A supporting wheel substitute or track drive conversion apparatus is connectible to a driven wheel of a vehicle having a support frame. A frame is pivotally connectible to the support frame of the vehicle for movement in a vertical plane relative to the support frame of the vehicle. An end wheel is positionable spaced longitudinally from the driven wheel of the vehicle along the frame. Adjustable members selectively secure the end wheel in various longitudinal positions along the frame with respect to the driven wheel of the vehicle. An endless, flexible track is trainable over the end wheel and the driven wheel of the vehicle and is engageable with a surface over which the vehicle is traveling.
A track assembly having first and second hub assemblies that are operatively connected to a support frame by first and second attachment members, respectively. The first and second attachment members include resilient or movable mounts that are configured so that the track assembly can be attached to vehicles whose axles or wheel flanges are misaligned or have irregular rotational movement such as runout or wobble. The attachment members may be adjustably positioned relative to the support frame to accommodate vehicles having different wheelbase lengths and axle lengths. An endless track encircles the first and second hub assemblies, and the support frame, and is drivingly engaged by one of the hub assemblies. First and second rollers, which define the longitudinal extent of the endless track, are positioned at either end of the support frame. A tensioning member, with at least one upper idler roller, positions the endless track so that it is spaced from one of the hub assemblies in a spaced relation. The track assembly increases traction and stability by providing a vehicle with an independent front suspension, a larger footprint, and a longer wheelbase. In use, each track assembly is bolted onto wheel flanges of a vehicle using existing wheel lugs and nuts.
