Really want to make a tracked vehicle, where to find treads

[brushlessboy16]

I really want to build some sort of tracked vehicle, but I cant seem to find a appropriate belt/track/tread material.

20in length
Approximate 12in track width
Savage shocks(I have plenty)
Going to run 4s lipo, mmm.. dont know what motor yet.
Will use a skid steer braking system with a rear(or would it be called a center) differential.

If anyone has any material that could be used as tracks please let me know. Looking for about 1 1/2in - 2 1/2in wide preferably treaded on both sides


Inspiration:

[suicideneil]

Tracks dont respond well too high speeds- they will come off the drive cogs very easily unless they are kept perfectly tensioned; the ripsaw is unique for its ability to not fall apart at high speed. Something like a BL kyosho blizzard might work....

[brushlessboy16]

Originally Posted by suicideneil

Tracks dont respond well too high speeds- they will come off the drive cogs very easily unless they are kept perfectly tensioned; the ripsaw is unique for its ability to not fall apart at high speed. Something like a BL kyosho blizzard might work....

Yes i know, I dont need it to be ridiculously fast. Im sure mid to high 30's shouldnt be a problem, it would definitely need some sort of active tensioner.. I want something to run in mud and snow with... low loading on tracks makes it perfect for the job.. and it looks badass :)

[JThiessen]

I think there are some of the battle bot sites that sell tracks. I saw them a few years back - but dont recall where.

[_paralyzed_]

you described a kyosho blizzard perfectly. I've dug and dug for tracks (I wanted to make Mattracks for an e-maxx) and there just isn't anything out there. Any tank tracks are low speed like Neil said. Blizzard tracks hold up good for smaller vehicles, but nothing as large as something that would use savage shocks. You're definitely going to have to think outside of the box to source tracks. Good luck, hopefully you canfind something.

[Arct1k]

Still have it :)

[What's_nitro?]

Does this help? Rexnord conveyor systems

The link is to 2" wide Acetal link belt with SS pins. This is a better picture of the product.

[_paralyzed_]

That's awesome Arct1k!! You're a cool dad. Anything for the boys!!

[brushlessboy16]

Here is what I have so far

[magman]

Wow nice...

So 3 rollers with independent shocks and each side being driven by it own motor...correct? That is a cool idea!

[brushlessboy16]

Originally Posted by magman

Wow nice...

So 3 rollers with independent shocks and each side being driven by it own motor...correct? That is a cool idea!

Thanks, the thought process went something like this


What tracks?
-Ended up going with VEX tracks and rollers etc


How to go about suspension?
-Use standard 8th scale or Maxx style shocks with bearing mounted suspension arms.

Drive..


This one was tough as I wanted to get away with one motor... Its possible but its really complicated to get the correct gearing, power transfer etc to the treads.. SO with a little help from the handy-dandy speed calc, I found out that on 4s lipo I would need ~400kv for 35-40mph with direct drive.

So the motors that i found were 50-55 turnigy outrunners with an 8mm shaft and 400kv.. the 8mm shaft allows me to replace the motor's output shaft with a longer 8mm rod to power the wheels via 8th scale 17mm hubs.. Next hurtle is to find a reliable way to mount the plastic sprockets to the axles with 17mm hubs

[J57ltr]

If you still wanted to do just one motor why not do as they did on ripsaw and install a diff like a Axial or one of those fancy RC4wd axle assemblies and use and brakes on either side for skid steer?

Jeff

[brushlessboy16]

Originally Posted by J57ltr

If you still wanted to do just one motor why not do as they did on ripsaw and install a diff like a Axial or one of those fancy RC4wd axle assemblies and use and brakes on either side for skid steer?

Jeff

I could but it would be a pain unless I am overlooking something.. I dont want to do dogbones or anything... .

I could do just a center diff mounted on the rear with mechanical brakes... then I need to worry about gear reduction etc.

[_paralyzed_]

VEX tracks?? linky please

[brushlessboy16]

http://www.vexrobotics.com/276-2168.html