TM  
Kit (TS110)

 

        Our design is based on principles used by all major manufacturers of industrial backhoe loaders.  Their units are also regular farm tractors fitted with "floating" rigid frames to which the front end loaders and backhoes are mounted.  This protects tractor housings from the incredible stresses generated by backhoe and loader attachments.

  1. Track system mounted to heavy structural steel tubing wrap-around floating frame

  2. Heavy duty independently pivoting tandem walking beams, with 3½ inch solid stress-proof steel shaft axle,  on greasable bushings

  3. Heavy duty 14 ply high flotation tires with 14 inch rims, mounted on 3 inch spindles, 10 000 LB capacity rating for each wheel assembly

  4. 29 inch wide heavy duty cleated track

  5. Special high capacity load sensing orbit / hydraulic steering system

  6. Metal belly pan and side shields to protect critical component areas

 

Track system mounted to heavy structural steel tubing wrap-around floating frame

        Our track kit is also mounted to a heavy "wrap-around" frame.  This frame is then mounted to the tractor implement mounting bosses via "floating" mounts.  This allows torsion/impact stresses of track pivoting action and steering stresses to be absorbed by the frame, without being transmitted to the tractor powertrain.  Our exceptional record for powertrain / track frame integrity is a direct result of this effective design.

        Out of over 200 units sold to date, many are at or beyond 6000 hours of operation, and, like all groomers, several have been stuck in swamps & winched out, fallen down embankments, stuck in deep snow & spent hours "crabbing" back and forth, fallen off bridges, run into solid objects, subjected to misuse and abuse, etc...!  Even in spite of this, we've had NO rear axle failures, NO powertrain housing or component failures, and NO track frame failures attributable to stress or fatigue.  NOT A SINGLE FAILURE!!!  Adverse conditions are sure to be encountered by ALL groomers and operators...  it goes with the territory.  A properly designed unit must be able to withstand such punishment.

 

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The frame “cradles” the tractor.  It is not possible for any operational stresses to be transferred to the tractor housings...  Any “flexing” caused by stress is dissipated by the frame assembly

  NOTE:  while our design can be described as a “solid frame” design, it doesn’t mean that the tracks themselves are rigid.  Each track assembly pivots freely by means of  a tandem walking beam system, so that the track can follow the ground contour for a smooth ride and maximum traction.  Return to main specification page for complete details.

        Competitive designs promote a track design mounted to the tractor's pivoting front axle.  The only problem is that when the axle pivots to its maximum travel and bottoms out against the front housing stop, torsional stress is exerted throughout the bell housing, transmission housing and rear axle housings (and potentially any shaft enclosed within any of these housings), because the rear axle is not pivoting along with the front axle.  This may result in housing or shaft failure.

        Our overall construction is much heavier than the competition’s.  This can’t be disputed, for the evidence is physical and can easily bee seen.  This heavier construction directly translates to increased structural integrity and durability.  Compare our groomer’s service record after years of operation, to that of our competitor’s,  and the results obviously point to which unit features the best design and construction.

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Heavy duty independently pivoting tandem walking beams, with 3½ inch solid stress-proof steel shaft axle, on greasable bushings

 

        Separate heavy duty pivoting walking beam assemblies allow the tracks to follow ground contour.  Both  tracks pivot freely and independently of each other, resulting in a smooth ride and sure-footed traction in all conditions.

Each walking beam pivot point contains two massive brass bushings.  These replaceable bushings have heavy button style grease fittings and  large grease grooves to assure proper grease distribution and retention.

To adjust track tension,  the front bogie wheel telescopes forward.  This is accomplished by means of a grease cylinder.

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Each bogie assembly rocks on a pivot point

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Heavy duty 14 ply high flotation tires with 14 inch rims, mounted on 3 inch spindles, 10 000 LB capacity rating for each wheel assembly

 

        Extra high capacity rating on all components reduces chance of failure.

        Less moving parts means less maintenance and wear 

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29 inch wide heavy duty cleated track

A)  x 11 foot 6 inch length (ground contact) length on TS series
B)  x 12 foot 4 inch length (ground contact) length on TM series

 

Large track area means better traction, and distributes weight for better flotation.  Because of increased track area (11’-2” x 29” track footprint on TS series, 11’-6” track footprint for TM series), our Sur-TracTM unit is actually lighter than many competitive tractor based units (1.65 PSI ground pressure for TS series, 1.89 PSI for Gemini series).

Six 5/8 inch carriage bolts (round head, square shoulder) per cleat

Minimum 5 ply industrial track belting, 550 PIW capacity or better, with industrial strength splice joint

 

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Heavy-Duty track splice joint

Track is driven via positive engagement of rear tractor tire (lugs mesh with inner track guides) and outer track pressure.  The rear wheel will not “spin” inside of the track.   

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Each lug acts like the tooth of a sprocket, engaging an inner track guide

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Special high capacity load sensing orbit / hydraulic steering system

 

Steering is accomplished by means of the tractor articulating against the rear drag.

The groomer steers just as easily in forward or reverse, whether on trail, in deep snow, up snowbanks, etc...

The three point hitch “A frame” distributes steering stresses to all three 3 point hitch mounting points.  The heavy lift arm stabilizer bars bear the brunt of the sideways steering action, transferring it directly to the frame assembly, and not the rear axle of the tractor.  This eliminates stresses to the rear axle.

A dual pivoting steering assembly protects steering cylinders from "sideways" loads, regardless of direction of travel, relative angle of tractor and drag, or three point hitch height. 

  
Double pivoting steering post allows drag to twist and turn in any direction, without applying sideways force to the cylinders. 

         The  tractor steering wheel is still used to steer the unit.  The original tractor steering system has been modified for high capacity operation.  Hydraulic flow of up to 20 gallons per minute on TS series, 28 gallons per minute on TM series, and a special load sensing steering orbit allow for smooth, fast steering action. Steering action responds and feels just like conventional automotive steering.  Even an inexperienced operator is comfortable with the steering almost immediately.  There is no need to use the tractor brakes when steering.

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Metal belly pan and side shields to protect critical component areas

 

The hydraulic pump/filters area and powershift transmission control valve/solenoids are completely enclosed and protected against  ice chunks or debris of any kind.  A heavy steel plate is bolted underneath this sensitive area, and side panels keep out objects that may be thrown by the tracks.  All shields are bolt-on, and are easily removed for yearly maintenance. 

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Bottom shield

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