Abstract
Problems encountered in the design of crawler tractors used in the earthmoving industry are considered tinder two principal headings, those associated with performance and those which arise when attempting to improve life and reliability under arduous operating conditions. The characteristics of soils, their ability to sustain weight and tractive effort and the influence of track proportions are discussed, and problems in the application of conventional soil-mechanics concepts to the prediction of vehicle performance are illustrated by the results of field experiments. Of the factors affecting durability the most difficult to contend with is that of shock loads in the suspension and transmission resulting both from ground conditions and the high rotational inertia of the transmission train. A comparison of recorded loads under operating conditions with mechanical and hydraulic transmissions shows the advantage in favour of the latter type. The effect of a high average load factor and generally unfavourable atmospheric conditions on engine life are examined with particular reference to cooling and filtration. The importance of reducing operator fatigue is emphasized, and future trends of development having as their objective the reduction of stress in both man and machine are suggested.
Published Version
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