An idler assembly includes a cylindrical hub defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. A stepped circumferential surface of the cylindrical hub has a first radially inner face, and a radially outer cylindrical face. Mounting holes extend radially into the radially outer cylindrical face. A first idler segment is attached to the cylindrical hub, and includes an at least partially flat body having a first planar chain link contacting surface. The cylindrical hub has a first set of metallurgical properties that is different than the second set of metallurgical properties of the first idler segment.

A track roller shaft comprises a body including a revolved surface defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. The body also defines a proximate axial end disposed along the axis of rotation, a radially extending hole that is disposed axially adjacent to the proximate axial end, and a guide member receiving pocket disposed axially further away from the proximate axial end than the radially extending hole.

A track roller shaft comprises a body including a revolved surface defining an axis of rotation, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction disposed about the axis of rotation. The body also defines a proximate axial end disposed along the axis of rotation, a radially extending hole that is disposed axially adjacent to the proximate axial end, and a guide member receiving pocket disposed axially further away from the proximate axial end than the radially extending hole.

A transportable machine including an elongated frame having a top end and a bottom end, a handle disposed on the top end of the frame, a base disposed on the bottom end of the frame, where the base and the frame together define a space configured to receive and support a load, and a wheel disposed on the bottom end of the frame. A track is coupled to the frame, where the track includes a roller and an endless belt configured to rotate about the roller. A motor is coupled to the roller, where the motor is operable to drive the endless belt, and a power supply provides power to the motor.

A transportable machine including an elongated frame having a top end and a bottom end, a handle disposed on the top end of the frame, a base disposed on the bottom end of the frame, where the base and the frame together define a space configured to receive and support a load, and a wheel disposed on the bottom end of the frame. A track is coupled to the frame, where the track includes a roller and an endless belt configured to rotate about the roller. A motor is coupled to the roller, where the motor is operable to drive the endless belt, and a power supply provides power to the motor.

With an idler, a first member includes a first boss portion, a first rim portion, and a side plate. A second member includes a second boss portion, a second rim portion, and a side plate. A third member includes a third boss portion having a third axle hole portion configured to allow insertion of an axle. The third boss portion is disposed between the first boss portion and the second boss portion. A first welded portion is formed between the second boss portion and the third boss portion and connects the second and third boss portions. A second welded portion is formed between the first boss portion and the third boss portion and connects the first and third boss portions. A third welded portion is formed between the first rim portion and the second rim portion and connects the first and second rim portions.

With an idler, a first member includes a first boss portion, a first rim portion, and a side plate. A second member includes a second boss portion, a second rim portion, and a side plate. A third member includes a third boss portion having a third axle hole portion configured to allow insertion of an axle. The third boss portion is disposed between the first boss portion and the second boss portion. A first welded portion is formed between the second boss portion and the third boss portion and connects the second and third boss portions. A second welded portion is formed between the first boss portion and the third boss portion and connects the first and third boss portions. A third welded portion is formed between the first rim portion and the second rim portion and connects the first and second rim portions.

A track system for a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)) in which the track system is configured to enhance traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, such as, for example, to maintain proper contact with the ground (e.g., even if it is cambered) and/or to better absorb shocks when it encounters obstacles on the ground.

A track system for a vehicle (e.g., an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)) in which the track system is configured to enhance traction, floatation, and/or other aspects of its performance, such as, for example, to maintain proper contact with the ground (e.g., even if it is cambered) and/or to better absorb shocks when it encounters obstacles on the ground.

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