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Originally Posted by MBosompra
My team (820) and I are considering using either Tank tracks or wheels. I have a few questions for those of you who know anything at all about tank tracks.
1) what are the pros and cons of tank tracks?
-we know that we'll gain torque
-we'll be able to make it up the step
-we think we won't loose much speed
2) Can we buy premade tank tracks? If so, from where and how much?
3) How do we make tank tracks?
4) How long does it take to build the tracks
5) Any words or advice or experieces would be greatly appreciated.
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Your assumption that treads will give you more torque is not true. You will have the exact same amount of torque as if you used wheels.
Cons: One glaring con nobody mentioned is that you have to tension them properly. If you dont, theyll fall off when you try to turn.
Perhaps the biggest con is their steep price tag. Belts are around $270 each as someone said, plus you need the pulleys, which will run you another couple hundred. All said, youre going to spend near 1000 dollars, just to get the robot running. Also, I believe many teams who used treads either tore them like crazy, or wore them down very fast. I seem to remember 226 saying they used 7+ belts over the course of the season. That adds up to quite a bit of money.