Removable Universal Lateral Track Extension System

Abstract

A general removable lateral track extension system includes an extension track assembly that can be removably coupled to the outside of the original lateral track with a selected displacement width. The assembly further includes a track frame plate, a first receiver buckle and a second receiver buckle, a drive coupler that can be removably coupled to a corresponding drive sprocket of a tracked device, and a continuous track that extends around the extension track idlers and the drive coupler. The drive coupler includes a drive bearing assembly and a drive sprocket connected in line with the extension track idlers, a drive sprocket coupler, and an extension shaft that can be removably coupled from the drive sprocket connector to the drive bearing assembly.

Description

[0001] Priority Claim

[0002] This application claims priority to the entire contents of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63047202, filed Jul. 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a universal removable side track extender for temporarily increasing the tracked surface area of tracked equipment. Background of the Invention

[0004] Farm and construction equipment often use continuous tracks (commonly referred to as "caterpillar" tracks) to reduce ground pressure and provide improved traction, with a single track on each lateral side of the equipment (a dual-track system). However, in many cases, even the reduced ground pressure of such a dual-track system is not sufficient to ensure adequate stability and / or avoid excessive environmental damage in sensitive wetland and riverbank areas. Additionally, standard dual-track systems for equipment of a given weight class are often not wide enough to span typical irrigation ditches and drainage channels laterally for effective operation along the length of such obstacles (e.g., quickly dredging a silted channel).

[0005] Hydraulic track width adjustment systems have been used, but typically these systems only allow the operator to pull the two tracks closer together for loading / unloading a tracked vehicle from a standard carrier or for maneuvering between obstacles. When operating in the field, such systems do not actually reduce ground pressure or improve the lateral stability of the tracked equipment.

[0006] Some equipment provides extended tracks to replace the standard longitudinally-extended tracks. These extended tracks may reduce overall ground pressure but do not significantly improve lateral stability. The lengthened tracks require replacement of the original tracks, drive sprockets, and suspension (i.e., the entire track system), which is expensive. Additionally, the longer track system reduces the maneuverability of the equipment and in some cases may actually reduce lateral stability when crossing obstacles and uneven ground due to the increased length-to-width ratio of the equipment.

[0007] It is also known to replace the original drive sprockets and track rollers with wider sets, or to add a second set of track rollers to the track system, and then replace the original track with a wider track that covers the wider set of track rollers. The wider track does reduce the ground pressure and provides a small improvement in lateral stability, but there are also several drawbacks. For example, this type of system requires lifting equipment, removing the original track, replacing the original track rollers and drive sprockets (or adding a second set of track rollers), and re-tracking the equipment, and then the track needs to be re-tensioned and potential adjustments to the drive system are required. Such systems require separate tracks because the wider (and thus more expensive and less widely available) tracks and track rollers and drive sprockets are not compatible with the original single-track system. Removing the wider track and track rollers requires the same cumbersome replacement and readjustment procedures, making the modification essentially permanent. In addition to the difficulties associated with such replacements, the improvement in lateral stability is also small because the lateral pressure center of the track is only widened by the width of a single track roller. The increase in the lateral spacing of the track is small, resulting in no significant improvement in the ability to laterally cross irrigation canals and drainage ditches. Additionally, since the wider track spans the track rollers, no lateral support can be provided for the wider track system to reduce the strain on the suspension.

[0008] A pontoon attachment has also been created to provide flotation in wetland and near-shore applications, but the pontoon can only be used to provide buoyancy in water. The pontoon provides no benefit in mud and does not provide a wider span or stability when used on the ground, and generally degrades the operation on land, making it more difficult to perform operations that transition between shallow water areas and adjacent land areas.

[0009] In addition to the flotation and lateral span limitations, standard tracked equipment, especially that of a smaller weight / size class, has limited lateral stability. The ability to extend the given lateral footprint of the equipment will greatly increase its stability when operating on an inclined surface and when subjected to lateral loads.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a device for continuous tracked equipment that: (1) reduces ground pressure; (2) improves lateral stability when operating on soft ground, on slopes, and / or when subjected to lateral loads; (3) increases the lateral spacing of the track to cross channels and ditches; (4) is easy to install and remove without disturbing the normal operation of the equipment; (5) uses standard-sized tracks and track rollers for the equipment class; and (6) is generally applicable to equipment using the same track size. Summary of the Invention

[0011] A general-purpose removable lateral track extension system includes an extension track assembly that is removably coupled to the outside of an original lateral track with a selected displacement width. The assembly further includes a track frame plate, a first receiving buckle and a second receiving buckle, a drive coupler that can be removably coupled to a corresponding drive sprocket of a tracked device, and a continuous track that extends around the extension track idlers and the drive coupler. The drive coupler includes a drive bearing assembly and a drive sprocket that is connected in line with the extension track idlers, a drive sprocket coupler, and an extension shaft that can be removably coupled from the drive sprocket connector to the drive bearing assembly.

[0012] The systems described and claimed herein have many advantages over existing devices and methods. The track extensions double the track surface area in contact with the ground (under normal circumstances), thus reducing the ground pressure by 50%. The track extensions increase lateral stability by reducing the ground pressure (thus reducing the risk of one side sinking into soft ground) and by increasing the effective track width, which increases the vehicle's restoring moment arm and moment of inertia - particularly important when a lateral load is applied to the vehicle or when working on an inclined surface. The track extensions allow the vehicle to cross wider channels and ditches, thus allowing a significant improvement in the efficiency of operations such as dredging irrigation canals and excavating irrigation and drainage channels. The track extensions are easy to install and remove without disturbing the normal operation of the equipment. The system uses standard-sized tracks and track idlers for the equipment category, thus using continuous tracks and track idlers of the same size as the equipment. The system is generally applicable to equipment using the same track size (for retrofitting) or to OEM equipment pre-configured to receive removable extended tracks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, are used to explain the principles and implementation manners of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1 A partial starboard side rear view of the first embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A partial starboard side rear view of the first embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A starboard side view of the first embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A starboard side rear view of the first embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A close-up view of the receiving buckle of the first embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 6A close-up view of the drive coupler of the first embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 A partial starboard side front view of the first embodiment is shown, including the drive coupler.

[0021] Figure 8 The starboard extended track assembly of the first embodiment disconnected from the device is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 A front inner view of the starboard extended track assembly is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 A close-up view of the male part of the receiving buckle is shown.

[0024] Figure 11 The original track extension plate of the first embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 The original track extension plate of the first embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 13 A close-up view of the drive coupler hub cap of the first embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 14 A close-up view of the drive coupler hub cap of the first embodiment being disassembled is shown.

[0028] Figure 15 A close-up view of the drive coupler hub cap of the first embodiment being disassembled is shown.

[0029] Figure 16 A partially disassembled view of the drive coupler hub cap of the first embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 17 An internal view of the drive coupler hub cap with connecting bolts is shown.

[0031] Figure 18 An internal view of the drive coupler hub cap with connecting bolts is shown.

[0032] Figure 19 A close-up view of the original track drive sprocket assembly is shown.

[0033] Figure 20 A view of the drive coupler torque plate and extension shaft receiver of the first embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 21 A partially disassembled view of the drive coupler torque plate assembly of the first embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 22Shows the drive bearing assembly of the extended track assembly of the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 23 Shows the drive bearing assembly of the extended track assembly of the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 24 Shows a top view of the receiving buckle and D-ring of the first embodiment, where the pusher / demounting bolt of the first embodiment can be seen during disassembly.

[0038] Figure 25 Shows a close-up view of the female part of the starboard rear receiving buckle of the partially disassembled track extension system of the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 26 Shows a schematic view of a track extension system having a horizontal stiffener of the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 27 Shows a schematic view of a track extension system having a vertical stiffener of the first embodiment.

[0041] Reference numerals of the drawings

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[0047] Detailed description

[0048] Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention, the following is mentioned in order. Where appropriate, the same reference materials and symbols are used to indicate the same, corresponding, or similar components in different drawings. The drawings associated with this disclosure are generally not drawn to scale in exact dimensions, i.e., such drawings are depicted for clarity of observation and understanding rather than for dimensional accuracy.

[0049] For clarity, not all conventional features of the embodiments described herein are shown and described. Of course, it should be understood that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application and business-related constraints, and such specific goals will vary with the implementation and with the developer. Moreover, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but would be routine engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art who have the benefit of this disclosure.

[0050] The first and second (port and starboard in the embodiment) extended track assemblies 12a and 12b are mirror images of each other. The first extended track assembly 12a (corresponding to the port side of the device in the embodiment) is shown and described in detail and labeled "a". It should be understood that the second extended track assembly 12b includes corresponding elements labeled "b". For simplicity, the existing port and starboard tracks installed on the device for normal operation are hereinafter referred to as "original tracks" or "device side tracks", although they may not be the original tracks of the device.

[0051] The first extended track assembly 12a (corresponding to the starboard side) is described in detail, with the corresponding second extended track assembly 12b components shown in parentheses.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 27 shown, a first embodiment of a removable general-purpose side track extension system 10 is provided, including a first extended track assembly 12a and a second extended track assembly 12b. The first extended track assembly and the second extended track assembly are identical mirror images of each other, can be installed on opposite sides of a tracked device, and are located outside the original side tracks T1 and T2. Each extended track assembly 12a(b) respectively includes a frame plate 70a(b), a plurality of track rollers 64a(b), a drive coupler assembly 96a(b), a continuous track 108a(b), and a first receiving buckle 24a(b) and a second receiving buckle 26a(b).

[0053] The extended track frame 14a(b) includes frame plates 70a(b) rigidly attached to the track frame 14a(b) to provide stiffness and connectivity. In an embodiment, the frame plates 70a(b) extend from a first (front) portion 60a(b) to a second (rear) portion 62a(b), although the front and rear portions may include separate parts. In an embodiment, the frame plates 70a(b) are welded integrally with the extended track frame 14a(b), but may also be connected by other means or formed integrally as part of the extended track frame 14a(b). The extended track frame plates 70a(b) are disposed on the inner side of the extended track frame 14a(b). First and second threaded alignment a(b) channels 16a(b), 18a(b) extend through the outer side plates 71a(b) and 70a(b) of the extended track frame to receive threaded push rods R, which assist in aligning and separating / mating the extended track assembly 12a(b) with the original track assembly T1, including enabling assembly and disassembly using common motorized rotary tools. In an embodiment, first alignment cups 20a(b) and second alignment cups 22a(b) corresponding to the first threaded alignment channels 16a(b) and the second threaded alignment channels 18a(b) are attached to the original track assembly T1 frame plates, each cup 20a(b), 22a(b) being arranged to receive the ends of the threaded push rods extending through the respective first alignment channels 16a(b) and second alignment channels 18a(b). This allows the operator to lift the extended track assembly 12a(b) into place and maintain alignment using a standard rotary tool / driver.

[0054] In an embodiment, the first receiving buckle 24a(b) and the second receiving buckle 26a(b) each include female portions 28a(b), 30a(b) and male portions 32a(b), 34a(b). Each female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) includes a receiving channel extending from a first end 36a(b), 38a(b) to a second end 40a(b), 42a(b), and a first connecting flange 44a(b), 46a(b) and a second connecting flange 48a(b), 50a(b). Each of the second connecting flanges 48a(b), 50a(b) includes a receiving orifice 52a(b), 54a(b) having a cross-section corresponding to the respective receiving buckle male portions 32a(b), 34a(b). Each male portion 32a(b), 34a(b) is coupled to the inner side plate 70a(b) of the extended track frame by flange plates 128a(b), 130a(b) and corresponding top compliant plates 132a(b), 134a(b). In an embodiment, the cross-section of the female portions 28a(b), 30a(b) is generally triangular, with the vertex oriented downward. Each female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) includes top extending flange plates 56a(b), 58a(b) extending from its respective first end 36a(b), 38a(b) to its respective second end 40a(b), 42a(b), and the top flange plates 56a(b), 58a(b) are wider than the triangular cross-section to increase strength against bending and misalignment torque forces. The cross-section, flanges, and bolt arrangement are configured to not interfere with the suspension components of the original track T1(T2), while providing sufficient strength for the connecting members. In an embodiment, the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) are rods of square cross-section, and the non-circular cross-section helps to ensure proper alignment when connecting the extended track 12a(b) to the original track T1(T2). Additionally, the engagement of the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) within the female portions 28a(b), 30a(b) acts as a torque arm that distributes the torque load across the entire first receiving buckle 24a(b) and second receiving buckle 26a(b), rather than concentrating such loads on the flange faces and bolts, to reduce the risk of fatigue failure.

[0055] Each female portion 28a(b), 30a(b) includes a first attachment flange 44a(b), 46a(b) and a second attachment flange 48a(b), 50a(b), and the first and second attachment flanges each have a plurality of threaded couplers 68a(b) to securely connect the receiving buckle female portions 28a(b), 30a(b) to the original track frame plate P1(P2) and the extended track frame inner side plate 70a(b), respectively. The first attachment flanges 44a(b), 46a(b) directly connected to the original track frame plate P1(P2) each include a top compliance plate 72a(b), 74a(b) extending along the top edge of the first attachment flanges 44a(b), 46a(b), and the top compliance plates are bolted to the top horizontal portion of the original track frame plate P1(P2), thereby providing additional strength and helping to align and transfer the torque load from the extended track connector to the original track suspension. In an embodiment, the first (front) attachment flange 44a(b) and the corresponding top compliance plate 72a(b) are wider than the second (rear) attachment flange 46a(b) and the second attachment flange compliance plate 74a(b) to absorb the additional forces typically imposed by impacts on the front of the track suspension.

[0056] The assembled length of the receiving buckles 24a(b) and 26a(b) defines the lateral displacement of the lateral track extension system 10.

[0057] In an embodiment, the engagement points 68a(b) are threaded nuts welded to the back of the track frame plate P1(P2) to receive threaded bolts. In an embodiment, the threaded bolts are selected to match the original track T1(T2) attachment bolts as closely as possible for ease of logistics. The first truss bolt extension plates 76a(b) and the second truss bolt extension plates 78a(b) are added to the original track frame plate P1(P2) to provide connection points for the corresponding first truss bolts 80a(b) and second truss bolts 82a(b) without disturbing the original track suspension layout. This depends on the specific arrangement of the original track suspension.

[0058] The first truss bolts 80a(b) and the second truss bolts 82a(b) extend through the first receiving buckle 24a(b) and the second receiving buckle 26a(b) and engage corresponding first truss bolt receivers 84a(b) and second truss bolt receivers 86a(b) respectively provided on the original track frame plates P1(P2). The truss bolts 80a(b), 82a(b) pass through the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) of the receiving buckles. In an embodiment, the original tracks T1(T2) are modified by drilling holes in the first truss bolt receivers 84a(b) and the second truss bolt receivers 86a(b) and welding backing nuts onto the holes to provide sufficient strength and thread depth. In an embodiment, the first truss bolts 80a(b) and the second truss bolts 82a(b) are 7 / 8-inch stainless steel bolts to provide sufficient strength and corrosion resistance.

[0059] The first receiving buckle 24a(b) and the second receiving buckle 26a(b) each respectively include a first locking lug 88a(b), 90a(b) and a second locking lug 92a(b), 94a(b), and the first locking lug and the second locking lug help to hold the male portions 32a(b), 34a(b) of the first receiving buckle 24a(b) and the second receiving buckle 26a(b) in place and reduce vibration during operation.

[0060] In an embodiment, the male portion 34a(b) of the second receiving buckle 26a(b) is slightly longer than the male portion 32a(b) of the first receiving buckle 24a(b), and the male portion of the first receiving buckle is in turn slightly longer than the drive shaft extension shaft 102a(b) of the drive coupler 96a(b), which makes alignment during installation easier - each corresponding part is joined at different times, so all parts do not have to be precisely aligned at the start of the joining procedure.

[0061] In an embodiment, the D-rings 140a(b) are coupled to the female portions 28a(b) of the first receiving buckle and the female portions 30a(b) of the second receiving buckle, which allows the use of overhead supports to assist in installation and removal.

[0062] The extended track system 10 includes drive couplings 96a(b). The drive couplings 96a(b) include hub caps 98a(b) coupled to the original track drive sprockets D1(D2) on the equipment side, drive bearing assemblies 100a(b) in the extended track assemblies 12a(b), and extension shafts 102a(b) rotatably coupling the hub caps / torque plates 98a(b) / 116a(b) to the drive bearing assemblies 100a(b). In an embodiment, the drive bearing assemblies 100a(b) include bearing hubs / seats and double bearings 106a(b) (not visible in the figure) coupled to the drive sprockets, which replace the planetary gear assemblies of the spare replacement track assemblies. The drive bearing assemblies 100a(b) transfer the torque received from the original track drive sprockets D1(D2) via the extension track assembly drive sprockets 110a(b) to the continuous tracks 108a(b) of the extended track assemblies 12a(b) through the extension shafts 102a(b). The extension shafts 102a(b) are wedged into rotary bearings coupled to the extension track drive sprockets 110a(b). The extension shafts 102a(b) include square end blocks 112a(b) that correspond to square receivers 114a(b) of the drive coupling torque plates 116a(b). The square transfers torque to the extension shafts 102a(b), but other shapes, such as oval, star, and other shapes, can also be used.

[0063] In an embodiment, the drive coupling 96a(b) includes a hub cap 98a(b) that is coupled to the rotating part of the original track drive sprocket D1(D2), on the drive sprocket. The hub cap 98a(b) includes an inner connection flange 118a(b) directly coupled to the base part of the drive sprocket D1(D2), a spacer / sidewall 120a(b) extending from the inner connection flange 118a(b), and an outer connection flange 122a(b). In an embodiment, the outer connection flange 122a(b) is closed, but it can be open to allow direct access to the drive sprocket D1(D2) for inspection and maintenance without removing the hub cap 98a(b). However, closing the outer connection flange 122a(b) prevents debris from entering the drive sprocket / hub assembly. The hub cap assembly 98a(b) can be left installed without disturbing the normal operation of the equipment when the extended track assembly 12a(b) is not attached.

[0064] The drive coupler torque plate 116a(b) is coupled to the hub cap outer connection flange 122a(b) by threaded bolts 126a(b). The threaded bolt holes are aligned with the hub cap inner flange 118a(b) retaining bolts and sized such that the bolts connecting the hub cap inner flange 118a(b) to the drive sprocket assembly D1(D2) pass through the bolt holes. The retaining bolts 136a(b) that connect the hub cap 98a(b) to the drive sprocket D1(D2) through the inner flange 118a(b) use the original drive sprocket retaining bolt holes and thus are the same thread but longer than the original drive sprocket connection bolts.

[0065] The drive coupler hub cap 98a(b) may include a bolt sleeve (not shown) extending between the hub cap inner connection flange 118a(b) and the outer connection flange 122a(b) to retain the connection bolts and make installation and removal easier.

[0066] The extended track assembly 12a(b) can be used on any equipment for which the original track T1(T2) has a matching track pitch. The connector arrangements for the first and second receiving buckle female parts first attachment flanges 44a(b), 46a(b) and the connector / bolt style and size of the drive coupler hub cap 98 can vary to accommodate the specific model / internal arrangement of the original track T1(T2) that varies by track-type equipment series such that a specific size of extended track assembly 12a(b) can be generally applicable to any similarly sized tracked equipment.

[0067] In an embodiment, the extended track assembly 12a(b) is laterally displaced from the original track T1(T2) by about six inches. This displacement results in a significant increase in lateral stability, but the inventors have also found that due to the compression of the compactable / semi-compactable ground / surface material between the tracks, this spacing that is slightly less than the continuous track width also provides additional effective flotation. Thus, the increased flotation effect (i.e., reduced ground pressure) is greater than indicated by simply adding additional track surface area (sometimes referred to as the "bridging effect"). However, the selected lateral displacement of the extended track system 10 can vary for a particular application. A larger lateral displacement may require additional support members. The extended track system can include horizontal stiffeners 136a and 136b that respectively connect the first extended track first receiving buckle 24a to the first extended track second receiving buckle 26a and the second extended track first receiving buckle 24b to the second extended track second receiving buckle 26b so as to increase the rigidity of the system.

[0068] The extendable track system can include vertical stiffeners 138a and 138b that can be coupled between the first receiving buckle 24a and the second receiving buckle 26a of the first extendable track and between the first receiving buckle 24b and the second receiving buckle 26b of the second extendable track to the upper structure of the device, respectively, so as to increase the load support for the system, especially for applications where the device is used to cross open channels, such that the extendable track assemblies 12a, 12b are expected to engage with the sides of the channel, where the original tracks T1, T2 are not supported on the open portion of the channel.

[0069] As Figures 1 to 27 shown, the removable track extension system 10 can be installed and removed without using a jack to lift the device completely off the ground - simply unloading the suspension is sufficient to allow the extension assemblies to be moved into alignment and coupled to the corresponding side tracks.

[0070] Referring Figures 1 to 27 , a general removable extendable track system can include a tracked vehicle having opposing first and second side tracks combined with a first extendable track assembly 12a and a second extendable track assembly 12b, on which first alignment cups 18a(b) and second alignment cups 20a(b) and attachment points 68a(b) are provided.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Of course, it should be understood that the modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art in various aspects, some modifications being obvious only after study, while others are matters of common mechanical, chemical, and electronic design. The single features, functions, or characteristics of the preferred embodiments are not essential. Other embodiments are possible, and their specific designs depend on the specific application. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A general removable lateral track extension system for a tracked device, the tracked device including a front end and a rear end, a first lateral track having a first lateral track frame plate, a plurality of track rollers, a drive sprocket assembly, and a continuous track, a first extension track assembly extending from the front end to the rear end and removably connectable to the first lateral track at a selected displacement width and outside the first lateral track, the first extension track assembly comprising: a first extension track frame and a first extension track frame plate, the first extension track frame plate extending from a first part of the first extension track frame plate corresponding to the front of the first extension track frame to a second part of the first extension track frame plate corresponding to the rear of the first extension track frame, the first extension track frame plate including a first threaded alignment channel and a second threaded alignment channel respectively disposed in the first part of the first extension track frame plate and the second part of the first extension track frame plate; a plurality of first extension track rollers rotatably connected to the first extension track frame plate; a first extension track first receiving buckle capable of being connected between the first part of the first extension track frame plate and the first lateral track frame plate and a first extension track second receiving buckle capable of being connected between the second part of the first extension track frame plate and the first lateral track frame plate, the first extension track first receiving buckle and the first extension track second receiving buckle each having the same length and defining the lateral displacement of the lateral track extension system; a first extension track drive coupler capable of being connected to the drive sprocket assembly of the first lateral track; and a first extension track continuous track extending around the first extension track drive coupler and the track rollers.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first extension track first alignment cup and a first extension track second alignment cup, the first extension track first alignment cup and the first extension track second alignment cup being connected to the first lateral track frame plate near the front end and the rear end respectively, the first extension track first alignment cup and the first extension track second alignment cup being positioned to align with the corresponding first threaded alignment channel and second threaded alignment channel.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising: the first extension track drive coupler includes a first extension track drive bearing assembly and a first extension track drive sprocket connected in line with the first extension track rollers, a first extension track drive sprocket connector capable of being connected to the drive sprocket assembly of the first lateral track, and a first extension track extension shaft removably connectable from the first extension track drive sprocket connector to the first extension track drive bearing assembly.

4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising: The crawler device further includes a second lateral crawler that is opposite to and a mirror image of the first lateral crawler. The second lateral crawler includes a second lateral crawler frame plate, a plurality of crawler rollers, a second lateral crawler drive sprocket assembly, and a second lateral crawler continuous track. A second extended crawler assembly that forms a mirror image of the first extended crawler assembly, and the second extended crawler assembly extends from the front end to the rear end and is removably coupled to the second lateral crawler at a selected displacement width and is outside the second lateral crawler. The second extended crawler assembly further includes: A second extended crawler frame and a second extended crawler frame plate. The second extended crawler frame plate extends from a first portion of the second extended crawler frame plate corresponding to the front portion of the second extended crawler frame to a second portion of the second extended crawler frame plate corresponding to the rear portion of the second extended crawler frame. The second extended crawler frame plate includes a first threaded alignment channel and a second threaded alignment channel respectively disposed in the first portion of the second extended crawler frame plate and the second portion of the second extended crawler frame plate. A first second extended crawler alignment cup and a second second extended crawler alignment cup. The first second extended crawler alignment cup and the second second extended crawler alignment cup are respectively connected to the second lateral crawler frame plate near the front end and the rear end. The first second extended crawler alignment cup and the second second extended crawler alignment cup are positioned to align with the corresponding first threaded alignment channel and second threaded alignment channel. A plurality of second extended crawler rollers rotatably coupled to the second extended crawler frame plate. A first second extended crawler receiving buckle capable of being coupled between the first portion of the second extended crawler frame plate and the second lateral crawler frame plate and a second second extended crawler receiving buckle capable of being coupled between the second portion of the second extended crawler frame plate and the second lateral crawler frame plate. The first second extended crawler receiving buckle and the second second extended crawler receiving buckle each have the same length and define the lateral displacement of the lateral crawler extension system. A second extended crawler drive coupler capable of being coupled to the second lateral crawler drive sprocket assembly. The second extended crawler drive coupler includes a second extended crawler drive bearing assembly and a second extended crawler drive sprocket linearly connected to the second extended crawler rollers, a second extended crawler drive sprocket connector capable of being connected to the second lateral crawler drive sprocket assembly, and a second extended crawler extension shaft removably coupled to the second extended crawler drive bearing assembly from the second extended crawler drive sprocket connector. And A second extended crawler continuous track that extends around the second extended crawler drive coupler and the crawler rollers.

5. The system according to claim 4, further including: A tracked vehicle, the tracked vehicle including opposite first and second lateral tracks configured to removably receive the first and second extended track assemblies.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein: the first and second extended track assemblies further include respective first and second extended track horizontal stiffeners, the first extended track horizontal stiffener coupling the first extended track first receiving buckle to the first extended track second receiving buckle, and the second extended track horizontal stiffener coupling the second extended track first receiving buckle to the second extended track second receiving buckle, wherein the respective first and second extended track horizontal stiffeners each include first and second stiffening members coupled together in a horizontally crossed orientation.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein: the first and second extended track assemblies further include respective first and second extended track vertical stiffeners, the respective first and second extended track vertical stiffeners each including one or more stiffening members capable of coupling between the first extended track first receiving buckle and the first extended track second receiving buckle and between the second extended track first receiving buckle and the second extended track second receiving buckle and corresponding lateral positions on the tracked vehicle, the corresponding lateral positions each being disposed above the respective first and second extended track frame plates.

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