What does it take 6WD/8WD to be successful?

[Jared Russell]

Originally Posted by JesseK

I'd like to add that the frame cannot be warped**, regardless of "6WD", "8WD", "Rocking 8WD", "4 traction + 2 omni", etc. This is one of many key elements of any successful drive train. Our team defines "success" as a drive train that moves at a speed we've set forth in our strategies and with the [strategically] desired pushing power while never breaking down.

Actually, one of the many things that an all-traction wheel 6WD or 8WD has going for it is that it tends to be far more robust to flex, uneven terrain, or damage than those with alternating omni wheels, all omni wheels, swerve drive, or all mecanum wheels. As long as at least one wheel on each side is in contact with the ground, you can still drive straight and turn (though how well you turn and about which point you turn depends very much on which wheels are touching). We had rounds where we took significant frame damage or lost one or more chains and were still able to drive and score effectively (with an all-traction, drop center 8WD).

Obviously, things always work better with a pristine, square chassis, but the drop off isn't as bad as it would be with other drive types.