Apparatus and method for operating a hydraulic excavator which has a position sensor for sensing position of an idler wheel

A work machine, comprising:

• a drive track chain;
• an idler wheel for providing tension to said drive track chain;
• an actuator mechanically coupled to said idler wheel so as to selectively move said idler wheel between a number of wheel positions;
• a first sensor for sensing position of said idler wheel;
• a second sensor for determining if said work machine is being operated in a drive mode of operation or a work mode of operation;
• a processing unit electrically coupled to both said first sensor and said second sensor;
• and
• a memory device electrically coupled to said processing unit, wherein said memory device has stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by said processing unit, causes said processing unit to:
• (i) monitor output from said second sensor so as to determine if said work machine is being operated in said work mode of operation,
• (ii) generate an increase-tension control signal if said work machine is being operated in said work mode of operation,
• (iii) actuate said actuator in response to generation of said increase-tension control signal so as to advance said idler wheel in a first direction which causes tension on said drive track chain to be increased, and
• (iv) monitor output from said first sensor so as to determine position of said idler wheel during advancement of said idler wheel in said first direction.

A hydraulic excavator, comprising:

• a hydraulic implement assembly having a boom assembly with a bucket secured thereto;
• a drive track chain;
• a track tensioning assembly for tensioning said drive track chain;
• a sensor configured to detect operation of said implement assembly by an operator of said excavator;
• and
• a controller electrically coupled to said sensor, wherein said controller is configured to operate said track tensioning assembly so as to increase tension of said drive track chain when said sensor detects operation of said implement assembly by said operator of said work machine.