Chapter 2. Traction Mechanics. Part IV. Track Systems

Abstract [First paragraph]: Tracked vehicles are used in a wide variety of applications, including construction, mining, agriculture, logging, and military. Tracks utilize the traction potential of the soil efficiently and provide excellent off-road mobility. A track’s long, narrow contact patch leads to a large contact area, which in turn reduces the amount of soil deformation needed to develop tractive force compared to other tractive devices and minimizes surface soil compaction. Tracks distribute vehicle weight over a relatively large area, thus providing excellent flotation in soft soils. Tracks are able to bridge variations in terrain profile to provide a smooth ride and a stable platform on rough terrain. Tracked vehicles are sometimes referred to as “tracklayers” since they appear to lay down an endless track on which the vehicle rides (fig. 2.78).