How does a tracked vehicle transmission work?
A steering transmission combines the two functions needed for a tracked vehicle transmission: a transmission to couple the relatively constant engine speed to varying road speeds and a steering gearbox to drive the two output shafts (and so the tracks) at different speeds, thus steering the vehicle.
How do treaded vehicles turn?
Since they are physically connected to each other, the tracks must turn at the same speed and the vehicle will travel in a straight line. To allow for turns, each track can be disconnected from the engine with a clutch, allowing that track to slow and the vehicle to turn fairly gently a “free turn”.
Why are tracked vehicles slower?
Early steering systems were adopted from tracked work vehicles, generally using a clutch to reduce power to one track, causing it to slow down. These designs have numerous problems, notably when climbing hills or running at high speed, as the reduction in power causes the overall speed to slow.
How does a tank track system work?
Caterpillar tracks work on the same principle as a conveyer belt. The tank engine rotates one or more steel sprockets, which move a track made up of hundreds of metal links. The tank’s wheels ride along the moving track, just like the wheels in a car run along the road.
What is a track laying tractor?
Track-laying tractors (crawlers) are a part of Tractors. They are often equipped with more powerful engines than other types of tractors. Crawlers are a type of tractor that has a track system instead of wheels. Crawlers are primarily used on soft ground where the wheels of a tractor would sink in and get stuck.
Is wheeled or tracked better?
Wheeled vehicles are much faster than tracked vehicles, and able to travel for protracted distances using existing road systems without interruption. For example an 8×8 vehicle can drive at 60 mph on a road for many hundreds of miles without stopping. Tracked vehicles are not suited to travelling long distances.
Why do army tanks use tracks instead of wheels?
Instead of the wheels having traction on the ground in 4 relatively small places, a tank has traction along the entirety of its track, meaning that there is more surface area for the tank to grip, lessening the likelihood of getting stuck, sinking, or losing traction.