초록 ▼

The invention is directed to an auxiliary drive system for the front wheels of a belted track crawler. The auxiliary drive wheels and the main drive wheels are provided with overrunning clutches. In the first two embodiments a mechanical system is used to drive the auxiliary wheels. In the third emb

The invention is directed to an auxiliary drive system for the front wheels of a belted track crawler. The auxiliary drive wheels and the main drive wheels are provided with overrunning clutches. In the first two embodiments a mechanical system is used to drive the auxiliary wheels. In the third embodiment electric motors are used to drive the auxiliary wheels. With all the systems when the crawler is being driven forward the auxiliary drive wheel is driven slower than the main drive wheel. In a no slip situation the auxiliary drive wheel freely rotates at the speed of the main drive wheel. When sufficient slippage occurs between the main drive wheel and the track, the auxiliary drive wheel is driven at the slower speed driving the track. In reverse, the auxiliary drive wheel is driven faster than the main drive wheel. In a no slip condition, the auxiliary drive wheel drives the crawler in reverse. When sufficient slippage occurs between the auxiliary drive wheel and the belted track, the main drive wheel again drives the crawler.

대표청구항 ▼

A crawler vehicle comprising: a frame; a power unit secured to the frame; a main drive wheel connected to the frame; an auxiliary drive wheel connected to the frame; an endless belted track operatively engaging both drive wheels for propelling said vehicle; a transmission operatively coupling the po

A crawler vehicle comprising: a frame; a power unit secured to the frame; a main drive wheel connected to the frame; an auxiliary drive wheel connected to the frame; an endless belted track operatively engaging both drive wheels for propelling said vehicle; a transmission operatively coupling the power unit to the main drive wheel for driving the main drive wheel at a first speed; and means for driving the auxiliary drive wheel at a second speed that is different than the first speed.