Capped equalizer bar end joint

A connecting assembly for connecting a track frame of a work machine to an equalizer bar, comprising:

• a frame member having a connection structure arranged thereon, the connection structure including a partial open first bore formed therein for receipt of a connection pin;
• and
• a cap member having a partial open second bore formed therein for receipt of the connection pin;
• wherein:
• the cap member includes a deformation region having a reduced cross-sectional area relative an adjacent portion of the cap member, the deformation region facilitating deformation of the cap member about the connection pin during assembly of the cap member to the connection structure;
• and
• the cap member and the connection structure are configured to hold the connection pin therebetween within the first and second bores thereof when the cap member is coupled to the connection structure.

A method for connecting a track frame of a work machine to an equalizer bar, comprising:

• aligning a connection pin into a partial open first bore formed on a connection structure of a frame member;
• aligning the connection pin into a partial open second bore formed on a cap member;
• and
• coupling the cap member to the connection structure so that the connection pin is held between the first and second bores and so that a cap shoulder arranged on the cap member is disposed between the connection pin and the connection structure.

A method for connecting a track frame of a work machine to an equalizer bar, comprising:

• aligning a connection pin into a partial open first bore formed on a connection structure of a frame member;
• aligning the connection pin into a partial open second bore formed on a cap member;
• and
• coupling the cap member to the connection structure so that the connection pin is held between the first and second bores and so that the cap member deforms about a deformation region disposed on the cap member.