[jonboy]

Thanks for all the good advice. CD to the rescue.

We have had excellent results with #25 chain by carefully aligning the sprockets and tensioning the chain. The only time we threw a chain was when part of the field fell onto the carpet and our guys drove over it and the metal bracket lodged in the chain derailing it. #35 chain drive system weighs more and is larger volume, overkill IMHO.

As for the soaking, I think we just soaked in a light oil at room temperature, not a true solvent. There was a lot of grime that came off the chain just the same.

As for choosing #25 vs belts: Belts seem to take up lots of volume and I am worried about proper tensioning. Chain length can be easily modified, nothing to order and wait as with belts. Changing out a belt requires a lot more robot disassembly than changing out a chain by removing the master link or popping a pin. The price is right. The chain system may weigh more but the wgt is down low. Belts, however, are quiet.

As for the lubricant now that I think about it, I am sure I got some motorcycle chain lubricant lying around which should be mighty fine for the bot.

Again thanks for the advice. It helped a lot.