pic: 4464 Preseason Drive WIP

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by Oblarg

I have two major gripes with WCD setups: belt/chain access and gearbox removal. This design specifically aimed to make both of those as easy as possible.

IMO, both of these tradeoffs shouldn't cause a redesign that throws many other benefits of WCD out the window. In your design, the wheels are much harder to remove and it is far easier to mis-align the axles which then causes chain/belt woes. Your manufacturing and wheel decisions may make these concerns less of an issue, however.

Gearbox removal is definitely an Achilles heal of WCD. Yet it can be mitigated by making a more bulletproof gearbox. We've experienced a bit of this both years we've done WCD, and this year will probably do steel output shafts as a result.

WCP's WCD blocks make chain access for chain maintenance irrelevant (assuming proper sprocket spacing). Even replacing an axle with limited access isn't an issue.