Leg tube assembly and method of manufacturing leg tube assembly

A work machine comprising:

• a frame;
• and
• a plurality of leg tube assemblies coupled to the frame, each of the plurality of leg tube assemblies are adjustable to raise or lower the work machine relative to a ground surface, wherein each of the plurality of leg tube assemblies includes:
• a first tube coupled with the frame of the work machine, the first tube defining a first inner surface;
• and
• a second tube coupled to the first tube and slidable relative to the first tube between an extended position and a retracted position, the second tube being received within the first tube, wherein the second tube includes:
• a tube body defining a second inner surface, a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface, a first end that is disposed within the first tube in each of the extended position and the retracted position of the second tube, and a second end that extends out of the first tube when the second tube is in the extended position, wherein the tube body defines at least one recess on the second outer surface thereof, and wherein the at least one recess extends axially from the first end of the tube body towards the second end of the tube body and extends at least partially along a circumferential direction;
• and
• at least one support member disposed within the at least one recess of the tube body, wherein the at least one support member is disposed between the first tube and the tube body of the second tube, wherein the at least one support member is adapted to engage with the first inner surface of the first tube, and wherein the at least one support member includes any one of a bearing and a wear pad.

A method of manufacturing a leg tube assembly for a work machine, the method comprising:

• forming a first tube of the leg tube assembly, the first tube defining a first inner surface;
• forming a tube body of a second tube of the leg tube assembly, the tube body defining a second inner surface, a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end;
• defining at least one recess on the second outer surface of the tube body, wherein the at least one recess extends axially from the first end of the tube body towards the second end of the tube body and extends at least partially along a circumferential direction;
• disposing at least one support member of the second tube within the at least one recess of the tube body, wherein the at least one support member includes any one of a bearing and a wear pad;
• coupling the second tube with the first tube based on a receipt of the first tube within the second tube, wherein the at least one support member is disposed between the first tube and the tube body of the second tube;
• and
• engaging the at least one support member with the first inner surface of the first tube based on the coupling of the second tube with the first tube.