Liner plate for work machine

A work machine comprising:

• a frame with a frame surface and an axle opening;
• and
• a guard assembly coupled to the frame surface, the guard assembly including:
• a guard member at least partially disposed above the axle opening and projecting outward from the frame surface, the guard member comprising:
• a lower face, wherein a region of the frame surface and a region of the lower face defining a volume;
• a first end coupled to the frame surface;
• and
• a second end opposite the first end, wherein the guard member continuously slopes downward and toward the axle opening from the first end to the second end;
• and
• a liner plate coupled to the frame surface and the guard member, the liner plate including:
• a body portion defining:
• an upper surface;
• a lower surface disposed opposite to the upper surface;
• a first side surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, wherein the body portion is coupled to the frame surface proximate the first side surface;
• and
• a second side surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, wherein the body portion is coupled to the guard member proximate the second side surface, and wherein the body portion continuously slopes upward and away from the axle opening from the first side surface to the second side surface;
• wherein, upon coupling of the body portion to the frame surface and the guard member, the body portion prevents at least some debris from entering the volume.

A method of deflecting debris away from a work machine having a frame with a frame surface and an axle opening, and a guard member at least partially disposed above the axle opening and projecting outward from the frame surface, the guard member having a lower face, wherein a region of the frame surface and a region of the lower face defining a volume, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the guard member continuously slopes downward and inward from the first end to the second end, the method comprising:

• coupling the first end of the guard member to the frame surface;
• coupling a liner plate to the frame surface, the liner plate including a body portion defining an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, a first side surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, and a second side surface extending between the upper and lower surfaces, wherein the liner plate is coupled to the frame surface proximate the first side surface of the liner plate;
• and
• coupling the liner plate to the guard member proximate the second side surface of the liner plate, wherein the body portion continuously slopes upward and away from the axle opening from the first side surface to the second side surface;
• wherein, upon coupling of the liner plate to the frame surface and the guard member, the lower surface of the liner plate substantially limits access to the volume and prevents at least some debris from entering the volume.