Functions and requirements:
The function of the supporting wheel is to transmit the weight of the locomotive unit to the ground and roll on the track. In order to prevent derailment, the support rollers should also be able to prevent the crawler from causing lateral relative movement to it.
The support wheels often work in mud, water, ash, and sand, and are subject to strong impacts. The working conditions are extremely harsh and the rims are easy to wear.
The requirements for the supporting wheels are: wear-resistant rims, reliable bearing seals, and low rolling resistance.
The supporting wheel is used to support the gravity of the machine, and it rolls on the track link or the track guide plate. Therefore, it is used to clamp the crawler to prevent the crawler from slipping and derailing laterally. And when turning, it drives the crawler belt to slide sideways on the ground. The support rollers sometimes work in muddy water and bear greater impact loads. Therefore, it is required to have reliable sealing, wear-resistant rims and low rolling resistance.