Re: Tank Tread Help
 

We actually looked at those and our considering getting them. This is what we currently have.


This is our drive system with shocks...we still need a dynamic tensioner so currently we are just trying to get it working with the shocks locked and static.

This is the tread but we will be putting something over the lexan pieces so they grip the ground better.

This is a close up of the sprocket. If you look to the right of the sprocket you can see where we cut off the teeth so we could rivet the lexan pieces to the chain.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

We used tank treads exclusively in the mid-late 90s. Given, this was for carpet with FRC, but your pushing ability is absolutely unmatched, but your speed tends to be slower, and your maneuverability is arc and circle limited.

We used something similar to the brecoflex treads with very high levels of success. We never slipped a tread after our ~first year using them. You need to be very careful how you design your tensioner and idler and where you place your bogies.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

Team 578 this year, my team, was considering the same thing when we found triple starnd chain. its the same Idea but you bolt the lexan to the outer stands and run a regular sprocket on the inner strand. it will work exactly as you want it to. it can be bought from any specialty chain store online. alas it is expensive.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

Might be above your cost range, but we've been very happy with the Outback track systems. Effectively it's a Brecoflex self centering belt riding on pulleys between milled aluminum, but it could probably be simplified down to a brecoflex belt on pulleys with some cheaper structure. If you're interested, Outback MFG is a Brecoflex reseller, so you can get some FIRST legal belts through them. (You'll need to contact them for details... I'm not current on what belts they carry in stock, or costs, or even availability...)

If we had more information about your application, I'm sure we could help you out with more accurate information....

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

The outback systems from what I heard didn't work out well. I only saw 2-3 Robots at Worlds with Treads, the both had belt treads. http://maikenmagic.com/?ref=showphot...%20Build&num=8
We handmade our using Kevlar belting, ABS plastic, and Rivets....lots of rivets.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

We never had a single mechanical failure. Neither did any of the other track bots at our regional. I'm not going to say that it was an instant win due to treads, that would be lying. But we were never outpushed, and we never broke down due to mechanical reasons. A testament to their power can be found in our haywire autonomous, when we flipped another robot with a full speed hit, and proceeded to drive entirely over their underside.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

Once again, flipping a robot this year is not a testament to your power but rather a testament to the bumper rules creating a situation where a large moment can be present.

Until they give us a game with sand or some soft surface, teams should really shy away from tank treads as they don't provide any competitive advantage and a whole slew of potential downfalls.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

Agreed, our robot was simple...6 in. wheels with two cims per side going into andymark gear boxes. Nothing complicated and we could push everyone we wanted, we even bent a tracked bot's drive system some...oops.

Anyway, we are not using this for an actual FIRST competition it is for something else.

Re: Tank Tread Help
 

gonna try this mesage again the links didn't work last time

We actually looked at those and our considering getting them. This is what we currently have.


This is our drive system with shocks...we still need a dynamic tensioner so currently we are just trying to get it working with the shocks locked and static.

This is the tread but we will be putting something over the lexan pieces so they grip the ground better.

This is a close up of the sprocket. If you look to the right of the sprocket you can see where we cut off the teeth so we could rivet the lexan pieces to the chain.