Method of track link manufacture

A track chain assembly for use with a vehicle that includes an endless track drive, the track chain comprising:

• a plurality of track pins and track bushings disposed about the track pins;
• and
• a plurality of track links that are connected to each other by at least one of the plurality of track pins and track bushings, wherein at least one track link comprises a main body portion that defines a plurality of apertures for receiving at least one of the plurality of track pins and track bushings, the main body portion comprising a low alloy steel and the plurality of apertures extending along a first direction through the main body portion, and a rail portion that that comprises a high alloy steel;
• wherein the track link defines a minimum distance from the rail portion to all of the plurality of apertures measured along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and an unvarying rail thickness that is measured along the second direction, and a ratio of the rail thickness to the minimum distance ranges from 1.0 to 2.5, and the rail portion forms a linear interface with the main body portion, the linear interface lacking a bonding agent.

A method of fabricating a track link comprising:

• creating a rail portion of a track link from a high alloy steel;
• creating a main body portion of a track link from a low alloy steel;
• and
• friction adhering the rail portion onto the main body portion using the following process variables:
• an amplitude of 5 mm, and a frequency of 10-70 HZ
• while maintaining a ratio of a consistent thickness of the rail portion to a length, with said length defined by a minimum distance from the rail portion to an aperture configured to receive a track pin or bushing, of 1.0 to 2.5.