GB757335A - Improvements relating to track-laying vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

757,335. Endless track vehicles. EVANS, L. Nov. 1, 1954 [Aug. 1, 1953], No. 21377/53. Class 79 (1). A tracked vehicle 1 is provided at one or both side with supplementary track means 15 moving with the normal endless tracks but vertically adjustable relative to the vehicle so as to be capable of raising from the ground the normal tracks at the lower side of a hill slope. As shown in Fig. 1, the normal endless tracks comprise articulated links 3 carrying ground plates 2 and passing round sprockets 4. Secured to each side of the tractor is a slotted bracket 9, and mounted within the slots is a frame 5 for vertical movements under the control of hydraulic rams 10. The frame 5 carries rollers 13 to which are secured arms mounting ground-engaging plates 17 of the supplementary track means, the plates 17 having grousers and the arms passing through slotted brackets 16 secured to every third link 3. The frames 5 are vertically adjusted by the rams 10 so that the vehicle remains substantially horizontal when traversing a slope, the rams being either separately or conjointly controlled and the conjoint control being effected through the vehicle steering mechanism. The frames may alternatively be adjusted by gearing from hand wheels, Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown). In a further modification, Fig. 3 (not shown), the lower run of the frame is formed by portions at different levels, the selection of the portion into which the rollers run being effected by switch means or " points." To prevent sagging of the lower run of the normal endless track when the supplementary track plates are in operation, the plates 2 are provided with headed members 18, Fig. 4, adapted to be engaged between lateral guides 19, the guides being separable when not required. If desired, the supplementary track means may be provided on only one side of the vehicle, and the supplementary track means may be readily detachable from the vehicle.