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

[jmc]

How do you juggle the cleat pitch with the overall track length so it comes out an even number of cleats?

 

[Garauld]

Hi - thanks for the feedback. I have been aware of that issue but for now, I have decided not to worry about it. As this is a prototype I just want to see if it goes. How would you suggest I modify the track bars? Maybe weld end plates on them?

 

[airbiscuit]

How do you juggle the cleat pitch with the overall track length so it comes out an even number of cleats?

Why would it have to be an even number?

 

[Garauld]

It does not have to be an even number. The rear spindles are on a slider and are pushed to take up slack using a small Porta-power cylinder filled with heavy oil. I believe there is about 3" of usable travel in the slider which would equate to 6" of track length adjustment.

 

[Garauld]

Arly, I plan to fill in the channels with scrap Trex as shown below. The Trex face is about 1/4" below the channel edges.

 

[jmc]

Why would it have to be an even number?

I shoulda worded it- "the overall track length needs to be an exact multiple of the cleat pitch." OP cleverly designed it so he could determine the pitch, then make the track length anything he wanted with his adjustable axle spacing.

 

[Garauld]

Here's is the rear spindle / slider arrangement. I may move the slider baseplate forward to provide more clearance between the track bars (channels) and the slider plate.

 

[ArlyA]

Your setup is similar to Bully's and I like it. They pivot the front idlers, so the front axle is hinged and both are on it creating a single unit, or a solid weldment. Two cylinders pressure the axle near the idlers, thus tensioning the tracks. Clear as mud I'm sure. So I'll add a couple of photos. In the 1st photo you can clearly see the hinge.

Here's is the rear spindle / slider arrangement. I may move the slider baseplate forward to provide more clearance between the track bars (channels) and the slider plate.
View attachment 635719

 

[ptsg]

Great work Garauld! It's coming along very nicely! :thumbsup:

The tracks does take lots of time but it's worth it in the end.

Also, great job with the form cutter.

 

[Garauld]

I made up some track splice plates today. Thanks Arly for the suggestion of using these instead of alligator lacing to connect the rubber belts together.