Rubber tank treads slip out of robotic arm tank

#1

Hi All,

I just got the robotic arm tank assembled. When I try to run it, the movement is interrupted, and when it does move, the tank treads peal off. I double checked the hole positions for the wheels and motors and it all looks good.

I did not see any details regarding the wheel spacing off of the axel. The free wheels use spacers to locate the final position, but the wheels with motors have no spacers. I used a straight edge to align the motored wheels with the free wheels. This still does not seem to solve my problem.

I tested the build with the tracks off, and all motors work fine and robotic arm works fine. Looking at the pics I took of the tread assembly, I noticed the beam that supports the wheels is bowing and under a bit of stress.

Not sure if this is an issue of cheap parts, or improper assembly, although there were no detailed instructions or warnings regarding the tread assembly. I double checked wheel positioning and it is just as the instructions state; One free hole open on the front, and two in the back

I have included pictures to anyone who can help. I am currently unable to upload video in the format for this thread. I like the robot, but am a little disappointed at this issue and quality after paying over $300 for the kit.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

track fail1.JPG480x640 131 KB
track assembly1.JPG480x640 130 KB
Wheel alignment2.JPG480x640 122 KB
Stress from track.JPG480x640 143 KB

#2

Hello, lang7779!

Perhaps I am wrong, but from your pictures, it seems that the rubber-tracks are to tight.
When I look at the last Picture (left track off, right track on), it seems a little bent when the tracks are on.
Perhaps you could try, adding one more segment to each of the tracks, if its not too loose it could work…

#3

I agree with @Walter that over-tension on the treads might be the problem. One of the things I noticed on the tread version of the mBot Ranger was that the instructions over-tensioned the treads and I had to move one of the idler gears to reduce the tension slightly to get it to work properly.

#4

Thanks for the insight. I did exactly that. I moved the front wheels in line with the front cross member and that solved the problem.

#5

Dear Iang ,
can you show me what is the front wheels position, after solving you issue???, i have the same issue. Thanks in advance.!

#6

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