A track tension system including a hydraulic cylinder coupled between a drive frame and idler of a track system, an accumulator and a hydraulic valve that controls flow between the cylinder and accumulator. The cylinder extends and retracts to change the distance between the drive frame and idler which increases and decreases, respectively, tension on the track system. The hydraulic valve can be opened to allow flow between the cylinder and accumulator, and closed to block flow between the cylinder and accumulator. Control factors can be monitored to control valve position. An overload pressure relief can allow flow between the cylinder and accumulator when the hydraulic valve is closed and pressure in the cylinder reaches overload pressure. An orifice can allow constricted flow between the cylinder and accumulator when the hydraulic valve is closed. A check valve can connect the track tension system to a vehicle hydraulic system.

A track system includes an attachment assembly including at least one of a first pivot defining a roll pivot axis, a second pivot defining a pitch pivot axis, and a third pivot defining a yaw pivot axis of the track system. A frame assembly is disposed laterally outwardly from the attachment assembly and connected to the attachment assembly. The track system further includes at least one actuator for pivoting the frame assembly about at least one of the roll and yaw pivot axes, and at least one monitoring for determining, at least indirectly, at least one of a state of the track system and a ground surface condition. The at least one monitoring sensor is communicating with a track system controller to control the operation of the at least one actuator based on the at least one of the state of the track system and the ground surface condition.

A tracked vehicle, in particular a construction machine, more particularly a road construction machine, with at least one drive motor and a travel pump of a travel drive hydraulic circuit, which is driven by the drive motor, for generating a drive pressure; at least one track unit, said track unit comprising a drive wheel driven via the travel drive hydraulic circuit, at least one guide wheel, a track endlessly running around the drive wheel and the guide wheel, as well as a track tensioning apparatus for tensioning the track, and the track tensioning apparatus comprising an adjusting device with a track tensioning hydraulic cylinder with which the distance between two wheels of the track unit, in particular the drive wheel and the guide wheel, is adjustable for tensioning the track, the track tensioning hydraulic cylinder being connected via a hydraulic tensioning line to a hydraulic pretensioning source via which it can be loaded with an initial pretensioning pressure. The tensioning apparatus further has a damping device with a spring for damping pressure peaks in the adjusting device. A method for operating a tracked vehicle with a track unit.

A track system for traction of a vehicle (e.g., a compact track loader or other construction vehicle) which may be designed to improve ride quality (e.g., reduce vibrations) for an operator and/or enhance other aspects of its performance or that of the vehicle. For example, a track of the track system may be frictionally driven and without transversal rigid parts (e.g., metallic cores). Also, power generation and transmission functions may be implemented by the track system. For instance, a motor and a transmission may be at least mostly contained within the track system.

A multi-terrain transport apparatus, such as a motorized wheelchair, that allows adjustment of the terrain-contacting surface area of a continuous track depending on the terrain encountered by the transport apparatus.

A tracked vehicle with a chassis comprising an upper frame structure connected to a lower frame structure, the lower frame structure spanning a longitudinal distance along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein over a first portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure overlaps with the upper frame structure and wherein over a second portion of the longitudinal distance, the lower frame structure does not overlap with the upper frame structure. The tracked vehicle may also comprise an operator cabin, power plant mounted to the upper frame structure and a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle. Each track assembly is mounted to the lower frame structure of the chassis and comprises a drive wheel; an end wheel; and a plurality of support wheels therebetween; and an endless track disposed around the plurality of wheels for engaging a ground on which the tracked vehicle travels.

An endless track assembly that mounts to a vehicle drive linkage and is operative to vary the track geometry or profile and terrain contact surface to differing terrains. The track assembly includes controlled idler wheel rocker arm suspensions for pivoting associated idler wheels at an assembly framework. In one assembly, a wheel and tire are supported to a track drive sprocket. The shape of the track assembly can be transformed to alternately engage and disengage the track or wheel with the terrain. In other constructions, the geometry of the track can be varied between triangular and circular shapes. The assemblies include pivotally controlled idler wheel suspensions that cooperate with a drive sprocket supported bladder, offset pie-shaped telescoping plates, and a collapsible membrane or tire to transform the track profile.

The present invention generally relates to vehicle and machinery in agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and powersport. It further generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies used with such vehicles. The track assembly includes components having particular features that, alone or in combination, participate in decreasing the vibrations 5 undergone by the vehicle. According to embodiments, split frames are used with suspension, tandem subassemblies, tridem subassemblies, adjustable damping components, drive shaft openings, lowering of resulting the track band tension and rosta assemblies.

An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus, transducer manipulator and surface cleaning system to perform non-destructive examination of structures while traversing the structure in all positions. The invention is able to conform to large range of irregularities of the climbing surface while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The invention is moves the inspection transducer over the surface while maintaining correct alignment of the tool relative to the surface. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection on structures that require cleaning or other preparation prior to inspection. The invention allows an operator to perform an inspection remotely.

A mobile farm implement includes a track assembly with a plurality of arms that are pivotally coupled to support idler wheels and bogie wheels such that the track assembly is able to better conform to the terrain when the implement is towed behind a tractor or otherwise moved.