Indy100
Member
The track system used by most countries is designed for high peed travel and is a live track system. There is at least 2 pins that go all the way through the track block in rubber bushings. The pins are held together by end connectors that also act as the grip/torque area for driving the track. Then another device clamps over the pins in the center of the track with 2 fingers that run in between the support rollers and road wheels called a center guide. A live track system is designed for adequate traction and mobility. A dozer track system is designed for raw tractive power. And tank track isn't cheap. While it can be rebuilt that cost was 28,000 per tank in 96 when I retired. I don't know what the cost was for new track. Now this is for the M1A1 tank. Also they have rubber track pads, 2 per block and they are a high wear item. Tank track is good for about 2500 miles. That's way less than 1500 hours. and at 40 MPH under 800.
It could be done but it wouldn't be economical I don't think. If you think about it for a second, Cat, JD and other manufacturers have access to the tank track design under the freedom of information act. Nothing classified about the track. If it would be more cost effective they would be using it already.
Rick
The flip side of that is that anyone can use caterpillar's high drive sprockett design but no one has. I do think it's a good idea for elevated design ie easier for maintenance and keeps it out of the mud but I'm leaning towards some sort of hybrid track system to enable faster speed travel, nothing as fast as a tank but so that companies would not disable third gear due to excess wear.