Caterpillar Tractor Co.

James Richard Shuler

Roger L Boggs

Danny J Becker

Kenneth E Vaughn

Kennith E Vaughn

Lawrence E Fox

A track chain construction (10) wherein a pair of link chains (11 and 12) are maintained in spaced parallel relationship by shoes (13) secured to the respective links (16,17) of the link chains. The shoes define central lugs (18) for engagement by the drive sprocket in operating the track chain. Each link (16,17) defines an integral unitary structure including a socket portion (23) and a pin portion (24). The pin defines a reservoir (27) for containing lubricating oil for lubricating the pivot joint defined by the pin (24) received in the socket bore (23). A crescent seal (36) defines a moving seal for cooperation with a fixed seal (30,31) between an end cap (29) and the socket end (21) of the link for sealingly maintaining the oil against leakage from the pivot joint (20). A removable plug (28) permits recharging the oil reservoir (27) when desired. The seal (36) includes an improved wear member (42) adhesively bonded to the pin (24) and defining the surface against which one leg (41) of the seal movably engages. Structure (33,34) is provided for limiting the axial movement of the pin (24) relative to the socket (23).

Track chain assembly with integral pin and link

A track link assembly including two meshed track links, one having a narrow end received in a notch in an enlarged end in the other, aligned bores in the links, a hinge pin received in the bore for pivoting the links together, annular grooves at opposite ends of the pins, retaining rings in the grooves, recesses in one of the links about the bore therein adjacent the ends of the pin and defining shoulders substantially abutted by the retaining rings, and caps closing the recesses and having axial portions about the periphery of the respective retaining rings for preventing radial movement thereof.

Hinge joint for track link assemblies

A track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of articulated track shoes each comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls terminating at a grouser extending the full width thereof. The sidewalls define a V-shaped trough-like configuration and a track link is releasably attached thereto. A pair of parallel lugs are formed on the upper ends of the sidewalls.

Low ground pressure track shoe

The useful life of the track components of a track-type tractor are prolonged by providing wear-compensating means within the track chain and sprocket assembly. The wear within this assembly is compensated for by providing a sprocket drive chain having pin bushing wear surfaces and a sprocket with replaceable tooth segments so that the pitch diameter of the chain and sprocket may be maintained in matched relationship by replacing the tooth segments with tooth segments having a greater root diameter as the chain pin bushings wear.

Wear-compensating replacement sprocket

A track-type vehicle comprises a plurality of articulated track shoes each comprising a pair of downwardly converging sidewalls terminating at the grouser extending the full width thereof. The sidewalls define a V-shaped trough-like configuration and a track link is releasably attached thereto. A pair of parallel lugs are formed on the upper ends of the sidewalls.

Growing community of inventors

Eureka, IL, United States of America

James Richard Shuler