Caterpillar Inc.
Track link for a track joint assembly having wear band with lengthwise-varied hardness

Abstract:

A track link for a ground-engaging track system includes an elongate link body having an upper rail surface located in part upon each of a first link strap, a second link strap, and a middle section of the track link. The upper rail surface is formed by a wear band of sacrificial wear material having a hardness that is varied lengthwise along the upper rail surface to retard scalloping of the track link during service and forming relatively softer zones in the first and second link straps and a relatively harder zone within the middle section. Methodology for making such a track link is also disclosed.