Carrier for lifting devices having variable width track

A carrier having a variable width track for lifting devices or the like comprising:

• a base frame;
• a first wheel frame slidable engaged with said base frame;
• a second wheel frame slidably engaged with said base frame;
• at least one first stabilizer bar extending from said first wheel frame, at least one second stabilizer bar extending from said second wheel frame, said stabilizer bars being slidably engaged with said base frame;
• at least one first actuation device providing movement of said first wheel frame relative to said base frame and at least one second actuation device providing movement of said second wheel frame relative to said base frame;
• and
• at least two wheel assemblies being mounted to said first wheel frame and at least two wheel assemblies being mounted to said second wheel frame, wherein said wheel frames being actuatable when said carrier is in horizontal motion.

A method for providing a carrier with a track which may be varied in width while said carrier is horizontally in motion, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a base frame;
• b) providing first and second wheel frames which are slidably engaged with said base frame, said first and second wheel frames opposing each other;
• c) attaching at least two wheel assemblies to each said wheel frame, at least one wheel assembly being driven by a power source;
• d) actuating said first wheel frame with at least one first actuation device while said carrier is in horizontal motion, actuating said second wheel frame with at least one second actuation device while said carrier is in horizontal motion.