice versa. The wheel mode allows a vehicle to travel quickly over smooth and semi-rough terrain, then, on-the-fly, transform rapidly into a powered track mode for crossing extreme terrain. The reconfigurable wheeltrack device comprises several main components: an outer tire/tread, a drive mechanism for driving the tread when in track mode and a reconfiguration mechanism that facilitates the transformation from wheel mode to track mode and vice versa. The reconfigurable wheel-track includes sensing, actuation, and controls to facilitate efficient and effective transitions, and securely maintain each wheel and track shape.

A tracked vehicle is provided. The tracked vehicle includes a frame, a driving mechanism installed in the frame, and two track wheels respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the frame. The driving mechanism drives the track wheels to rotate. The track wheel includes a track body, a first main support, a second main support and a third main support provided in the track body. The first main support, the second main support and the third main support are connected to the vehicle frame through the first, second and third connecting rods respectively. The second main support is provided with an auxiliary support frame having one end hinged to the second main support, and the other end of the auxiliary support frame is provided with a first roller contacting with the inner side of the track body.

A tracked vehicle is provided. The tracked vehicle includes a frame, a driving mechanism installed in the frame, and two track wheels respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the frame. The driving mechanism drives the track wheels to rotate. The track wheel includes a track body, a first main support, a second main support and a third main support provided in the track body. The first main support, the second main support and the third main support are connected to the vehicle frame through the first, second and third connecting rods respectively. The second main support is provided with an auxiliary support frame having one end hinged to the second main support, and the other end of the auxiliary support frame is provided with a first roller contacting with the inner side of the track body.

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.

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.

A track assembly for a vehicle has a frame; a drive wheel rotatably mounted to the frame; an idler wheel mount pivotally connected to the frame, the idler wheel mount being selectively pivotable between an operating position and a released position; a lock selectively locking the idler wheel mount in the operating position; an idler wheel rotationally connected to the idler wheel mount, the idler wheel being pivotable with the idler wheel mount; and an endless track driven by the drive wheel around the frame. In the operating position of the idler wheel mount, the idler wheel tensions the endless track. Pivoting the idler wheel mount from the operating position to the released position releases at least some tension from the endless track. A vehicle having the track assembly and a method for installing an endless track having derailed from other components of a track assembly are also disclosed.