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.

An active track-chain sag management system for usage in conjunction with crawler vehicles having tracked undercarriages includes a movable track-engaging member positioned for physical engagement into a track-chain of the tracked undercarriage, an electric drive assembly controllable to adjust a track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member relative to the track-chain, and a controller operatively coupled to the electric drive assembly. The controller is configured to command the electric drive assembly to repeatedly adjust the track-chain sag of the track-chain by varying the track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member during operation of the tracked undercarriage.

An active track-chain sag management system for usage in conjunction with crawler vehicles having tracked undercarriages includes a movable track-engaging member positioned for physical engagement into a track-chain of the tracked undercarriage, an electric drive assembly controllable to adjust a track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member relative to the track-chain, and a controller operatively coupled to the electric drive assembly. The controller is configured to command the electric drive assembly to repeatedly adjust the track-chain sag of the track-chain by varying the track-tensioning position of the movable track-engaging member during operation of the tracked undercarriage.

An apparatus having an accumulator fluidly coupled to a cylinder having a moveable rod and a pressure relief valve, the cylinder configured to produce an increase in resistance to retraction of the cylinder by re-routing fluid flow to the accumulator through the pressure relief valve after the rod has reached a defined retraction distance.

An apparatus having an accumulator fluidly coupled to a cylinder having a moveable rod and a pressure relief valve, the cylinder configured to produce an increase in resistance to retraction of the cylinder by re-routing fluid flow to the accumulator through the pressure relief valve after the rod has reached a defined retraction distance.

Power machines, power sources for power machines, and methods which provide a hydraulic signal from a hydraulic system, through the swivel joint or swivel, to control a tensioning cylinder coupled to the undercarriage without requiring a modification to the swivel. In exemplary embodiments, the same hydraulic signal provided to at least one other hydraulic component on the undercarriage to control another machine function is also provided to control one or more tensioning cylinders. For example, exemplary disclosed embodiments provide the same hydraulic signal to tension a tensioning cylinder as is provided to shift one or more two-speed drive motors. This prevents or reduces the likelihood of de-tracking without requiring a change or redesign of the swivel.

Power machines, power sources for power machines, and methods which provide a hydraulic signal from a hydraulic system, through the swivel joint or swivel, to control a tensioning cylinder coupled to the undercarriage without requiring a modification to the swivel. In exemplary embodiments, the same hydraulic signal provided to at least one other hydraulic component on the undercarriage to control another machine function is also provided to control one or more tensioning cylinders. For example, exemplary disclosed embodiments provide the same hydraulic signal to tension a tensioning cylinder as is provided to shift one or more two-speed drive motors. This prevents or reduces the likelihood of de-tracking without requiring a change or redesign of the swivel.

Provided is a track drive for outdoor power equipment including a support frame and a drive axle configured to attach to an associated drive hub. A hub bearing is mounted on the drive axle and the support frame enabling the drive axle to rotate relative to the support frame. A drive sprocket is attached to the drive axle and includes an interior half sprocket and an exterior half sprocket. The half sprockets are located on either side of the support frame. Drive teeth are spaced radially about the drive sprocket. The drive sprocket is movably engaged with an endless track to transmit force to rotate the endless track and propel the outdoor power equipment. A kit for adding or replacing a track drive of outdoor power equipment is also provided.

A track vehicle includes: a frame; a rotatable driving wheel carried by the frame; a track engaged with the driving wheel; an idler wheel engaged with the track; a tensioner coupled to the idler wheel to force the idler wheel into engagement with the track; a recoiler coupled to the tensioner; and a fluid damper attached to the frame and coupled to the tensioner and the recoiler. The fluid damper includes: a fluid chamber having two ports; a piston coupled to at least one of the tensioner and the recoiler within the fluid chamber; and a restriction circuit fluidly connected to the ports and configured to form a closed fluid circuit. The restriction circuit permits a substantially unrestricted fluid flow through the closed fluid circuit when the piston moves in one direction and a restricted fluid flow through the closed fluid circuit when the piston moves in the opposite direction.

A track vehicle includes: a frame; a rotatable driving wheel carried by the frame; a track engaged with the driving wheel; an idler wheel engaged with the track; a tensioner coupled to the idler wheel to force the idler wheel into engagement with the track; a recoiler coupled to the tensioner; and a fluid damper attached to the frame and coupled to the tensioner and the recoiler. The fluid damper includes: a fluid chamber having two ports; a piston coupled to at least one of the tensioner and the recoiler within the fluid chamber; and a restriction circuit fluidly connected to the ports and configured to form a closed fluid circuit. The restriction circuit permits a substantially unrestricted fluid flow through the closed fluid circuit when the piston moves in one direction and a restricted fluid flow through the closed fluid circuit when the piston moves in the opposite direction.