Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

Carl W Carter

Robert J Purcell

Brent C Bargfrede

James G Neal

A belted undercarriage assembly for a vehicle, such as a non-powered towed trailer, includes first and second endless belt assemblies, one positioned on each side of the vehicle, first and second wheel supporting frame assemblies associated respectively with the first and second belt assemblies, and a supporting axle connected to each of the frame assemblies and to the vehicle. Each of the frame assemblies includes first and second rectangular shaped tubes which are adapted to telescope together. A first threaded adjusting mechanism controls the telescopic relationship of the first and second tubes and a second threaded adjusting mechanism controls lateral movement of the first tube relative to the second tube. Providing proper belt tension and alignment of the belt on the guide wheels are important to efficient and economical operation of a belted undercarriage assembly. If proper tension is not maintained, or if the belt drifts to one side or the other, undesirable heat buildup and wear are produced. The subject belted undercarriage incorporates simple and economical apparatus and methods for controlling the tension and lateral movement of the belt.

Belted undercarriage assembly

Control apparatus has first and second assemblies which each have a work element. The work elements are movable between a first position at which the work elements are fully retracted and a second position at which the work elements are fully extended. A single lever mechanism controllably moves the work elements in response to controlled movement of a single lever of the lever mechanism. The lever is pivotally connected to the first assembly and connected to the second assembly and movable therewith.

Control apparatus

A loader comprises a pair of lift arms pivotally mounted on a frame, and a bucket pivotally mounted on the forward end of the lift arms. A bucket tilt linkage, including at least one double-acting hydraulic tilt cylinder is operatively connected between the lift arms and the bucket to selectively position the bucket for various earth-working operations. The tilt linkage further includes improved linkage means for mechanically coupling sensed positions of an extensible rod of the cylinder across the pivot axis of the cylinder for enabling control means to respond to this condition independently of cylinder angular position.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Carl W Carter