TRACK THEORY OF OPERATION

TM 5-2410-237-23

TRACK THEORY OF OPERATION

UNDERCARRIAGE

The undercarriage connects to the body and final drives. Two track assemblies are kept in parallel adjustment by the

diagonal braces of the track roller frames. Each track assembly can move up and down by itself.

The components of the undercarriage are: equalizer bar, track rollers, track carrier rollers, tracks, front idlers, track roller

frames, track adjusters and recoil springs.

The front idlers, track rollers and track carrier rollers use seals to prevent the loss of lubricant and to keep out foreign

material.

TRACK ROLLER FRAMES

The track roller frames are fastened to the final drive bearing cage and to the steering clutch and bevel gear case.

The track rollers, track carrier rollers, front idlers, track adjusters and recoil springs are fastened to the track roller

frames.

The alignment of the track roller frames and final drives is controlled by the shim adjustment of the final drives.

TRACK CARRIER ROLLERS

The track carrier rollers give support to the track between the sprocket and the front idler. The shaft of the track carrier

roller is fastened to a support bracket by a clamp. The support bracket is fastened to the track roller frame.

The track carrier rollers must be in alignment with the sprocket and the front idler. The alignment is done by the move-

ment of the roller shaft inside the support bracket. The carrier rollers turn on two tapered roller bearings.

TRACK ROLLERS

The track rollers are fastened to the track roller frames. The track rollers are in contact with the inside surfaces of the

track links. Flanges on the track rollers prevent the movement of the track from side to side. The inside surfaces of the

track links cause an equal distribution of the weight of the machine along the track.

Each track roller frame has six track rollers, three single flange and three double flange.

The flange at the center of shaft gets the side load on the roller. Bearings also get the side load on the roller. The amount

of side movement or end clearance of the shaft cannot be adjusted.

FRONT IDLERS

The front idlers put the tracks in position in front of the track rollers. They also keep the tracks in alignment with the

sprockets.

The adjustment of the tracks is done by the movement of the front idlers. The track adjusters move the front idlers and

hold them in position.

The position of the front idlers is controlled by shims. The front idlers must have correct alignment with the track roller

frames.

RECOIL SPRINGS AND TRACK ADJUSTER

The recoil springs are normally in compression. They are held between brackets and stops on the track roller frames.

Normally, the force of the springs is not against the tracks. The force against the track for the correct setting of track

curve (sag) is controlled by the track adjuster.