My Senior design project - a "Swamp Thing" tracked vehicle clone

[Garauld]

I thought about the 2-part stuff. Pricey. My sprocket teeth are designed well and are just short enough so they clear the next track bar. The elasticity of the belting is the issue. I have another rather inexpensive idea in mind to strengthen the belts that I will discuss in the future if I decide to pursue it in the spring. For now: "Drive it and enjoy it!"

 

[trackhead]

I think I pad $160 for the poly? Used about 1.5 gallons.

I have 2 ply 200 PIW belt. What are you running?

 

[Garauld]

I think it's 5/16" 150 1-ply. I had a hard time finding suitable belting when I looked for it. I didn't realize how much it stretched would be an issue. That's the kind of headache you run into when prototyping.

 

[airbiscuit]

I baler belting an option?

 

[trackhead]

I hear that. Building from scratch is not for the timid. And building tracks is so time consuming.

If you need belt supplier in the future, I got my belting fair priced and it’s held up well to moderate use.

 

[Garauld]

I checked out baler belting and I really like that option if I decide to replace the belts. Thanks for the heads up! New baler belts would probably cost me around $500. I think I paid $125 for the belts I now have. I'll keep an eye out on EBay.

 

[Garauld]

I picked up some 304 SST flat stock today and started making some anti-skate clips. Let's see how well they work....

 

[trackhead]

I picked up some 304 SST flat stock today and started making some anti-skate clips. Let's see how well they work....

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Will they bend if you turn on anything other than snow?

 

[Garauld]

Would they bend? Probably a bit. They're only for snow use, kinda like studded tires. They might not work too. What do you think?

 

[trackhead]

On snow, not ice, I doubt they’ll bend. Sidehilling should work. Many snowcats don’t have much more than that on grousers to prevent slipping sideways.

 

[Garauld]

Well, the sidehilling anti-slide clips did not work very well so it's back to the old cad system for another design upgrade. Whatever I come up with will need to get a better grip on ice too. Stay tuned.