Check out this homemade tracked rig!

NS Gearhead · Mar 1, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEOrQKvIMLc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwpeNDp7VAQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HdAOZBM2rg

Another;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rfuggVQMuw

I've always loved all things with tracks.... someday I may build something like this... but I don't fully understand how it works. So, it's an engine, transmission, driveshaft, and rear end mounted backwards. He steers by braking. Does he drive forward by putting it in reverse?... or am I missing something? With this setup (open differential) would it be difficult to drive in low traction situation without one side loosing power? Would applying the brake to the one spinning give some power to the one that's stopped in that situation?

I know modern day tracked vehicles use a hydraulic pump and motors... I'm guessing the pump could be mounted to the end of a transmission and motors used to power each track... allowing the tracks to get 50/50 power, or turn opposite. Right? Obviously an expensive way to go unless you've got a source for cheap used parts.

I've got visions of a 1/4T truck cab with a 7.3 ford or 5.9 Cummins... 14 bolt axle... oh yeah baby!

NS Gearhead · Mar 1, 2015

There are also "bandtraktors" that use tractor tires with the sidewalls cut out as the tracks;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA20_22v8ug

Shows what I mean by loosing traction with an open diff.

NS Gearhead · Mar 1, 2015

This one's cool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhShUYy3Ko0&list=PLDED338F10D58B3C4&index=2

NS Gearhead · Mar 1, 2015

THIS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N860RjnQcWw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E000sU8-Rc

pat32rf · Mar 1, 2015

I always understood that you were better off driving your tracks from the rear of the vehicle......If you can locate a drivetrain out of another tracked vehicle then you would be able to turn in your own length by reversing one side while driving the other. Simply braking one side will turn you if your traction is right, but not as sharp....

NS Gearhead · Mar 1, 2015

pat32rf said:
I always understood that you were better off driving your tracks from the rear of the vehicle......

I would think so too. I'd rather the top of the track get loose under forward load then the bottom.... although running a truck's drivetrain backwards would be harder.... UNLESS you ran a transfer case and only sent power to the front axle... being in the rear!

The gear reduction would be a bonus!