I know that there have been a lot of these posted lately, but I would like to post my version of a 6wd skid steer drive base.
Overall-
http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u...obackround.jpg
Electronics-
http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u...ronicsview.jpg
Chain Tensioner-
http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u...sionerview.jpg
This design was based off of what I got to see of 1114's bot in 08. The rest of it is a "best of the best" group of characteristics and building techniques taken from my 3 years of building FIRST robot drives. However through 3 years, we have never used more than 4 wheels.
Specs:
Weight is 49.5 lbs. as pictured minus battery
6: 4" ifi traction wheels with 1/8" drop in the center
4 Cim in toughboxes: We have never shifted before and this is simpler, lighter and cheaper.
Speed is geared at 9.4 fps but can be changed easily through new ratios in the TB or new sprockets after the TB
Frame is 1X1 .125" wall Aluminium tubing.
Long chain is tensioned by sliding a small bolt and nylon spacer complex. (see picture)
Shorter chain is tensioned using an AM floating tensioner.
Electronics board is 1/8" polycarbonate with an aluminum angle support for the battery and 1/4" plate under the compressor.
I would love to get some feedback on potential failures or successes of my design.