Track tensioning system

A track tensioning system for adjusting tension in a vehicle track, the track tensioning system comprising:

• a hydraulic cylinder and a piston assembly slidably moveable within the hydraulic cylinder and dividing the hydraulic cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber each in selective fluid communication with a pressurised hydraulic fluid source and reservoir, such that supply or withdrawal of hydraulic fluid to or from the first chamber and the second chamber causes the piston assembly to move within the hydraulic cylinder in either extension, increasing track tension, or retraction, decreasing track tension;
• a locking spindle rotatably secured with respect to the hydraulic cylinder and in mechanical engagement with the piston assembly, wherein movement of the piston assembly in extension causes the locking spindle to rotate in a first direction and movement of the piston assembly in retraction causes the locking spindle to rotate in a second direction;
• and
• a locking system capable of mechanically locking a position of the piston assembly with respect to the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the locking system is switchable between an engaged mode, where the locking system prevents movement of the piston assembly by preventing rotation of the locking spindle, thereby maintaining tension in the vehicle track, and a disengaged mode, where the locking system allows movement of the piston assembly by allowing rotation of the locking spindle, thereby allowing tension in the vehicle track to be adjusted.