Conversion of power machinery between wheeled and endless tracked traction elements

Abstract

A kit and corresponding method may be used to convert a wheel of a power machine to a track assembly, such as converting a four-wheel power machine to a four-wheel tracked power machine. An end shaft (346) may be secured to an axle (328) of a power machine (300) and may be configured to support a track frame (366) of a track assembly in place of a wheel (319). A bearing (368) may be secured to the end shaft (346) and a bushing (376) may engage the axle (328) to rotatably support the track assembly relative to the axle (328). Sprocket members of a sectored sprocket (378, 380) may be independently secured to a wheel hub (306) of the power machine (300) to assist in mounting and driving the track of the track assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 852,709, filed on May 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to power machines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the conversion of power machines between configurations having different types of traction elements, including the conversion from a wheeled power machine to a tracked power machine, or more specifically, still converting a power machine from using wheeled traction elements to a power machine with endless tracks. For the purposes of this disclosure, a power machine includes any type of machine that generates power to accomplish a specific task or a variety of different tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. A work vehicle is typically a self-propelled vehicle with a work device such as a lifting arm (but some work vehicles may have other work devices), which can be manipulated to perform a work function. To name just a few examples, work vehicles include loaders, excavators, multi-purpose vehicles, tractors, and trenchers.

[0004] Power machines may include different traction elements to allow movement over terrain or other support surfaces. For example, some power machines include tracked traction assemblies having endless tracks that engage the ground, while other power machines include wheeled traction assemblies having wheels that engage the ground. The relative utility of endless tracks versus wheels as traction elements may vary depending on the specific support surface, the operator, other aspects of the configuration of the associated power machine, the operation to be performed, and a variety of other factors.

[0005] The above discussion is provided for general background information only and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may allow an operator to easily convert a wheeled power machine to a tracked power machine, such as converting a four-wheeled power machine to a four-wheeled tracked power machine by replacing each of the power machine's four wheels with a corresponding track assembly.

[0007] Some embodiments provide a kit for converting a wheeled power machine to a tracked power machine, the wheeled power machine including an axle, a hub supported by the axle, and a wheel fixed to the hub. The kit may include a stub shaft, a track frame, and a sprocket. The stub shaft may be configured to be fixed at the outer end of the axle. The track frame may be configured to be operably coupled to the axle at the stub shaft. The sprocket may be configured to be fixed to the hub in place of the wheel so that the track moves around the track frame when the axle rotates.

[0008] Some embodiments provide a kit for converting a wheeled power machine to a tracked power machine. The wheeled power machine may include an axle, a hub supported by the axle, a wheel secured to the hub, and an end cap secured to a fastener hole at the outboard end of the axle, and a track frame is provided to replace the wheel. The kit may include an end shaft configured to be secured to the fastener hole at the outboard end of the axle to replace the end cap. The end shaft may further be configured to rotatably support the track frame relative to the axle.

[0009] Some embodiments provide a sectored sprocket for transmitting rotational power from a hub of an axle of a power machine to an endless track, or for simplicity, to the track. The sectored sprocket may include at least three sprocket members configured to collectively define a substantially circular sprocket profile. The at least three sprocket members may be configured to be independently secured to the hub to engage the track.

[0010] Some embodiments provide a method of converting a power machine from using wheeled traction elements to traction elements that each include an endless track. A wheel can be removed from a hub of an axle of the wheeled power machine. An end shaft can be attached to the outboard end of the axle. A track frame can be rotatably fixed to the end shaft. A track can be aligned on the track frame. A sprocket can be attached to the hub. The hub can be rotated to tension the track via the sprocket.

[0011] Some embodiments provide a method of converting a wheeled power machine to a tracked power machine. A first sprocket member of a sectored sprocket may be secured to a wheel hub of the wheeled power machine. A track may be placed in alignment with the first sprocket member. The wheel hub may be rotated to tension the track with the first sprocket member. After tensioning the track with the first sprocket member, a second sprocket member and a third sprocket member of the sectored sprocket may be secured to the wheel hub.

[0012] This Summary and Abstract are provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which are further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the functional systems of a representative power machine upon which embodiments of the present disclosure may be advantageously implemented.

[0014] Figures 2 to 3 A perspective view of a representative power machine in the form of a skid steer loader is shown upon which the disclosed embodiments may be implemented.

[0015] Figure 4 It is shown that Figures 2 to 3 A block diagram of the components of a power system for a loader such as the one shown.

[0016] Figure 5 A perspective view of a representative power machine in the form of a wheeled skid steer loader is shown upon which the disclosed embodiments may be implemented.

[0017] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A partial perspective view of a wheel assembly of a power machine.

[0018] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shown is the Figure 5 Isometric view of the end axle of a power machine converting its wheel assembly to a track assembly.

[0019] Fig. 9 shows the assembled Figure 5 A perspective view of certain components of a track assembly on an axle of a power machine.

[0020] Fig.10 Shown with Fig. 9 A perspective view of a bearing used with a track assembly.

[0021] Fig.11 and Fig.12 A perspective view and a front view, respectively, of a sprocket member for a sectored sprocket according to some disclosed embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, these concepts are not limited to the construction details and the arrangement of parts in the illustrative embodiments in their application, and can be implemented or practiced in various other ways. The terms herein are used for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. Words such as "comprises," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to cover the items listed after these words, the equivalents of the listed items, and additional items.

[0023] With conventional designs, a power machine equipped with wheels may require extensive reconfiguration to replace wheels with tracks, and vice versa. Thus, with conventional designs, converting any given power machine between tracked and wheeled operation is often not practically or economically possible. However, because wheels and tracks have relative advantages for different environments, an operator may potentially gain significant benefits from converting a particular machine between wheeled tractive elements and tracked tractive elements.

[0024] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein can address these needs and other needs. For example, some embodiments can include kits and corresponding methods for converting traction elements of various different power machines from a wheeled configuration to a tracked configuration. Thus, for example, a four-wheeled power machine can be converted to a four-wheeled tracked power machine, wherein a track assembly replaces each of the four wheels. Likewise, corresponding kits and methods according to some embodiments can be used to convert traction elements from a tracked configuration to a wheeled configuration, for example, allowing a four-wheeled tracked power machine to be converted to a four-wheeled power machine.

[0025] In some embodiments, a kit for replacing a wheel of a power machine with a track assembly may include an end shaft that is configured to replace an end cap of an axle supporting the wheel. The end shaft may also be configured to support a track frame, for example, by receiving a bearing fixed to the track frame. Therefore, as the wheel is removed from the corresponding wheel hub and the end shaft is fixed to the axle, the track assembly may fit on the axle, for example, by mounting a bearing for the track assembly on the end shaft and mounting a bushing for the track assembly on the corresponding axle tube. Therefore, the track frame and the track supported on the track frame may pivot relative to the axle, for example, by bearing and bushing support. In some embodiments, pillow bearings / external spherical bearings may be used, in which the mounting block is fixed to the track frame and the bushing may be partially integrated with the track frame. However, in other embodiments, other types of bearings (or bushings) may be used.

[0026] In some embodiments, the kit for replacing a wheel of a power machine may also include a sectored sprocket (i.e., a sprocket formed of a plurality of individually mountable sprocket pieces). As discussed above, for example, an end shaft may allow a track frame to be mounted on an axle in place of a wheel. Typically, the track frame may be mounted on an axle using an end shaft, wherein bearings and bushings for supporting the track frame are disposed on opposite sides of a hub of the axle (e.g., the hub is disposed transversely within the track frame). Subsequently, at least one sprocket piece of the sectored sprocket may be secured to the hub. The track may be mounted to the track frame in alignment with the mounted sprocket piece(s) of the sectored sprocket, and the sprocket piece(s) may be rotated with the hub to engage and tension the track. The track is thus engaged to maintain clearance relative to the hub, and then the remaining sprocket piece(s) may be mounted on the hub to complete the sectored sprocket. Thus, during operation, the track may be driven around the track frame by rotation of the hub and the entire sectored sprocket.

[0027] In some embodiments, the use of a sectored sprocket can significantly improve the ease with which the track is mounted to the track frame. For example, installation of a fully circular single-piece sprocket can be difficult due to the need to align the track with the sprocket and tension the track. In contrast, even if the track is mounted to be aligned with the associated hub, one sprocket piece of the sectored sprocket can be relatively easily mounted to the hub, such as at a mounting location on the hub opposite any contact location of the track. The mounted sprocket piece of the sectored sprocket can then be used to tension the track by rotation of the hub, thereby providing sufficient clearance for subsequent installation of the remaining sprocket pieces.

[0028] In some embodiments, it may be particularly advantageous to form a fully circular profile of the sectored sprocket from at least three separate sprocket members (e.g., one semicircular sprocket member and two quarter-circular sprocket members). In these examples of mounting of sprocket members, once the track frame has been mounted on the axle, the semicircular sprocket member may be mounted to the hub of the axle (e.g., mounted on the lower half of the hub), and the track is fitted over the track frame and semicircular sprocket member. The hub and semicircular sprocket member may then be rotated together to engage the track and tension the track relative to the track frame. With the track thus engaged, the two quarter-circular sprocket members may then be relatively easily mounted to the hub (e.g., also mounted on the lower half of the hub), such that the mounted sectored sprocket provides a substantially fully circular profile, thereby transmitting rotational power from the hub to the track. In many installations, similar benefits may be obtained using other sectored sprockets, including sectored sprockets having three substantially identical (e.g., one-third circular) sprocket members, four substantially identical (e.g., one-quarter circular) sprocket members, or other configurations.

[0029] These concepts can be implemented on a variety of power machines as will be described below. Figure 1 A representative power machine in which an embodiment may be implemented is shown in block diagram form in FIG. Figures 2 to 3 An example of such a power machine is shown in and described below before any embodiments are disclosed. For the sake of brevity, only one power machine is shown and discussed as a representative power machine. However, as described above, it is possible to include and Figures 2 to 3 The following embodiments are implemented on any number of power machines of different types of power machines of the representative power machine shown. For the purposes of this discussion, a power machine includes a frame, at least one working element, and a power source that can provide power to the working element to complete a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. A self-propelled work vehicle is a type of power machine that includes a frame, working elements, and a power source that can provide power to the working elements. At least one of the working elements is a motive system for moving the power machine under power. Some embodiments disclosed herein may be particularly advantageously implemented on a wheeled power machine that includes an axle with a removable end cap, but some embodiments may not require such a configuration.

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the basic systems of a power machine 100 , which may be any of a number of different types of power machines upon which the embodiments discussed below may be advantageously incorporated. Figure 1 The block diagram of FIG. 1 identifies the various systems on the power machine 100 and the relationships between the various components and systems. As mentioned above, at the most basic level, the power machine for the purposes of this discussion includes a frame, a power source, and a working element. The power machine 100 has a frame 110, a power source 120, and a working element 130. Because Figure 1 The power machine 100 shown in the figure is a self-propelled working vehicle, and thus the power machine 100 also has a traction element 140, which is itself a working element configured to move the power machine on a supporting surface, and an operator station 150, which provides an operating position for controlling the working element of the power machine. The control system 160 is configured to interact with other systems to perform various different working tasks at least in part in response to control signals provided by the operator.

[0031] Some work vehicles have work elements that can perform specialized tasks. For example, some work vehicles have a lift arm to which an implement, such as a bucket, is attached, for example, by a pin connection. The work element (i.e., lift arm) can be manipulated to position the implement to perform a task. In some cases, the implement can be positioned relative to the work element, such as by rotating the bucket relative to the lift arm, thereby further positioning the implement. Under normal operation of such a work vehicle, the bucket will be used to be attached and in use. Such a work vehicle is capable of accepting other implements by disassembling the implement / work element combination and reassembling another implement in place of the original bucket. However, other work vehicles will be used with a variety of implements and have, for example, Figure 1 The implement interface 170 shown is an implement interface. At its most basic, the implement interface 170 is a connection mechanism between the frame 110 or work element 130 and the implement, which may be as simple as a connection point for attaching the implement directly to the frame 110 or work element 130, or may be more complex, as discussed below.

[0032] On some power machines, the implement interface 170 may include an implement carrier, which is a physical structure that can be movably attached to the working element. The implement carrier has engagement features and locking features to accept any one of a plurality of different implements and fix any one of the plurality of different implements to the working element. A characteristic of such an implement carrier is that once the implement is attached to the implement carrier, the implement carrier is fixed to the implement (i.e., cannot move relative to the implement), and when the implement carrier moves relative to the working element, the implement moves with the implement carrier. The term "implement carrier" as used herein is not only a pivot connection point, but is a special device specifically intended to accept and be fixed to a variety of different implements. The implement carrier itself can be mounted to a working element 130 or frame 110 such as a lifting arm. The implement interface 170 may also include one or more power sources for providing power to one or more working elements on the implement. Some power machines may have multiple working elements with implement interfaces, each of which may, but need not, have an implement carrier for receiving an implement. Some other power machines may have working elements with multiple implement interfaces, so that a single working element can receive multiple implements simultaneously. Each of these implement interfaces may, but need not, have an implement carrier.

[0033] The frame 110 includes a physical structure that can support various other components that are attached to or positioned on the frame 110. The frame 110 can include any number of individual components. Some power machines have a rigid frame. That is, no part of the frame can move relative to another part of the frame. Other power machines have at least one portion that can move relative to another part of the frame. For example, an excavator can have an upper frame portion that rotates relative to a lower frame portion. Other work vehicles have an articulated frame so that one part of the frame pivots relative to another part to achieve a steering function.

[0034] The frame 110 supports a power source 120 that is configured to provide power to one or more working elements 130 including one or more traction elements 140, and in some cases, the power source can provide power used by the attached machine via an implement interface 170. The power from the power source 120 can be provided directly to any one of the working elements 130, the traction elements 140, and the implement interface 170. Alternatively, the power from the power source 120 can be provided to a control system 160, which in turn selectively provides power to elements that can use the power to perform working functions. Power sources for power machines typically include an engine such as an internal combustion engine, and a power conversion system such as a mechanical transmission or a hydraulic system, which is configured to convert the output from the engine into a power form that can be used by the working elements. Other types of power sources can be incorporated into the power machine, including power sources or a combination of power sources commonly referred to as hybrid power sources.

[0035] Figure 1A single working element designated as working element 130 is shown, but various different power machines may have any number of working elements. Typically, the working element is attached to the frame of the power machine and is movable relative to the frame when performing a working task. In addition, the traction element 140 is a special case of a working element, because the working function of the traction element is generally to move the power machine 100 on a supporting surface. The traction element 140 is shown as being separated from the working element 130, because many power machines have additional working elements in addition to the traction element, but this is not always the case. The power machine may have any number of traction elements, some or all of which may receive power from the power source 120 to propel the power machine 100. The traction element may be, for example, a track assembly, a wheel attached to an axle, and the like. The traction element may be mounted to the frame so that the movement of the traction element is limited to rotation around the axle (so that steering is achieved by sliding action), or alternatively, the traction element may be pivotally mounted to the frame to achieve steering by pivoting the traction element relative to the frame.

[0036] The power machine 100 includes an operator station 150, which includes an operating position from which an operator can control the operation of the power machine. In some power machines, the operator station 150 is defined by an enclosed cab or a partially enclosed cab. Some power machines in which the disclosed embodiments may be implemented may not have a cab or operator compartment of the above type. For example, a walking self-propelled loader may not have a cab or operator compartment, but instead have an operating position used as an operator station, from which the power machine can be properly operated. More broadly, in addition to work vehicles, power machines may have an operator station that is not necessarily similar to the operating position and operator compartment mentioned above. In addition, some power machines such as the power machine 100 and others, whether or not they have an operator compartment or operator position, can be remotely operated (i.e., operated from an operator station located at a distance), which can be used as a replacement or addition to an operator station located on the power machine or an operator station adjacent to the power machine. This can include applications in which at least some of the functions of the operator control of the power machine can be operated from an operating position associated with a tool connected to the power machine. Alternatively, a remote control device (ie, remote from both the power machine and any implement coupled to the power machine) may be provided with some power machines that is capable of controlling at least some of the operator-controlled functions on the power machine.

[0037] Figures 2 to 3 A loader 200 is shown. Figure 1A specific example of a type of power machine shown in Figure 2 in which the embodiments discussed below may be advantageously employed. Loader 200 is a skid steer loader, which is a loader having traction elements (in this case, four wheels) mounted to the frame of the loader via rigid axles. Here, the term "rigid axles" refers to the fact that skid steer loader 200 does not have any traction elements that can rotate or turn to help the loader complete a turn. Instead, the skid steer loader has a drive system that independently powers one or more traction elements on each side of the loader so that by providing different traction signals to each side, the machine will tend to slip on the supporting surface. These varying signals may even include powering the traction element(s) on one side of the loader to move the loader in a forward direction, and powering the traction element(s) on the other side of the loader to move the loader in the opposite direction, so that the loader will turn around a radius centered on the loader's own footprint. The term "skid steer" traditionally refers to a loader having a skid steer with wheels as the tractive element as described above. However, it should be noted that many track loaders can complete turns by skidding even without wheels and are technically skid steer loaders. For the purposes of this discussion, the term "skid steer" should not be considered to limit the scope of the discussion to those loaders with wheels as the tractive element unless otherwise specified.

[0038] Loader 200 is Figure 1 1 and discussed above. To this end, the features of the loader 200 described below include the following: Figure 1 200 are substantially similar to the reference numerals used in the drawings. For example, the loader 200 is described as having a frame 210, just as the power machine 100 has a frame 110. The skid steer loader 200 is described herein to provide a reference to an environment for understanding the embodiments described below in which the track assembly and the mounting elements for mounting the track assembly to the power machine can be implemented. The loader 200 should not be considered as limiting, especially for the features of the loader 200 described herein, which are not essential to the disclosed embodiments and therefore may or may not be included in power machines other than the loader 200 in which the embodiments disclosed below can be advantageously implemented. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the embodiments disclosed below can be implemented on a variety of different power machines, and the loader 200 is only one of these power machines. For example, to name just a few examples, some or all of the concepts discussed below can be implemented on many other types of work vehicles such as various other loaders, excavators, trenchers, and bulldozers.

[0039] The loader 200 includes a frame 210 that supports a power system 220 that can generate or otherwise provide power to operate various functions on the power machine. The power system 220 is shown in block diagram form, but the power system 220 is located within the frame 210. The frame 210 also supports a working element in the form of a lift arm assembly 230 that is powered by the power system 220 and can perform a variety of different working tasks. Since the loader 200 is a working vehicle, the frame 210 also supports a traction system 240, which is also powered by the power system 220 and can propel the power machine on a supporting surface. The lift arm assembly 230 in turn supports an implement interface 270, which includes an implement carrier 272 and a power coupler 274, wherein the implement carrier 272 is capable of receiving and securing a variety of different implements to the loader 200 for performing a variety of different work tasks, and the implement can be connected to the power coupler 274 to selectively provide power to the implement that may be connected to the loader. The power coupler 274 can provide a hydraulic power source or an electric power source, or both. The loader 200 includes a cab 250 defining an operator station 255, wherein an operator can manipulate various different controls 260 from the operator station 255 to cause the power machine to perform a variety of different work functions. The cab 250 can be rearwardly pivoted about an axis extending through the mounting 254 to provide access to power system components as needed for maintenance and repair.

[0040] The operator station 255 includes an operator seat 258 and a plurality of operator input devices, including a control lever 260 that the operator can manipulate to control various machine functions. The operator input device can include buttons, switches, levers, sliders, pedals, and similar devices that can be independent devices such as manual operating levers or foot pedals or incorporated into handles or display panels, including programmable input devices. Actuation of the operator input device can generate signals in the form of electrical signals, hydraulic signals, and / or mechanical signals. The signals generated in response to the operator input device are provided to various components on the power machine to control various functions on the power machine. Among the functions of the power machine 100 that are controlled via the operator input device are control of the traction element 219, the lifting arm assembly 230, the implement carrier 272, and providing signals to any implement that is operably connected to the implement.

[0041] The loader may include a human-machine interface, which includes a display device disposed in the cab 250, and provides an indication of information related to the operation of the power machine in a form that can be perceived by the operator, for example, an audio indication and / or a visual indication. The audio indication may be in the form of a buzzer, a bell, or the like, or may be carried out through verbal communication. The visual indication may be in the form of a graphic, a light, an icon, an instrument, an alphanumeric symbol, or the like. The display may be dedicated to providing a dedicated indication, such as a warning light or an instrument; or may dynamically provide programmable information, including a programmable display device such as a monitor of various sizes and functions. The display device may provide diagnostic information, troubleshooting information, guidance information, and various other types of information that assist the operator in operating the power machine or the implement connected to the power machine. Other information that may be useful to the operator may also be provided. Other power machines such as walking self-propelled loaders may not have a cab, an operator's compartment, or a seat. The operator position on such a loader is usually defined relative to the position where the operator is most suitable for manipulating the operator input device.

[0042] Various different power machines that may include and / or interact with the embodiments discussed below may have various different frame components that support various different working elements. The elements of the frame 210 discussed herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and the frame 210 is not the only frame type that can be used by the power machine on which the embodiments can be implemented. The frame 210 of the loader 200 includes a chassis or lower portion 211 of the frame and a main frame or upper portion 212 of the frame supported by the chassis. The main frame 212 of the loader 200 is attached to the chassis 211 in some embodiments, for example, by fasteners or by welding the chassis to the main frame. Alternatively, the main frame and the chassis can be formed integrally. The main frame 212 includes a pair of upright portions 214A and 214B located on both sides of the main frame and toward the rear of the main frame, the pair of upright portions 214A and 214B supporting a lifting arm assembly 230, and the lifting arm assembly 230 is pivotally attached to the pair of upright portions 214A and 214B. The lifting arm assembly 230 is illustratively pinned to each of the upright portions 214A and 214B. For the purposes of this discussion, the combination of the lifting arm assembly 230 and the mounting features on the upright portions 214A and 214B and the mounting hardware (including the pins for pinning the lifting arm assembly to the main frame 212) are collectively referred to as joints 216A and 216B (one joint is located on each upright portion 214). The joints 216A and 216B are aligned along the axis 218 so that the lifting arm assembly can pivot about the axis 218 relative to the frame 210, as discussed below. Other power machines may not include upright portions on both sides of the frame, or may not have a lifting arm assembly that can be mounted to upright portions located on both sides of the frame and toward the rear of the frame. For example, some power machines may have a single arm that is mounted to a single side of the power machine or to the front end or rear end of the power machine. Other machines may have multiple working elements including multiple lifting arms, each of which is mounted to the machine in its own configuration. The frame 210 also supports a pair of traction elements in the form of wheels 219A- 219D on either side of the loader 200 .

[0043] Figures 2 to 3The illustrated lifting arm assembly 230 is an example of many different types of lifting arm assemblies that can be attached to a power machine, such as a loader 200 or other power machine on which the embodiments of this discussion can be implemented. The lifting arm assembly 230 is a so-called vertical lifting arm, which means that the lifting arm assembly 230 can be movable relative to the frame 210 along a lifting path 237 (i.e., the lifting arm assembly can be raised and lowered) under the control of the loader 200, and the lifting path 237 forms a generally vertical path. Other lifting arm assemblies can have different geometries and can be coupled to the frame of the loader in a variety of different ways to provide a lifting path that is different from the radial path of the lifting arm assembly 230. For example, some lifting paths on other loaders provide radial lifting paths. Other lifting arm assemblies can have telescopic portions. Other power machines can have multiple lifting arm assemblies attached to the frame of the power machine, wherein each lifting arm assembly is independent of each other. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the inventive concepts set forth in this discussion are not limited by the type or number of lifting arm assemblies coupled to a specific power machine.

[0044] The lifting arm assembly 230 has a pair of lifting arms 234 disposed on opposite sides of the frame 210. The first end of each of the lifting arms 234 is pivotally coupled to the power machine at the joint 216, and the second end 232B of each of the lifting arms is pivotally coupled to the power machine at the joint 216. Figure 2 The lowered position is shown positioned forward of the frame 210. The joint 216 is positioned toward the rear of the loader 200 so that the lift arm extends along the side of the frame 210. A lift path 237 is defined by the path of travel of the second end 232B of the lift arm 234 when the lift arm assembly 230 moves between the minimum height and the maximum height.

[0045] Each of the lifting arms 234 has a first portion 234A pivotally coupled to the frame 210 at one of the joints 216 and a second portion 234B extending from a connection with the first portion 234A to a second end 232B of the lifting arm assembly 230. The lifting arms 234 are each coupled to a cross member 236 attached to the first portion 234A. The cross member 236 provides increased structural stability to the lifting arm assembly 230. A pair of actuators 238 (which on the loader 200 are hydraulic cylinders configured to receive pressurized fluid from the power system 220) are pivotally coupled to both the frame 210 and the lifting arms 234 at pivotable joints 238A and 238B, respectively, on either side of the loader 200. The actuators 238 are sometimes collectively referred to as lift cylinders alone. Actuation (i.e., extension and retraction) of actuator 238 causes lift arm assembly 230 to pivot about joint 216 and thereby be raised and lowered along a fixed path as indicated by arrow 237. Each of a pair of control links 217 is pivotally mounted to frame 210 and one of lift arms 232 on either side of frame 210. Control links 217 help define a fixed lift path for lift arm assembly 230.

[0046] Some lift arms (most notably those on excavators, but possibly those on loaders) may have a section that pivots relative to another section in a controlled manner rather than as a Figure 2 The parts that move in unison (i.e., along a predetermined path) as in the case of the lift arm assembly 230 shown. Some power machines have a lift arm assembly with a single lift arm, such as is known in excavators and even some loaders and other power machines. Other power machines may have multiple lift arm assemblies, each lift arm assembly being independent of the others.

[0047] The implement interface 270 is disposed proximate the second end 232B of the lift arm assembly 234. The implement interface 270 includes an implement carrier 272 that is capable of receiving and securing a variety of different implements to the lift arm 230. Such implements have a complementary mechanical interface configured to engage with the implement carrier 272. The implement carrier 272 is pivotally mounted at the second end 232B of the arm 234. The implement carrier actuator 235 operably couples the lift arm assembly 230 and the implement carrier 272 and is operable to rotate the implement carrier relative to the lift arm assembly. The implement carrier actuator 235 is illustratively a hydraulic cylinder and is commonly referred to as a swing cylinder.

[0048] By having an implement carrier that can be attached to a number of different implements, changing from one implement to another can be accomplished relatively easily. For example, a machine having an implement carrier can have an actuator disposed between the implement carrier and the lift arm assembly so that removal or attachment of an implement does not involve removal or attachment of the actuator from the implement, nor does it involve removal or attachment of the implement from the lift arm assembly. The implement carrier 272 provides mounting structure for easily attaching an implement to the lift arm (or other portion of the power machine), which a lift arm assembly without an implement carrier would not have.

[0049] Some power machines may have an implement or implement-like device attached to the power machine, such as by pinning to a lift arm having a tilt actuator that is also directly coupled to the implement or implement-type structure. A common example of such an implement that is rotatably pinned to the lift arm is a bucket, where one or more tilt cylinders are attached to a bracket that is secured directly to the bucket (e.g., by welding or with fasteners). Such a power machine does not have an implement carrier, but instead has a direct connection between the lift arm and the implement.

[0050] The implement interface 270 also includes an implement power source 274 that can be used to connect to an implement on the lift arm assembly 230. The implement power source 274 includes a pressurized hydraulic fluid port to which the implement can be removably connected. The pressurized hydraulic fluid port selectively provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to power one or more functions or actuators on the implement. The implement power source can also include a power source that is used to power an electric actuator and / or electronic controller on the implement. The implement power source 274 also illustratively includes an electrical conduit that communicates with a data bus on the excavator 200 to allow communication between a controller on the implement and an electronic device on the loader 200.

[0051] The frame 210 supports and generally surrounds the power system 220 so that the various components of the power system 220 are Figures 2 to 3 Among other things, Figure 4A diagram of various components of a power system 220 is included. The power system 220 includes one or more power sources 222 that can generate and / or store power for various mechanical functions. On the power machine 200, the power system 220 includes an internal combustion engine. Other power machines may include generators, rechargeable batteries, various other power sources, or any combination of power sources that can provide power to a given power machine component. The power system 220 also includes a power conversion system 224 that is operably coupled to the power source 222. The power conversion system 224 is in turn coupled to one or more actuators 226 that can perform functions on the power machine. The power conversion systems in various power machines may include various components, including mechanical transmissions, hydraulic systems, and similar components. The power conversion system 224 of the power machine 200 includes a pair of hydrostatic drive pumps 224A and 224B that can selectively control the pair of hydrostatic drive pumps to provide power signals to drive motors 226A and 226B. Drive motors 226A and 226B are in turn operably coupled to axles, respectively, with drive motor 226A coupled to axles 228A and 228B, and drive motor 226B coupled to axles 228C and 228D. Axles 228A-228D are in turn coupled to traction elements 219A-219D, respectively. Drive pumps 224A and 224B may be mechanically, hydraulically, and / or electrically coupled to an operator input device to receive an actuation signal for controlling the drive pumps.

[0052] The arrangement of the drive pump, motor, and axle in power machine 200 is only one example of an arrangement of these components. As discussed above, power machine 200 is a skid steer loader, and thus the traction elements on each side of the power machine are controlled together by the output of a single hydraulic pump, or by a single drive motor as in power machine 200, or by independent drive motors. It may be advantageous to employ various other configurations and combinations of hydraulic drive pumps and motors.

[0053] The power conversion system 224 of the power machine 200 also includes a hydraulic implement pump 224C, which is also operably connected to the power source 222. The hydraulic implement pump 224C is operably connected to the working actuator circuit 238C. The working actuator circuit 238C includes a lifting cylinder 238 and a swing cylinder 235 and a control logic for controlling the actuation of the working actuator circuit. The control logic selectively allows the actuation of the lifting cylinder and / or the swing cylinder in response to operator input. In some machines, the working actuator circuit also includes control logic for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the attached machine. The control logic of the power machine 200 includes a valve with three valve cores arranged in series with a central opening. The valve core is arranged to give priority to the lifting cylinder, then to the swing cylinder, and then to the pressurized fluid to the attached machine.

[0054] For illustrative purposes, the above description of power machine 100 and loader 200 is provided to provide an illustrative environment on which the embodiments discussed below may be implemented. Figure 1 The embodiments discussed are implemented on a power machine generally described as power machine 100 shown in the block diagram of , and more specifically implemented on a loader such as loader 200, but unless otherwise specified or stated, the concepts discussed below are not intended to limit their application to the environment specifically described above.

[0055] Figure 5 A loader 300 is shown. Figure 1 A specific example of a power machine of the type shown in which the embodiments discussed below may be advantageously employed. Similar to loader 200, loader 300 should not be considered as limiting, in particular, to the description of features that are not essential to the disclosed embodiments and therefore may or may not be included in power machines other than loader 300 in which the embodiments disclosed below may be advantageously implemented. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the embodiments disclosed below may be implemented on a variety of different power machines, and loader 300 is only one of these power machines. For example, some or all of the concepts discussed below may be implemented on many other types of work vehicles such as various other wheel loaders, excavators, trenchers, and bulldozers, to name just a few examples.

[0056] The loader 300 is a skid steer loader generally similar to the skid steer loader 200 discussed above, having traction elements configured as four wheels 319 mounted to a frame 310 of the loader 300 via rigid axles 328. Fig. 9As shown, in particular, the axle 328 includes a shaft 302 partially surrounded by a non-rotating axle tube 304, which in turn is rigidly supported by a frame 310. In particular, as shown Figure 6 As shown, each of the wheels 319 is fixed to a hub 306 on an associated shaft 302 (see Fig. 9 ), so that the wheel 319 rotates with the shaft 302 through the rotation of the wheel hub 306. In the loader 300, the wheel 319 is fixed to the wheel hub 306 using an array of eight regularly spaced bolts 344. However, in other embodiments, other arrays of fasteners are also possible (e.g., an array of six or nine bolts, etc.).

[0057] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, an end cap 308 is attached to the outboard end of the shaft 302. In particular, the end cap 308 is attached to the shaft 302 using bolts 342 extending into threaded holes (not shown) that extend axially into the shaft 302, but other mechanical attachments (e.g., other arrangements of threaded fasteners) are possible. In some embodiments, as also discussed below, the use of an end cap can help improve the ease with which a wheeled traction assembly can be replaced by a tracked traction assembly by providing space for receiving a bearing. However, in some embodiments, an end cap may not be included on the associated axle, or the axle may include an end cap that is configured differently from the end cap 308 so as to be able to receive a bearing.

[0058] In order to remove the loader 300 from the wheeled power machine (such as Figure 5 In order to convert a tractor 310 (e.g., a four-wheeled tractor 310) to a tracked power machine (e.g., a four-wheeled tracked power machine), each of the wheels 319 may be replaced with a corresponding track assembly according to some embodiments. To accomplish this conversion, the wheels 319 may be removed from the corresponding hubs 306 by removing the associated bolts. With the wheels 319 thus removed, the hubs 306 may be used to engage components of a differently configured traction assembly, such as a sprocket for a track assembly, as discussed further below.

[0059] In some embodiments, a separate axle hub may not be sufficient (i.e., not long enough) to secure a replacement traction assembly to an axle of a wheeled power machine. Thus, for example, a conversion operation for a loader may also include attaching an end shaft to the associated axle. As also discussed below, the end shaft may also help to rotatably support the traction assembly on an axle (e.g., axle 328) for relatively free pivoting about the axle, even if power is transmitted from the axle rod to the corresponding track. In some embodiments, it may first be necessary to remove the end cap from the axle rod in order to replace it with the corresponding end shaft. However, as further discussed below, some power machines may include end shafts that can remain in place for wheeled and tracked operations. Similarly, as explained above, some power machines may not include end caps that need to be removed before the end shafts can be installed.

[0060] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example end shaft 346 for converting the loader 300 into a four-wheel track-type power machine is shown. In particular, the end shaft 346 includes a support rod 348 and a cylindrical flange 352 that extends radially outward from the inner end of the support rod 348. As also discussed below, the support rod 348 is generally configured to rotatably support the track assembly relative to the shaft, and the flange 352 is generally configured to help secure the end shaft 346 to the shaft 302. In this regard, the end shaft can sometimes include an engagement feature that is configured to engage a complementary feature on the wheel hub to properly position the end shaft relative to the axle. For example, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, fastener holes 356 extend axially through end shaft 346, and a shallow boss 362 having a shoulder 364 extends axially away from the inside of flange 352. However, in other embodiments, other configurations are possible, including end shafts having different overall profiles, flanges or support rods of different shapes or sizes, end shafts having different features for securing the end shaft to an associated axle, and the like.

[0061] like Fig. 9As shown, once the end cap 308 has been removed (if desired) from the outboard end of one of the axles in the shaft 302, the end shaft 346 can be installed. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the end shaft 346 can be installed on the shaft 302 using the same threaded holes as those used to secure the end cap 308, and potentially also using the same bolts 342 (although longer bolts may be required). In addition, when installed, the boss 362 can partially extend into a corresponding and complementary recess (not shown) on the outboard end of the shaft 302, so that the shoulder 364 can provide further support for lateral loads of the end shaft 346. This arrangement can provide a particularly strong joint between the end shaft 346 and the shaft 302, as well as provide an advantageous reuse of certain components (e.g., the bolts 342 and corresponding holes), but a variety of other configurations are also possible.

[0062] In some embodiments, the axial length of the end axle may be selected to maintain certain aspects of the overall width or other spatial aspects of the power machine while also providing appropriate support for the track assembly. For example, some end axles (e.g., end axle 346) may be configured to have an installed axial length (e.g., an outboard extension away from the axle) that is less than the distance between the outboard end of the axle and the maximum outboard length of the wheel rim (e.g., wheel rim 319A of wheel 319). Thus, when both the wheel and the end axle are attached to the axle, such an end axle may not extend outwardly beyond the corresponding wheel rim. This configuration may allow some power machines to be operated with the end axle and wheels in place without changing the overall operating width of the power machine (e.g., a width as indicated by the width of the attached bucket). Accordingly, for example, as part of a conversion from a wheeled power machine to a tracked power machine, it may not be necessary to remove the end caps from the axle to install the end axle because the end axle can remain in place whether a tracked traction assembly or a wheeled traction assembly is used.

[0063] In different embodiments, the end shaft can be formed in different ways. For example, the end shaft 346 is manufactured as a cast or otherwise integrally formed component with certain machined features (e.g., fastener holes 356). However, in other embodiments, other methods are also possible.

[0064] In the case where the end shaft is fixed to the axle, the track frame can then be rotatably fixed to the axle at the end shaft. In some embodiments, bearings can be fixed to the end shaft and the track frame so that the track frame can advantageously pivot about the end shaft (and the axle in general). Fig. 9As shown, for example, the track frame 366 (eg, formed as a welded integral body) is rotatably fixed to the end shaft 346 via a first bearing 368. In some embodiments, the first bearing 368 is a captured ball bearing, and more specifically, a pillow block bearing. Fig.10 As shown, in particular, the bearing 368 includes an inner bearing 368A, a mounting surface 368B, and a locking ring 368C. Therefore, in order to mount the track frame 366 to be rotatably supported by the axle 328, the inner bearing 368A can be set on the end shaft 346 and fixed to the end shaft 346 with the locking ring 368C. Other embodiments may use other structures to fix the bearing 368 on the end shaft 346. With the mounting surface 368B fixed to the track frame 366, the track frame 366 can thereby be fixed to the end shaft 346, so that the end shaft 346 (and the shaft 302) can freely rotate relative to the track frame 366. Accordingly, the track frame 366 can also freely pivot relative to the axle 328, for example, to allow effective travel on a variety of different support surfaces.

[0065] Although outer spherical bearings may be particularly useful in some cases, in other embodiments, differently configured bearings may provide similar rotatable support for the track assembly. Similarly, although the illustrated configuration of track frame 366 may be suitable for a variety of different installations, any number of differently configured track frames may be similarly installed using end shafts attached to the outboard ends of the shafts.

[0066] In some embodiments, it may be useful to provide stops to limit the overall range of pivotal movement of the track frame relative to the axle. For example, the track frame 366 or the loader frame 310 may include a mechanical stop (not shown), such as a pin, plate, or other rigid feature, that may prevent the track frame 366 from pivoting relative to the axle 328 beyond a predetermined angular range.

[0067] In some embodiments, additional structure may be provided to help rotatably support the track assembly relative to the axle when the track assembly is mounted on the axle to replace the wheel. Fig. 9 As shown, the second bearing 376 engages the shaft tube 304 opposite the bearing 368 with respect to the hub 306. In some embodiments, the second bearing 376 is a bushing, but a bushing is not necessarily the case in other embodiments. Fig. 9The illustrated embodiment is a bushing, and the second bearing will be referred to as a bushing in this discussion to distinguish the second bearing from the first bearing. The bushing 376 presents an inner diameter slightly larger than the axle tube 304. Therefore, the bushing 376 can cooperate with the bearing 368 to rotatably support the track frame 366 relative to the axle 328. Therefore, as also discussed above, the track frame 366 (and the track assembly as a whole) can be fully supported for load-bearing operation, while also being able to pivot substantially freely about the centerline of the axle 328, independent of the axle 328.

[0068] In different embodiments, different types of bearings may be used. Fig. 9 As shown, for example, bushing 376 is a split bushing having a lower portion integrally formed with the inner plate of track frame 366, and a separate upper portion that may be bolted to the lower portion to complete bushing 376 and surround axle tube 304. However, in other embodiments, other configurations are possible.

[0069] The tracks can be aligned on the track frames before or after the track frames are attached to the corresponding end axles. Fig. 9 Once the track frame 366 has been secured to the axle 328, a track (not shown) of any of a variety of known configurations may be provided around the track frame 366 and the wheel hub 306. Then, the sprocket (at Fig. 9 306 and appropriately engage the track so that rotation of the hub 306 resulting from rotation of the shaft 302 also drives the track to rotate about the track frame 366 through rotation of the hub 306 and the sprocket. Thus, for example, a fully assembled and operational track assembly can be installed to replace a wheel of a power machine. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the installation process discussed above can be reversed to replace a track-type traction assembly (e.g., on a four-wheel track-type power machine) with one or more wheels.

[0070] In some embodiments, the ease of installing the track on the track frame can be significantly improved by using a sectored sprocket. For example, although a substantially completely circular sprocket may be required to properly drive the track, it may be relatively difficult to attach a single-piece circular sprocket to an axle hub (e.g., hub 306) and then form appropriate alignment and tensioning with the associated track. However, the sectored sprocket may include a plurality of sprocket pieces that together may define a suitable overall (e.g., completely circular) sprocket profile, but a single sprocket piece only extends a portion of the circle and the sprocket piece may be installed separately. Thus, for example, a first piece of the sectored sprocket may be attached to the axle hub, aligned with the corresponding track, and then rotated (e.g., by rotation of the axle hub) to at least partially engage the track. With the track so engaged, the remaining sprocket pieces of the sectored sprocket may then be relatively easily installed to complete the sprocket installation, and tracked operation of the associated power machinery may be achieved.

[0071] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a sectored sprocket having at least three sprocket members. For example, as a competing design consideration, relatively large angle sprocket members may be relatively useful for properly engaging and tensioning the track, but relatively small angle sprocket members may be relatively easy to install on the hub, especially once the other sprocket members are already in place on the hub. In some embodiments, a three or four (or more) piece sectored sprocket may provide a favorable balance between these considerations.

[0072] In some cases, the sprocket elements of a sectored sprocket may extend over different angular spans (i.e., different portions of a circle). Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, for example, a substantially fully circular sectored sprocket (not shown fully assembled) may be formed from two quarter circular sprocket members 378 (see Fig.11 ) and semicircular sprocket member 380 (see Fig.12 ) is formed by a collection. With this arrangement, for example, the semicircular sprocket member 380 can be fixed to the hub 306 (see Fig. 9 ), and the hub 306 and sprocket 380 are then rotated together to engage the track (not shown) on the selected portion of the sprocket 380. With the track thus engaged by the sprocket 380, the quarter round sprocket 378 can then be easily installed on the hub 306 below the sprocket 380. With the sprocket thus fully installed, the track can then be driven around the track frame 366 by the sprockets 378, 380 to move the loader 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the sprockets 378, 380 are cast metal parts with regularly spaced mounting holes for engaging the bolts 344, but other configurations are possible.

[0073] In different embodiments, there may be various different configurations for the sectored sprocket. For example, some embodiments may include a three-piece sectored sprocket having three substantially identical sprocket pieces (e.g., three one-third circular sprocket pieces). In some embodiments, the optimal number of sprocket pieces may be determined in part based on the specific fastener array of the associated axle hub. For example, an axle hub having mounting locations for a number of fasteners that is divisible by 3 may be well suited for a sectored sprocket having three substantially identical sprocket pieces (e.g., one-third circular sprocket pieces). Conversely, for example, an axle hub having mounting locations for an even number of fasteners may be well suited for a sectored sprocket having semicircular or quarter circular sprocket pieces (e.g., sprocket pieces 378, 380).

[0074] In some embodiments, the sprocket members can be substantially identical to one another and can be mounted symmetrically (e.g., as shown for sprocket member 378). This can be advantageous, for example, with respect to ease of inventory management and installation. However, in other embodiments, other configurations are possible. Further, in some embodiments, a wheeled power machine can be converted to a tracked power machine without the use of a sectored sprocket, and a sectored sprocket can be advantageously used in operations other than conversion between a wheeled power machine and a tracked power machine.

[0075] In some embodiments, a sectored (or other) sprocket may be configured to maintain an appropriate overall width for a power machine when the wheels of the power machine have been replaced by tracked traction elements. For example, the lateral width of the sprocket (as installed) may be configured so that the sprocket teeth engage the corresponding track, and the track is configured to maintain the desired overall width of the power machine. In some cases, the width may correspond to the overall width of the bucket attachment, but other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the sprocket may be configured so that the teeth of the sprocket are disposed (e.g., embedded) inboard of the centerline of the tire replaced by the sprocket (and other components of the tracked traction assembly). In some embodiments, a track frame may be designed based on similar considerations so that the track frame supports a track, wherein the track is configured to maintain the desired overall width of the power machine.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of this discussion.

Claims

1. A kit for converting a wheeled power machine (300) into a tracked power machine, the wheeled power machine (300) comprising an axle (328) having a rotating shaft (302) surrounded by a non-rotating shaft tube (304), a wheel hub (306) fixed to the shaft (302) inside an outer side end of the shaft (302), and a wheel (319) fixed to the wheel hub (306), the kit comprising: a stub shaft (346) positionable outboard of the wheel hub (306) when the wheel (319) is removed from the wheel hub (306), the stub shaft (346) being configured for attachment to the outboard end of the shaft (302) of the axle (328); a track frame (366) configured to be operably coupled to the axle (328) at the end shaft (346); and Sprockets (378, 380) are configured to be secured directly to the hub (306) in place of the wheel (319) to move the track around the track frame (366) when the shaft (302) of the axle (328) rotates.

2. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising: a first bearing (368) configured to engage the end shaft (346) and the track frame (366) to operably couple the track frame (366) to the shaft (302) of the axle (328); and A second bearing (376) is configured to engage the axle tube (304) of the axle (328) and to rotatably support the track frame (366) relative to the axle (328) opposite the first bearing (368) about the inner side of the wheel hub (306).

3. The kit according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the second bearing (376) is integrally formed with the track frame (366).

4. The kit according to claim 1, wherein: The stub shaft (346) has an engagement feature (362; 364) configured to engage a complementary feature on the shaft (302) to position and support the stub shaft (346) relative to the axle (328).

5. The kit according to claim 4, wherein: The engagement feature includes a protrusion configured to extend into a corresponding recess on the outboard end of the shaft (302) of the axle (328).

6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein: The end shaft (346) is one of four substantially identical end shafts (346), each of which is configured to rotatably support a corresponding track frame (366) relative to a corresponding axle (328) of the wheeled power machine (300) so as to convert the wheeled power machine (300) into a four-wheel tracked power machine.

7. The kit according to claim 1, wherein: The sprocket comprises a sector-type sprocket, and the sector-type sprocket comprises: at least three sprocket members configured to collectively define a substantially circular sprocket profile; The at least three sprocket members are configured for direct and independent fixation to the wheel hub (306) for engagement with the track.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein: The sectored sprocket comprises one of the following configurations: A first one of the sprocket members is a semicircular sprocket member, and a second one and a third one of the sprocket members are quarter-circular sprocket members; or Each of the at least three sprocket members is a one-third circular sprocket member.

9. A method of converting a power machine (300) from using wheeled traction elements to traction elements each including an endless track, the method comprising: removing a wheel (319) from a hub (306) of an axle (328) of the power machine (300); removing an end cap (308) from the outboard end of the shaft (302) of the axle (328); attaching an end shaft (346) to the outboard end of the shaft (302) of the axle (328) in place of the end cap (308); rotatably securing a track frame (366) to the end shaft (346); aligning the track on the track frame (366); attaching sprockets (378, 380) directly to the hub (306) inside the end shaft (346); and The hub (306) is rotated to tension the track via the sprockets (378, 380).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The sprocket (378, 380) is a sector-type sprocket including at least two sprocket members; and A first sprocket of the sprockets is attached to the wheel hub (306), and the first sprocket is rotated to engage the track before a second sprocket is attached to the wheel hub (306).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The sectored sprocket comprises one of the following sprocket members: one semicircular sprocket member and two quarter-circular sprocket members; or Three one-third circular sprocket pieces.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Aligning the tracks, attaching the sprockets (378, 380) and rotating the hubs includes: Fixing a first sprocket member of a sectored sprocket to the hub (306); placing a track in alignment with the first sprocket member; rotating the hub (306) to tension the track with the first sprocket member; and After the track is tensioned with the first sprocket member, the second and third sprocket members of the sector sprocket are directly secured to the wheel hub (306).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first sprocket member is a semicircular sprocket member, and the second and third sprocket members are quarter-circular sprocket members.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the first sprocket member, the second sprocket member, and the third sprocket member is a one-third circular sprocket member.

15. A kit for converting a wheeled power machine (300) into a tracked power machine, the wheeled power machine (300) comprising an axle (328) having a shaft (302) surrounded by an axle tube (304), a wheel hub (306) supported by the axle (328), a wheel (319) secured to the wheel hub (306), and an end cap (308) secured to a fastener hole at an outboard end of the shaft (302) of the axle (328), wherein a track frame (366) is provided to replace the wheel (319), the kit comprising: an end shaft (346), the end shaft (346) having a support rod (348) and a cylindrical flange (352) extending radially outward from an inner end of the support rod (348), the support rod (348) having one or more fastener holes (356) extending axially through the support rod (348), the end shaft being configured to be secured to the fastener holes at the outer end of the axle (328) using the one or more fastener holes (356) in place of the end cap (308); The end shaft (346) is further configured to rotatably support the track frame (366) directly relative to the axle (328) and the outer side of the wheel hub (306).

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