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The basic function of a drag sprocket

In construction machinery (especially crawler machinery such as excavators and bulldozers), the basic functions of the ‌ drag chain wheel (idler wheel) ‌ can be summarized as the following core points:

Support track (upper part) : ‌

This is the most crucial function. The drag sprocket is located above the track frame (usually close to the middle or rear), and its wheel body is in direct contact with the upper surface of the track rail plate.

Its main task is to ‌ support the upper branch of the track ‌ upwards, preventing the track from sagging excessively due to its own weight and the vibration generated by the operation of the equipment.

Maintain track tension: ‌

By providing upward support, the drag sprocket works in conjunction with the ‌ guide wheel (front wheel) ‌ and the ‌ drive wheel (rear wheel) ‌ to maintain the appropriate tension required by the track system.

It helps to transfer and maintain the tension generated by the tensioning device (usually acting on the guide wheel) throughout the upper branch of the entire track circuit.

Key function: Prevent the tracks from loosening, excessive jumping or falling off. ‌

Guide the track running trajectory: ‌

The position and flange design of the drag sprocket help ‌ constrain the movement trajectory of the branches on the track ‌.

It ensures that the tracks remain relatively straight and smooth during operation, moving forward or backward along the designed path, and reducing lateral sway or deviation.

Reduce friction and wear (auxiliary effect) : ‌

The track track plate rolls on the drag sprocket, and compared with sliding directly on the track frame, the rolling friction is much smaller.

This helps ‌ reduce running resistance and energy loss ‌, while ‌ decrease the wear ‌ between the metal contact surface of the track track plate and the track frame, and extend the service life of both.

The drag sprocket itself usually has lubrication channels, and its bearing design is also to reduce the friction of its own rotation.

In summary, the core and fundamental function of the drag sprocket is to support the upper branches of the track upwards, assist in maintaining the tension of the track, and guide the running trajectory of the upper branches of the track, thereby ensuring the stable, reliable and efficient operation of the track system, preventing the track from falling off and reducing unnecessary friction and wear. ‌

Together with the drive wheel (providing power), the guide wheel (guiding and adjusting tensioning), and the idler wheel (supporting the overall weight of the machine), it forms the "four wheels" of the track walking system, each playing an indispensable role. Among them, the drag sprocket focuses on supporting and guiding the branches on the ‌ of the track ‌.