Tank Chain damage?

[jfitz0807]

We're using Tank Chain for our tread this year. It looks great and works very well. After a couple of days of practice on wooden field elements, we have notices that the rubber treads are getting damaged. Some small bits are coming off. Unfortunately, it's in the bag now so I don't have any pictures.

It seems that it's just the rubber that's being affected. It's hard to tell if this will have any effect on the chain links; i.e., does it make the chain links more likely to fail?

Has anyone actually competed with Tank Chain on the metal field elements? Are the metal field elements harder on the tank chain than wooden field elements? How well did the Tank Chain hold up to the metal field elements?

Do you think it will make it through more competitions? We are in the NE District so we hope to have at least 36 matches (plus Elimination rounds!).

Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Cothron Theiss]

I've never worked with Tank Chain myself so I can't say for sure, but I assume that the actual field elements will be rougher on the plastic portions of the Tank Chain than the wood field elements were. You guys might really wanna watch out for the Rough Terrain and the Ramparts, because your Tank Chain might encounter somewhat sharp metal edges on those elements. My suggestion? Take along a couple replacement treads. Not just a few links, but the complete tread, so that if your tread wears off or breaks, you can replace it. Also, make your pit crew and possibly your floor team practice replacing it so they know what to do at competition.

Just a few thoughts.

[davidono]

We used tank chain this year as well, unfortunately tank chain just started up in November so you wont find anyone with any experience with it. But based on the practice we've had with it which is just about a weeks worth, I've only noticed one small notch in the rubber.

[Okeegan55]

Originally Posted by Cothron Theiss

I've never worked with Tank Chain myself so I can't say for sure, but I assume that the actual field elements will be rougher on the plastic portions of the Tank Chain than the wood field elements were. You guys might really wanna watch out for the Rough Terrain and the Ramparts, because your Tank Chain might encounter somewhat sharp metal edges on those elements. My suggestion? Take along a couple replacement treads. Not just a few links, but the complete tread, so that if your tread wears off or breaks, you can replace it. Also, make your pit crew and possibly your floor team practice replacing it so they know what to do at competition.

Just a few thoughts.

The only problem with bringing extra is that it is super expensive. Getting a set well surpasses $500.

[Cothron Theiss]

Originally Posted by Okeegan55

The only problem with bringing extra is that it is super expensive. Getting a set well surpasses $500.

Yikes. I'm glad we're using standard wheelbarrow wheels. Those things are cheap.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Okeegan55

The only problem with bringing extra is that it is super expensive. Getting a set well surpasses $500.

Just curious how does it pass the sub 400 rule then? Do they sell it as a kit of individual parts?

[Okeegan55]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Just curious how does it pass the sub 400 rule then? Do they sell it as a kit of individual parts?

Yes, Its real fun assembling each individual masterlink. GREAT for team bonding