Track laying work vehicle

A work vehicle, comprising:

• a main frame assembly having first and second spaced apart parallel side portions;
• a power generating means;
• first and second auxiliary frame assemblies, each having first and second end portions, and positioned parallel to and spaced from said first and second main frame side portions respectively;
• first and second drive axles powered by said power generating means;
• first and second drive wheels, each being rotatably connected to a respective drive axle;
• first and second idler assemblies, each rotatably connected to a respective first end portion of said first and second auxiliary frame assemblies;
• a plurality of guide rollers rotatably connected to said first and second auxiliary frame assemblies;
• first and second endless track assemblies encircling respectively said first and second auxiliary frame assemblies, said first and second idler assemblies, said first and second drive wheels, and said guide rollers;
• a rigid support beam having first and second end portions and a middle portion, said middle portion positioned beneath said main frame assembly;
• first means for releasably connecting said middle portion of said support beam to said first and second main frame side portions;
• second means for releasably connecting said first and second end portions of said support beam to a respective first end portion of said auxiliary frame assemblies;
• first and second arm members, each having a first end portion connected to one of said auxiliary frame assemblies second end portion, and a second end portion releasably connected to one of said first and second drive axles;
• and
• first and second friction clamp assemblies, each being releasably connected to a respective drive axle.

An undercarriage assembly for a vehicle, said vehicle having a main frame having first and second side portions, first and second powered drive axles, and a longitudinal centerline, said undercarriage assembly, comprising:

• first and second roller frame assemblies, each positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle, each roller frame assembly including a plurality of guide rollers;
• first and second drive wheels, each being rotatably connected to a respective drive axle;
• first and second idler wheel assemblies, each rotatably connected to a respective roller frame assembly;
• first and second friction clamp assemblies, each being releasably connectable to and moveable along a respective drive axle;
• first and second arm members, each connected between a respective clamp assembly and a roller frame assembly;
• a rigid support beam having first and second end portions and a middle portion, said middle portion positioned beneath said main frame and connected to said first and second main frame side portions;
• means for releasably connecting said first and second end portions of said support beam respectively to said first and second roller frame assemblies, said means providing a plurality of connected positions between said support beam and said roller frame assemblies;
• and
• first and second endless track assemblies encircling respectively said first and second roller frame assemblies, said first and second drive wheels, and said first and second idler wheel assemblies.