A tensioner for adjusting a tension in an endless track of a track system is disclosed. The tensioner includes a resilient portion and a wheel connecting portion. The resilient portion is connectable to a frame of the track system, the resilient portion being oriented generally vertically. The wheel connecting portion is pivotally connectable to the frame of the track system, is connected to the resilient portion and is configured to connect to an idler wheel assembly. A track system having the tensioner is also disclosed.

A crawler traveling device includes a first wheel; a second wheel spaced from the first wheel; a support frame that supports the first wheel and the second wheel; a third wheel disposed above the support frame; an endless crawler wound around the first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel; and a vehicle-height changing mechanism that changes a position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel. The vehicle-height changing mechanism has an actuator that is capable of contracting in the vertical direction and that changes the position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel.

A crawler traveling device includes a first wheel; a second wheel spaced from the first wheel; a support frame that supports the first wheel and the second wheel; a third wheel disposed above the support frame; an endless crawler wound around the first wheel, the second wheel, and the third wheel; and a vehicle-height changing mechanism that changes a position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel. The vehicle-height changing mechanism has an actuator that is capable of contracting in the vertical direction and that changes the position of the support frame in the vertical direction with respect to the third wheel.

A work machine may include an electric motor, an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator that is electrically powered by the electric motor and configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the torque output of the electric motor. The work machine also includes a controller configured to automatically control the electrical current input to the electric motor based on one or more monitored control factors associated with the work machine.

A work machine may include an electric motor, an idler wheel, a drivable track engaged with the idler wheel, and an actuator that is electrically powered by the electric motor and configured to move the idler wheel to adjust the tension in the drivable track based on the torque output of the electric motor. The work machine also includes a controller configured to automatically control the electrical current input to the electric motor based on one or more monitored control factors associated with the work machine.

A system for braking a track module of a work vehicle includes a frame, a track module supported relative to the frame, and a computing system. The track module includes an idler wheel, roller wheels, a track extending in an endless loop around the idler and roller wheels, and a tensioning actuator configured to adjust a tension on the track. The tensioning actuator increases the tension on the track from a lower tension to a higher tension when a braking operation in association with the track module is initiated and subsequently reduces the tension on the track from the higher tension to the lower tension when the braking operation is ceased.

A snowmobile comprises a plurality of ground engaging members, a frame supported by the ground engaging members, and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame. The snowmobile further comprises a rear suspension assembly supported by the frame which includes a plurality of slide rails, at least one linear force element operably coupled to the slide rails, and at least one rear idler wheel operably coupled to the slide rails with a rear shaft. The rear shaft is operably coupled to the slide rails with a single fastener received into one end of the rear shaft.

A snowmobile comprises a plurality of ground engaging members, a frame supported by the ground engaging members, and a powertrain assembly supported by the frame. The snowmobile further comprises a rear suspension assembly supported by the frame which includes a plurality of slide rails, at least one linear force element operably coupled to the slide rails, and at least one rear idler wheel operably coupled to the slide rails with a rear shaft. The rear shaft is operably coupled to the slide rails with a single fastener received into one end of the rear shaft.

The present invention relates to a running gear chain (2), in particular a bogie chain (2), having a flexible body (20), preferably an elastomer body (20), which is closed in endless fashion, or closable in endless fashion, in a running direction (A). The running gear chain (2) according to the invention is characterized by a multiplicity of rigid transverse elements (24) which are connected to the outer side of the flexible body (20) and extend substantially transversely with respect to the running direction (A), wherein at least some of the rigid transverse elements (24), preferably all of the rigid transverse elements (24), are arranged so close together in the running direction (A) that, with a planar extent of the flexible body (20), two immediately adjacent rigid transverse elements (24) make contact in the running direction (A).

A tensioning system of traction tracks of a machinery by means of a hydraulic cylinder applying a tensioning force on at least one of the wheels on which the track is wound according to a closed chain configuration in which the hydraulic cylinder is fed with different pressures according to the traction direction, in a first traction direction the feeding pressure of the tensioning hydraulic cylinder being a first pressure approximately corresponding to the pressure which is generated by a pump which is present on a closed circuit feeding the traction devices, in a second traction direction the feeding pressure of the tensioning hydraulic cylinder being a second pressure corresponding to the pressure of the closed circuit up to a predetermined upper limit value.