Slider for track support

Abstract

A track supporting slider is provided. The slider includes a first segment and a second segment. The first section includes a first upper surface, a first lower surface, and a first inner surface connecting the first upper surface to the first lower surface. The first upper surface is configured to support a track. The first inner surface includes a first component of a mounting mechanism. The second section includes a second upper surface, a second lower surface, and a second inner surface connecting the second upper surface to the second lower surface. The second upper surface is configured to support a track. The second inner surface includes a second component of a mounting mechanism configured to be removably attached to the first component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the configuration of a slider assembly of a vehicle chassis, and for example, to a slider for supporting a track of a vehicle chassis.

Background Art

[0002] In industries such as construction, mining, and forestry, trucks may be used to disperse the weight of machinery onto the ground. As a result, it can be configured to cross the ground with less likelihood of snagging compared to wheel-driven machinery. In such machinery, the vehicle chassis can include a sprocket at one end, an idler at the opposite end, and a slider configuration attached therebetween to support and guide the track. In some cases, the slider configuration may be designed piecemeal rather than as a unit to address individual concerns that arise over time. Thus, the slider configuration can include multiple sliders with different designs and different lifespans. As a result, the slider configuration can involve significant inventory costs, relatively complex and frequent slider replacements, and increased machine downtime.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,543,876 discloses a track support rail for slidably supporting a track assembly of a machine. The track support rail includes a body having a first body end, a second body end, a crown portion, and an upper support surface. The body extends along a longitudinal axis between the first body end and the second body end. The crown portion is disposed between the first body end and the second body end along the longitudinal axis. The upper support surface extends along the longitudinal axis between the first body end and the second body end. The upper support surface includes a first curved segment and a second curved segment. The first curved segment has a first curved shape and extends from the first body end toward the crown portion of the body. The second curved segment has a second curved shape and extends from the second body end toward the crown portion of the body. The first curved shape is different from the second curved shape.

[0004] The slider of the present disclosure solves one or more of the above problems and / or other problems in the art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the split slider includes a first segment having a first upper surface, a first lower surface, and a first inner surface connecting the first upper surface to the first lower surface, wherein the first upper surface is configured to support a track, and the first inner surface includes a first component of an attachment mechanism; and a second segment having a second upper surface, a second lower surface, and a second inner surface connecting the second upper surface to the second lower surface, wherein the second upper surface is configured to support the track, and the second inner surface includes a second component of the attachment mechanism configured to be removably attached to the first component of the attachment mechanism.

[0006] In some embodiments, the end slider assembly includes an end support member configured to be attached to a vehicle frame at a position adjacent to a sprocket or idler, and an end slider configured to support a track, wherein the end slider has a height greater than the height of the end support member, a width greater than the width of the end support member, and a length greater than the length of the end support member, and the end slider has a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature along its length.

[0007] In some embodiments, the slider configuration includes at least one end slider having a first end segment and a second end segment removably attached to the first end segment, the first end segment and the second end segment jointly forming the upper surface of at least one end slider configured to support a track, and along the longitudinal direction of the slider configuration, the upper surface of the at least one end slider includes a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature; and at least one central slider having a first central segment and a second central segment removably attached to the first central segment, the first central segment and the second central segment jointly forming the upper surface of at least one central slider configured to support a track, and the upper surface of the at least one central slider is substantially linear along the longitudinal direction in which the slider is disposed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a slider for supporting a truck suitable for a machine having a truck-type chassis. For example, the machine may be a rope shovel, a hydraulic mining shovel, an excavator, a forestry machine, or other types of machines.

[0010] For the sake of simplifying the following description, the same reference numerals may be used to represent similar features. The drawings may not be to scale.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary chassis 100. As described above, the chassis 100 is configured to support a machine (not shown) such as a rope shovel, a hydraulic mining shovel, an excavator, a forestry machine, or other types of machines. The chassis 100 includes a frame 102, a track 104, a sprocket 106, an idler 108, a plurality of rollers 110, and a slider assembly 112. The frame 102 is a structure that supports the components of the track 104, the sprocket 106, the idler 108, the plurality of rollers 110, and the slider assembly 112. The frame 102 includes a rear end 114, a front end 116, a lower end 118, and an upper end 120. The rear end 114 is on the opposite side of the front end 116. The lower end 118 connects the rear end 114 to the front end 116 and is on the opposite side of the upper end 120. In some embodiments, the frame 102 may include a reaction mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the tension of the track 104. The track 104, which may be formed from a plurality of shoes 122, is a ground-engaging device that surrounds the frame 102 and propels the machine.

[0012] A sprocket 106 rotatably attached to the rear end 114 of the frame 102 is configured to drive a track 104 around the frame 102. An idler 108 is attached to the front end 116 of the frame 102 and is configured to guide the track 104 therearound. A plurality of rollers 110 for guiding the track 104 between the sprocket 106 and the idler 108 are rotatably attached to the lower end 118 of the frame 102. The configuration of a slider assembly 112, which will be described in detail below, is attached to the upper end 120 of the frame 102 and includes a pair of end slider assemblies 124 and a plurality of central slider assemblies 126 that support and guide the track 104 between the sprocket 106 and the idler 108. An end slider assembly 124 of the pair of end slider assemblies 124 is attached to the upper end 120 of the frame 102 at a position adjacent to the idler 108. The other end slider assembly 124 of the pair of end slider assemblies 124 is attached to the upper end 120 of the frame 102 at a position adjacent to the sprocket 106. The end slider assemblies 124 are substantially identical to the other end slider assemblies 124. The plurality of central slider assemblies 126 are attached to the upper end 120 of the frame 102 at intervals between the end slider assembly 124 and the other end slider assembly 124. For example, the space between the end slider assembly 124 and an adjacent central slider assembly 126 of the plurality of central slider assemblies 126 has a length in the range of about 350 millimeters (mm) to about 500 mm. The same interval may occur between the remaining slider assemblies of the configuration of the slider assembly 112. As constructed and configured, the configuration of the slider assembly 112 forms a mirror image configuration.

[0013] As described above, FIG. 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those described in relation to FIG. 1. For example, the number and configuration of components may be different from those shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, compared to the components shown in FIG. 1, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components of different configurations. For example, the plurality of rollers 110 may include a different number of rollers 110 (e.g., 8, 10, and / or the like). As another example, the configuration of the slider assembly 112 may include a different number of central slider assemblies 126 (e.g., 2, 4, and / or the like).

[0014] FIG. 2 shows the chassis 100 aligned with one of the plurality of shoes 122. The shoe 122 having substantially the same structure as the remaining shoes 122 of the plurality of shoes 122 includes an inner contact surface 202 and an outer contact surface 204 opposite the inner contact surface 202. As described below, the inner contact surface 202 is configured to slidably contact the configurations of the idler 108, the plurality of rollers 110, the sprocket 106, and the slider assembly 112 when the shoe 122 moves along a rectangular path 206 around the frame 102. The outer contact surface 204 is configured to slidably engage the ground simultaneously.

[0015] To simplify the description of the configuration of the slider assembly 112, the structures of the end slider assembly 124 and the single central slider assembly 126 (hereinafter referred to as the central slider assembly 126) are described below. It should be understood that the described structures are respectively applicable to the other end slider assembly 124 and the remaining central slider assemblies 126 of the configuration of the central slider assembly 126.

[0016] The end slider assembly 124 includes an end slider 208 and an end support member 210. The end slider 208 includes an upper surface 212 configured to slidably contact and support the inner contact surface 202 of the shoe 122. To support the shoe 122, the end slider 208 of the end slider assembly 124 may have a height greater than the height of the end support member 210, a width greater than the width of the end support member 210, and a length greater than the length of the end support member 210. For example, the end slider 208 of the end slider assembly 124 may have a height within the range of about 400 mm to about 500 mm, a width within the range of about 200 mm to about 300 mm, and a length within the range of about 1700 mm to about 1800 mm. The ratio of the height of the end slider 208 of the end slider assembly 124 to the overall height of the end slider assembly 124 may be within the range of about 0.75 to about 0.95. Other dimensions and / or ratios are also conceivable.

[0017] The end support member 210 of the end slider assembly 124 is configured to support the end slider 208. The end support member 210 is on the side opposite the upper surface 212 and includes a lower surface 214 configured to contact the upper end 120 of the frame 102 when the end support member 210 is attached to the frame 102. In some embodiments, to ensure that the end slider assembly 124 is securely fixed to the frame 102, the end support member 210 may be fixed to the frame 102 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, snap rings, welding, and / or other types of fasteners).

[0018] The central slider assembly 126 includes a central slider 216 and a central support member 218. The central slider 216 includes an upper surface 220 configured to slidably contact and support the inner contact surface 202 of the shoe 122. To support the shoe 122, the central slider 216 of the central slider assembly 126 may have a width greater than the width of the central support member 218 and a length greater than the length of the central support member 218. For example, with respect to the central slider 216 of the central slider assembly 126, the width may be in the range of about 200 mm to about 300 mm, and the length may be in the range of about 1100 mm to about 1200 mm. The height of the central slider 216 of the central slider assembly 126 may be in the range of about 200 mm to about 300 mm. The ratio of the height of the central slider 216 of the central slider assembly 126 to the overall height of the central slider assembly 126 may be in the range of about 0.35 to about 0.55. Other dimensions and / or ratios are also conceivable.

[0019] The central support member 218 of the central slider assembly 126 is configured to support the central slider 216. The central support member 218 is on the side opposite the upper surface 220 and includes a lower surface 222 configured to contact the upper end 120 of the frame 102 when the central support member 218 is attached to the frame 102. In some embodiments, to ensure that the central slider assembly 126 is securely fixed to the frame 102, the central support member 218 may be fixed to the frame 102 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, snap rings, welding, and / or other types of fasteners).

[0020] To guide the shoe 122 along the rectangular path 206, the upper surfaces 212 of the end slider assembly 124 and the upper surfaces 220 of the central slider assembly 126 have dimensions and shapes complementary to the inner contact surface 202 of the shoe 122. Thereby, the widths of the upper surfaces 212, 220, which are the same width as the end slider 208 and the central slider 216 respectively, are substantially equal to the width of the inner contact surface 202. Further, the upper surfaces 212, 220 may be convex in the lateral direction perpendicular to the rectangular path 206, and the inner contact surface 202 may be concave in the lateral direction accordingly.

[0021] Since the end slider 208 is located at the connection of the curved section 224 and the straight section 226 of the rectangular path 206, it is subjected to impacts along multiple directions from the shoe 122. On the other hand, since the central slider 216 is located along the straight section 226 of the rectangular path 206, the impact from the shoe 122 is small. In order to have a lifespan substantially equal to that of the central slider 216 (for example, within the range of about 2,000 hours to about 5,000 hours), the end slider 208 may be heavier and stronger than the central slider 216. For example, the weight of the end slider 208 may be within the range of about 1,000 kg (kg) to about 1,100 kg. The weight of the central slider 216 may be within the range of about 400 kilograms to about 500 kilograms. To withstand forces under various environmental conditions, the end slider 208 and the central slider 216 can be manufactured from manganese steel or other types of metals with high impact strength and / or wear resistance. Other weights and / or materials are also conceivable.

[0022] To smoothly transition the rectangular path 206 between the curved section 224 and the straight section 226 (e.g., when the shoe moves around the idler 108 or the sprocket 106), the upper surface 212 of the end slider 208 has an asymmetric shape along the length of the end slider 208. In particular, the upper surface 212 has a first radius of curvature proximate to the curved section 224 of the rectangular path 206 and a second radius of curvature proximate to the straight section 226 of the rectangular path 206 along the length of the end slider 208. The second radius of curvature is larger than the first radius of curvature. Since the central slider 216 is disposed along the straight section 226 of the rectangular path 206, the upper surface 220 of the central slider 216 is substantially linear.

[0023] In use, the teeth 228 of the sprocket 106 engage the shoe 122 to push the shoe 122 in either direction along the rectangular path 206. For example, the sprocket 106 presses the shoe 122 towards the plurality of rollers 110 in the clockwise direction along the rectangular path 206. The outer surfaces 230 of the plurality of rollers 110 have substantially the same width and convex curvature as the upper surfaces 212, 220 of the end slider 208 and the central slider 216, and these outer surfaces 230 contact the inner contact surface 202 of the shoe 122 to guide the shoe 122 along the ground. When the shoe 122 reaches the idler 108, the outer surface 232 of the idler 108 contacts the inner contact surface 202 of the shoe 122 to guide the shoe 122 around the curved section 224 of the rectangular path 206, and this outer surface 232 likewise has substantially the same width and convex curvature as the width and convex curvature of the upper surfaces 212, 220 of the end slider 208 and the central slider 216. Since the radius of curvature of the upper surface 212 of the end slider 208 increases, the shoe 122 slides smoothly along the upper surface 212 of the end slider 208. Then, the shoe 122 slides along the upper surface 220 of the plurality of central sliders 216 and in the direction where the radius of curvature of the other end slider 208 decreases before returning to the sprocket 106. It should be understood that these steps are performed in the reverse order when the sprocket 106 drives the shoe 122 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0024] As described above, FIG. 2 is provided as an example. Other examples may be different from those described in relation to FIG. 2. For example, the number and configuration of components may be different from those shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, compared with the components shown in FIG. 2, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components of different configurations.

[0025] As described below with reference to FIGS. 3-9, in some embodiments, at least one slider of the pair of end slider assemblies 124 and / or the plurality of central slider assemblies 126 may be composed of a plurality of components removably attached to facilitate attachment and / or removal of at least one slider.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the end slider assembly 124 and the central slider assembly 126. As described above, it should be understood that the following description equally applies to the remaining slider assemblies of the configuration of the slider assembly 112. The end slider 208 of the end slider assembly 124 has a first segment 302 and a second segment 304. The first section 302 includes a first upper surface 306, a first lower surface 308, and a first inner surface 310 that connects the first upper surface 306 to the first lower surface 308. The first inner surface 310 of the end slider assembly 124 may be substantially planar. The second section 304 may be substantially the same as the first section 302 and includes a second upper surface 312, a second lower surface 314, and a second inner surface 316 that connects the second upper surface 312 to the second lower surface 314. The second inner surface may be substantially planar and is configured to be removably attached to the first inner surface 310. The first upper surface 306 and the second upper surface 312 jointly define the upper surface 212 of the end slider 208. The first lower surface 308 and the second lower surface 314 jointly define the lower surface 318 of the end slider 208 that is spaced a certain distance from the lower surface 214 of the end support member 210 when the end slider 208 is attached to the end support member 210. To attach the end slider 208 to the end support member 210, the lower surface 318 of the end slider 208 may include an opening 320 configured to receive a portion of the end support member 210. Once the end slider 208 and the end support member 210 are engaged in this way, the end slider 208 may be removably fixed to the end support member 210 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, snap rings, and / or other types of fasteners).

[0027] Similarly, the central slider 216 of the central slider assembly 126 has a first segment 322 and a second segment 324. The first section 322 includes a first upper surface 326, a first lower surface 328, and a first inner surface 330 that connects the first upper surface 326 to the first lower surface 328. The first inner surface 330 may be substantially planar. The second section 324 may be substantially identical to the first section 322 and includes a second upper surface 332, a second lower surface 334, and a second inner surface 336 that connects the second upper surface 332 to the second lower surface 334. The second inner surface 336 may be substantially flat and is configured to be removably attached to the first inner surface 330. The first upper surface 326 and the second upper surface 332 together define the upper surface 220 of the central slider 216. The first lower surface 328 and the second lower surface 334 together define the lower surface 338 of the central slider 216 that is spaced a distance from the lower surface 222 of the central support member 218 when the central slider 216 is attached to the central support member 218. To attach the central slider 216 to the central support member 218, the lower surface 338 of the central slider 216 may include an opening 340 configured to receive a portion of the central support member 218. Once the central slider 216 and the central support member 218 are engaged in this manner, the central slider 216 may be removably fixed to the central support member 218 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, latches, clips, snap rings, and / or other types of fasteners).

[0028] As described above, FIG. 3 is provided as an example. Other examples may be different from those described in relation to FIG. 3. For example, the number and configuration of components may be different from those shown in FIG. 3. Thus, compared to the components shown in FIG. 3, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components of different configurations. For example, at least one of the end slider assembly 124 and the center slider assembly 126 may include a slider having two or more segments (e.g., four segments, six segments, and / or the like). As a further example, the inner surface may be non-planar and instead may have a serrated, curved, or other shape of complementary shape.

[0029] FIGS. 4-9 show an exemplary double-tail attachment mechanism 400 for an end slider 208. As will be described below, it should be understood that the center slider 216 can also utilize the double-tail attachment mechanism 400. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the first inner surface 310 of the first segment 302 of the end slider 208 includes a pair of double-tail recesses 402 that together form the components of the double-tail attachment mechanism 400. Each recess 402 of the pair of double-tail recesses 402 includes an insertion portion 404 having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and a fixing portion 406 having a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the second inner surface 316 of the second segment 304 of the end slider 208 includes a pair of double-tail protrusions 408 that together form the complementary components of the double-tail attachment mechanism 400. Each protrusion 408 of the pair of double-tail protrusions 408 has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the generally trapezoidal shape of the insertion portion 404 of the pair of double-tail recesses 402.

[0030] Therefore, during use, the pair of dovetail convex portions 408 can be respectively inserted into the insertion portions 404 of the pair of dovetail concave portions 402. When the pair of dovetail concave portions 402 receive the pair of dovetail convex portions 408, the first segment 302 and the second segment 304 of the end slider 208 can slide relative to each other so as to slide the pair of dovetail convex portions 408 into the fixing portions 406 of the pair of dovetail concave portions 402. When the dovetail attachment mechanism 400 engages in this way, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, the first segment 302 and the second segment 304 form an attached state.

[0031] As described above, FIGS. 4-9 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those described with respect to FIGS. 4-9. For example, the number and configuration of components may differ from those shown in FIGS. 4-9. Thus, compared to the components shown in FIGS. 4-9, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components of different configurations. As an example, the dovetail attachment mechanism 400 may include a different number of dovetail convex portions and dovetail concave portions (e.g., one, three, four, and / or the like). As another example, the first segment 302 (and correspondingly the second segment 304) may include a combination of at least one dovetail convex portion and at least one dovetail concave portion. As a further example, the end slider 208 and / or the central slider 216 may utilize different types of attachment mechanisms such as one or more magnets, snap fasteners (e.g., decorative molding fasteners), clips, or another type of fastener. Additionally, or alternatively, the end slider 208 and / or the central slider 216 may include a locking mechanism (e.g., a quarter-turn latch or another type of locking mechanism) to prevent relative movement between the first segment 302 and the second segment 304 until the engagement of the locking mechanism is released.

Industrial Applicability

[0032] The end slider 208 and the central slider 216 of the present disclosure are particularly suitable for a machine having a track-type chassis, such as the chassis 100. The machine may be a rope shovel, a hydraulic mining shovel, an excavator, a forestry machine, or another type of machine.

[0033] Since the end slider 208 and the central slider 216 of the present disclosure are designed as part of the configuration of the slider assembly 112, the end slider 208 and the central slider 216 have substantially equal service lives, whereby replacement is rationalized and the downtime of the machine is minimized. In addition, due to the robust design and variable curvature of the end slider 208, the end slider 208 has improved wear resistance compared to other types of end sliders. The configuration of the slider assembly 112 includes only two types of sliders (the end slider 208 and the central slider 216), which also has the advantage of reducing inventory costs and simplifying the attachment and / or replacement of the sliders. In embodiments where the end slider 208 and / or the central slider 216 are separable (e.g., by including a double-tail attachment mechanism 400 or another type of attachment mechanism), the end slider 208 and the central slider 216 facilitate attachment and / or replacement particularly in heavy applications where the weight of the components is a concern.

[0034] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit implementation to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure or obtained from the practice carried out. Further, any of the embodiments described herein can be combined unless a reason for not being able to combine one or more embodiments is clearly provided in the foregoing disclosure. Specific combinations of features, even if described and / or disclosed in the claims, are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various embodiments. Each of the dependent claims listed below can depend directly on only one claim, but the disclosure of the various embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with all the other claims in the claim set.

[0035] As used herein, "a", "one", and "a set" are intended to include one or more and may be used interchangeably with "one or more". Further, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more things recited in combination with the article "the" and may be used interchangeably with "one or more". Further, as used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "having", "including", or other variations are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, e.g., a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed. Further, in the present disclosure, relative terms such as "about", "generally", "substantially", and "approximately" are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% of a value, unless a person skilled in the art indicates otherwise from the context. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "at least partially based on" unless otherwise specified. Further, as used herein, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with "and / or" unless otherwise specified (e.g., when used in combination with "either" or "only one of"). Further, for ease of description of the present specification, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "above", "on", etc. may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to include different directions of the device, apparatus, and / or element during use or operation in addition to the direction shown in the figure. The device can be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A split slider (208, 216), comprising: a first segment (302, 322) having a first upper surface (306, 326), a first lower surface (308, 328), and a first inner surface (310, 330) connecting the first upper surface (306, 326) to the first lower surface (308, 328), wherein the first upper surface (306, 326) is configured to support a track (104), wherein the first inner surface (310, 330) includes a first segment (302, 322) of a first component (402) of an attachment mechanism (400), a second segment (304, 324) having a second upper surface (312, 332), a second lower surface (314, 334), and a second inner surface (316, 336) connecting the second upper surface (312, 332) to the second lower surface (314, 334), wherein the second upper surface (312, 332) is configured to support the track (104), wherein the second inner surface (316, 336) includes a second component (408) of the attachment mechanism (400) configured to be removably attached to the first component (402) of the attachment mechanism (400), the second segment (304, 324); a split slider (208, 216).

2. The split slider (208, 216) according to claim 1, wherein when the second component (408) of the attachment mechanism (400) is removably attached to the first component (402) of the attachment mechanism (400), the second inner surface (316, 336) of the second segment (304, 324) abuts against the first inner surface (310, 330) of the first segment (302, 322).

3. The split slider (208, 216) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the attachment mechanism (400) is a dovetail attachment mechanism (400), the first component (402) is a dovetail recess (402), and the second component (408) is a dovetail protrusion (408).

4. In the longitudinal direction of the split slider (208), the first upper surface (306) has a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature, the second upper surface (312) has a shape substantially the same as that of the first upper surface (306); the split slider (208) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The split slider (216) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first upper surface (326) and the second upper surface (332) are substantially linear in the longitudinal direction of the split slider (216).

6. An end slider assembly (124), An end support member (210) configured to be attached to the vehicle frame (102) at a position adjacent to the sprocket (106) or the idler (108), An end slider (208) configured to support the truck (104), and The end slider (208) is the split slider (208) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, Having a height greater than the height of the end support member (210), Having a width greater than the width of the end support member (210), Having a length greater than the length of the end support member (210), The end slider (208) has a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature along its length, the end slider assembly (124).

7. The end slider assembly (124) according to claim 6, wherein the end slider (208) is asymmetric along its length.

8. The end slider (208) includes a first segment (302) and a second segment (304) configured to be removably attached to the first segment (302) via the double-tail attachment mechanism (400), the end slider assembly (124) according to any one of claims 6 to 7.

9. The width of the end slider (208) is in the range of about 200 mm to about 300 mm, The length of the end slider (208) is in the range of about 1700 mm to about 1800 mm, the end slider assembly (124) according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The weight of the end slider (208) is in the range of about 1000 kilograms to about 1100 kilograms, the end slider assembly (124) according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

Images