Track connection system for mobile vehicles, including lift cranes

A method of connecting ends of a track on a crawler used to allow a vehicle to move over the ground and thereafter tensioning the track, the crawler comprising:

• i) a crawler frame ii) at least one drive tumbler supported on the frame;
• and iii) a track made of a plurality of track shoes and having a ground engaging surface, the track shoes being connected in series to produce a track having a first end and second end that can be connected together to form the track into an endless track, the track being wrapped around the frame, with the first and second ends spaced apart but each adjacent a section of the frame;
• the method of connecting ends of the track comprising:
• using a track connection system comprising a mover device connected to the frame, and a track engagement member coupled between the mover device and the track, to move the track into a position where the first and second ends can be connected;
• and the method of tensioning the track also using at least part of the mover device to tension the track during operation of the crawler.

A crawler for allowing a vehicle to move over the ground, having a track connection system, comprising:

• a) a crawler frame;
• b) at least one drive tumbler supported on the frame;
• c) a track made of a plurality of track shoes having a ground engaging surface, the track shoes being connected in series to produce a track having a first end and second end that can be connected together to form the track into an endless track, the track being wrapped around the frame, with the first and second ends spaced apart but each adjacent a section of the frame;
• and
• d) a track connection system mounted to the frame comprising:
• i) a mover device connected to the frame, the mover device comprising a first arm member having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end supporting a roller that engages the inside surface of the track, and a linear actuation device mounted between the frame and the first arm member;
• and
• ii) a track engagement member coupled between the mover device and the track;
• iii) whereby actuation of the mover device causes the track engagement member to move the track into a position where the first and second ends can be connected.