Motor Placement Pros and Cons

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Pattie

Hi,

We need an outside opinion as to pros and cons of this motor placement design using two transmission boxes (shown) with two CIM motors each - each side will have one short chain to the nearest wheel and a longer chain to get to the further wheel on the same side to make 4 wheel drive. Forgive the artistry - not quite talented in that department yet......

Thanks,

Pattie

Pattie,
There is no glaring reason against your idea. Most teams will center up the transmissions to balance the weight over each of the wheels. Your configuration may cause some steering instability as the wheels under the trans will have slightly more weight over them than the other wheels. The longer chain paths do have a little greater chance for problems as the loop developed as the chain stretches is more capable of throwing itself off a sprocket. There are ways to prevent that but they come at a cost of additional weight. No matter what you decide, plan on some device to take up the slack in the chain and check for slack before each match. Correct chain alignment is a must for efficient drive so make sure all your sprockets line up (in the same plane) before driving as well. Let us know how it worked.