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Unread 03-01-2002, 15:26
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Not most efficient...

The TechnoKats have awesome drives. Their method of doing tracks is very efficient --- FOR A TRACK.

I disagree with any claims that they are as efficient as wheels.

More than that, they use the drill transmions. This is a very fine transmission and it provides a very cool feature (the ability to shift gears) but it is NOT the most efficient transmission by any measure. 2 or 3 planetary stages will give an overall efficiency of about 70 - 80% While this is good for a planetary transmission, the same reduction done with straight spur gears will be in the 80-90% effecient.

More to the point, the decision to go with tracks or wheels is more based on the field and the obstacles than drivetrain efficiency (imho).

Joe J.