Track and Go Kit for 4×4 Trucks
A quick kit for converting road going 2 wheel drive trucks into tracked snow capable machines.
We've seen kits for 4x4 trucks, however, this one is the most convenient that I've seen. With a combination of skiis and tracks built into each wheel drive unit, the stock wheels can generate plenty of propulsion when paired with low ground pressure and high traction. I'm not sure if slippage of the tire on top of the track unit is a problem.
Each Track N Go kit comes with four track units and two loading ramps. To attach the tracks onto the vehicle, place the tracks in front of each wheel on the ground with the ramps leading up to them and simply drive forward onto the units and clamp them on. Rubber rollers integrated on the device ensures the tire stays aligned side-to-side for steering.
These look to be a bit less robust than other full track bolt-on kits; however, the convenience factor is high. I like that one could drive a truck to a location and then easily affix the tracks when the snow becomes deep enough to warrant it.
Futuristic Track Design
from the past...
Posted on this site is an un-referenced track design.
Looks to have a contiunous rubber track cast specially for this purpose. Advanced tread design will aid in self-cleaning mud and debris from clogging the tread pattern. Double leaf spring suspension on the bogies, slanted bogie positioning to aid track alignment and position, advanced cast wheels are likely plastic or aluminum for weight savings.
Despite these high-tech seeming elements, others indicate it is dated. leaf springs are now typically replaced by coil springs and cylindrical shock absorbers, and the body of the vehicle seems to be made of wood beams and steel banding which has been replaced with all metal or composite construction techniques.
Still, the track design itself fascinates.
1939 Lehaitre Tracked Motorcycle
I present the 1939 Lehaitre tracked motorcycle. WWII made engineers see tanks and tracked vehicles everywhere, and apparently this enthusiasm spilled over to the world of motorcycles.
Half Track Restoration Project
The Creeper Track Society is restoring a Citroën Kegresse P17E half-track vehicle. These fellows are carrying out the restoration in detail and documenting the process on their website: Creeper Track Society. I'm very interested in the process -- and the excellent skill and dedication of the team -- as they show their work restoring the boogies to building their own track replacement from scratch.
Tracked VW Snow Bus
What a great example of custom vehicle hacking. Bernd Berger has taken an old, derelict, 1966 Volkswagon van and combined it with the running gear from what looks like a small Prinoth tracked utility vehicle.
The results look fantastic.
3D Printable Track Design
A visitor to the site -- t00tie -- sent over a link to a very cool 3D printer model for plastic tracks.
The model is called "Moon Rover" created by emmett on the site Thingiverse. The track design is derived originally from a expanding bracelet and it utilizes the pliability of ABS with the natural flex of the deep inset hinges between each cleat to get a simple yet effective tread.
Timbersled Motorcycle Track Conversion Kit
There have been a number of tracked recreation vehicle designs popping up lately pushing into an interesting area of hybrid conversions. Specifically, these are kits designed to convert an off-road motorcycle into a uniquely capable snow machine. There are many companies, however, Timbersled is a popular kit out here in the mountainous West Coast of Canada.
Omni-Crawler Track Design
This innovative track design from Japan's Osaka University allow a vehicle to carry heavy weight and gain the advantage of multiple directions of travel.
The design uses interesting split track layout mounted on wheels they call omni-balls -- spherical balls split into two hemispheres -- as the drive mechanism for the track. It appears from the video that the drive shaft attaches to the front and rear of the track mechanism and this supports the weight of the vehicle and transmits power and control inputs to the track.
Home Made Track Build
Discovered this page where some robotics enthusiasts made their own tracks out of bicycle chain, PVC pipe, and bolts. Looks like an effective design and I'd like to see it in action!
ATV Track Examples
Found some smaller ATV track examples. Similar to the car previously posted, however, smaller. One attractive thing about this design from a human powered vehicle perspective is that we would no longer need to utilize the skid-steer method of turning, which is inefficient and difficult for a load capable track design.
Conversion kits are promoted as excellent for snow, mud, and sand use, and depending on the track, also good on hard surfaces. They offer improved traction in soft terrain because they spread the weight of the rider and vehicle over a large contact area to prevent sinking into the terrain. Notice the front tracks tend to be shorter and center the weight over a smaller area under the main cog (where the tire used to be) in order to improve handling and allow easier turning effort. The rear tracks tend to be long and flat for maximum traction and cargo capacity.
The Litefoot Track includes internal suspension and pivot arms to provide additional flexibility.
Rubber Timing Belt as a Track
Found a belt on the McMaster-Carr website that may serve as a good rubber track for the project.
8 Wheeler Concept
Dave Montie and Greg Montie's 8 wheeled ground following track concept.
A late night Lego session lead to the creation a number of possible track designs. This one ended up a likely candidate for our goals:
Next, Greg did some 3D computer modeling of the design:
Each of the 8 wheels will be bicycle rims and each set of two wheels is joined by arms that themselves pivot to follow the irregularities of the terrain.
Remote Controlled Tank Examples
Here is a link to a very detailed R/C Tank website that discusses a variety of options for building tracks. Below are 7 methods illustrated:
Bicycle Chain Track
Track Conversion Kit for Bicycles
Article from the Star describes a conversion kit that turns any mountain bike into a snow capable mode of transportation.