Gauge width adjustment means for track-type vehicles

Claim 2

In a track-type vehicle comprising a main frame, a pair of laterally spaced track roller frames mounted beneath said main frame and releasable fastening means normally securing said track roller frames to said main frame at a maximum gauge width between said track roller frames, the invention comprising adjustment means, including first and second alignment means disposed in parallel relationship and transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of each of said track roller frames, operatively connected between overlying portions of said main frame and at least one of said track roller frames for permitting selective narrowing of the gauge width between said track roller frames upon release of said fastening means.

Claim 3

The invention of claim 1 wherein said first alignment means comprises an elongated slot formed through said main frame, a plate at least partially overlying said slot and a first guide member disposed in said slot and attached between said plate and said one track roller frame.

Claim 4

The invention of claim 2 wherein said plate is flat and has a substantially constant thickness throughout the length thereof.

Claim 5

The invention of claim 2 wherein said second alignment means comprises at least one second guide member attached to said one track roller frame and a guide surface formed on said main frame and engaged by said second guide member.

Claim 6

The invention of claim 1 wherein said vehicle constitutes a hydraulic excavator and said main frame comprises a pair of longitudinally spaced mounting plates extending laterally outwardly in overlying relationship relative to a respective track roller frame, one of said adjustment means operatively connecting each of said plates to such respective track roller frame.

Claim 7

A track-type vehicle comprising a main frame, a pair of laterally spaced track roller frames mounted beneath said main frame and adjustment means operatively connected between said main frame and at least one of said track roller frames for selectively changing the gauge width between said track roller frames, said adjustment means comprising an elongated slot formed through said main frame, a plate at least partially overlying said slot, a first guide member disposed in said slot and attached between a first end of said plate and said one track roller frame and at least one second guide member attached to said one track roller frame in longitudinally spaced relationship along said track roller frame relative to said first guide mEmber.

Claim 8

A track-type vehicle comprising a main frame, a pair of laterally spaced track roller frames mounted beneath said main frame and adjustment means operatively connected between said main frame and at least one of said track roller frames for selectively changing the gauge width between said track roller frames, said adjustment means comprising an elongated slot formed through said main frame, a plate at least partially overlying said slot, a first guide member disposed in said slot and attached between a first end of said plate and said one track roller frame and at least one second guide member attached to said one track roller frame in longitudinally spaced relationship along said track roller frame relative to said first guide mEmber.

Claim 9

The vehicle of claim 6 wherein said adjustment means further comprises a guide surface formed on said main frame and engaged by a pair of said second guide members.

Claim 10

The vehicle of claim 6 wherein each of said track roller frames is operatively connected to said main frame by at least one of said adjustment means.

Claim 11

The vehicle of claim 8 wherein each of said track roller frames is operatively connected to said main frame by a pair of said adjustment means.