A track assembly includes an elongated main frame supported for pivotal movement on a transverse axis and having opposite end portions supporting a set of end wheels. An endless flexible belt extends around the end wheels and has an upper run and a lower run for engaging the ground. A plurality of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels are positioned below the main frame and engage the lower run of the belt. The bogie wheels are carried by bogie frames supported for vertical movement and also for tilting movement relative to a plane defined by the axes of the end wheels. The bogie frames are urged or biased downwardly against the lower run of the belt by compression members extending from the main frame and preferably in the form of annular rubber spring members.

A track assembly includes an elongated main frame supported for pivotal movement on a transverse axis and having opposite end portions supporting a set of end wheels. An endless flexible belt extends around the end wheels and has an upper run and a lower run for engaging the ground. A plurality of longitudinally spaced bogie wheels are positioned below the main frame and engage the lower run of the belt. The bogie wheels are carried by bogie frames supported for vertical movement and also for tilting movement relative to a plane defined by the axes of the end wheels. The bogie frames are urged or biased downwardly against the lower run of the belt by compression members extending from the main frame and preferably in the form of annular rubber spring members.

A ground-engaging track system includes a track having a first track chain and a second track chain, and an idler having pockets formed in an outer idler rim to receive inboard rail protrusions on track links in the first track chain and the second track chain. The inboard rail protrusions project from an inboard link side, and a central pad of an upper rail surface in the track link includes an anti-scalloping bump-out formed on the inboard rail protrusion.

A ground-engaging track system includes a track having a first track chain and a second track chain, and an idler having pockets formed in an outer idler rim to receive inboard rail protrusions on track links in the first track chain and the second track chain. The inboard rail protrusions project from an inboard link side, and a central pad of an upper rail surface in the track link includes an anti-scalloping bump-out formed on the inboard rail protrusion.

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.

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.

A ground-engaging track system includes a track roller frame, an idler, and anti-backbending rollers supported by the track roller frame at locations between track rollers and the idler. The anti-backbending rollers define an idler space receiving the idler partially therein and positioned to oppose backbending of a deflection-sensitive section of a ground-engaging track.

A ground-engaging track system includes a track roller frame, an idler, and anti-backbending rollers supported by the track roller frame at locations between track rollers and the idler. The anti-backbending rollers define an idler space receiving the idler partially therein and positioned to oppose backbending of a deflection-sensitive section of a ground-engaging track.