Tank Treads

[Andrew.Jensen]

Hello, robotics community.

We have decided to use tank treads on our robot for the 2010 competition. However, we are having trouble finding a location to purchase them. Does anybody who has used tank treads in the past know about a website that would sell custom tank treads?

Thank you in advance,

Andrew Jensen :)

[FourPenguins]

You might try double-sided timing belt, which can be purchased from many places, including McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com)

[Andrew.Jensen]

Thanks! we have checked out this site already and we remember from past years some teams got custom built treads to match the exact size they needed do you happen to know this site?

[EricH]

A lot of people used to use brecoflex belts.

Outback Manufacturing would probably also have some.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by EricH

A lot of people used to use brecoflex belts.

Outback Manufacturing would probably also have some.

Outback is a machine shop. They order the belts for the drives they've made for teams that same places as everyone else.

Brecoflex belts are common in FRC and are expensive. Gates may also have something useful.

[thefro526]

Check out this link:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=60591

It's an old design by Craig Hickman, I'd suggest PM-ing him with any questions, I'm sure he'd be more than glad to help. (His user name is CraigHickman)

[Thermal]

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/28589

Heres some food for thought. Courtesy of my team 1293. This was our 2007 Robot Atlas.

[TimelessFate]

I think tank treads would be pretty epic. Kudos to the teams who use them.

[EncodersRUS]

The only problems with tanks would be getting over the humps if the treads aren't set up right....

[Andrew.Jensen]

Originally Posted by Thermal

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/28589

Heres some food for thought. Courtesy of my team 1293. This was our 2007 Robot Atlas.

That looks great! Do you remember where you obtained the treads from?

[viperred396]

Originally Posted by EncodersRUS

The only problems with tanks would be getting over the humps if the treads aren't set up right....

Ya we think its a gamble but if it pays off it should help us a lot going over the humps hope it works >_< *crosses fingers*

[llama1719]

How about a half track?

[rkelly23]

You would need to do some rather extensive thinking about the suspension. Our team is kicking this idea around and my hint is to go look at the mechanical structures of military tanks. Any other comments about tank treads and teams that are planning to use them are highly appreciated.

[viperred396]

Originally Posted by llama1719

How about a half track?

Half track?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by viperred396

Half track?

Wheels on one end, tank tracks on the other.