Caterpillar Inc.

William A Holt

Peter William Anderton

Chuong Q Dam

Michael H Haselkorn

Daniel L Mikrut

Kenneth R Watts

Jerry A Metz

Jian Zhang

Phil J Shankwitz

Harry M Yousefnia

Charles E Clark

William J Trimble

Alan P Dremann

A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a first end, a second end and a middle portion, an outer surface and an inner surface, a first sealing surface adjacent the first end and a second end sealing surface adjacent the second end, a first inner bearing surface adjacent the first end and a second inner bearing surface adjacent the second end, and an abrasion resistant coating deposited on at least one of (a) at least one of the first end sealing surface and the second end sealing surface, and (b) at least one of the first inner bearing surface and the second inner bearing surface. The coating is selected from the group consisting of chromium nitrides, chromium carbonitrides, and mixtures thereof. The track bushing exhibits much superior abrasion, corrosion, erosion and galling resistance.

Track bushing having improved abrasion and galling resistance

A track seal assembly (174) adapted to seal a track joint (172) includes a track link and a ceramic seal member (186). The track seal further includes an elastomeric member (176) positioned between the track link and the ceramic seal member (186). The track seal (174) further includes a bushing (184) having a ceramic end face (187). The end face (87) of the bushing defines a ceramic bushing face (187) that interfaces with the ceramic seal member (186) so as to form a seal interface.

Track joint sealing assembly for sealing a track joint in a track chain

A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a cylindrical tubular shape, a first end and a second end, and first end and second bearing surfaces adjacent respective ends. A circumferential groove having a depth in an axial direction is formed in at least one of the first end and second end bearing surfaces. An abrasion resistant material is deposited within the circumferential groove and bonded to the bushing at a bond interface. The abrasion resistant material at the bond interface is diluted with no greater than 5% by weight track bushing material.

Track bushing having laser cladding end treatment for improved abrasion

A track assembly for a track-type machine includes a track bushing that defines first and second end portions and first and second sealing end faces that are defined by the respective end portions. The track bushing also defines a bore that extends therethrough between the end portions thereof. A first bearing surface is defined on the bore adjacent the first end portion and a second bearing surface is defined on the bore adjacent the second end portion. An abrasion resistant coating is deposited on at least one of the first and second end surfaces and the first and second bearing surfaces. The coating is selected from the group consisting of chromium nitrides, chromium carbonitrides, and mixtures thereof.

A track seal assembly adapted to seal a track joint includes a track link and a first ceramic seal member. The track seal further includes a first elastomeric member positioned between the track link and the first ceramic seal member. The track seal further includes a bushing having an end face. The track seal also includes a second ceramic seal member secured to the end face of the bushing, wherein (1) the first ceramic seal member contacts the second ceramic seal member so as to form a seal interface, (2) the end face of the bushing has a counter bore defined therein, and (3) the second ceramic seal member is positioned within the counter bore of the bushing.

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Dunlap, IL, United States of America

William A Holt