Patent ID: 7963014
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for retrofitting a piece of equipment having a flexible track assembly, the method comprising: disassembling an existing idler shaft from an idler gear and from at least one bearing block attached to the piece of equipment; positioning a cylindrical sleeve within an opening in the idler gear, wherein the cylindrical sleeve is substantially contained within the opening in the idler gear; attaching the cylindrical sleeve to the idler gear; positioning a new idler shaft within an opening of the at least one bearing block and within an opening of the cylindrical sleeve that is positioned within the opening of the idler gear, the new idler shaft and the cylindrical sleeve being configured to rotate together; positioning at least one bushing liner within the opening of the at least one bearing block; and attaching a retaining device to at least one end of the new idler shaft to retain the new idler shaft axially.