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Tracked M715 pics
Post by mikel on Dec 1, 2006, 7:50pm
Hello,
I got a copy of the engineer test of the UNA-track kit on the M715. Some pics...
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4848/dsc03562nu0.jpg
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/5086/dsc03563uj4.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5216/dsc03564pf4.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/3476/dsc03565zc6.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5630/dsc03566xz4.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/5742/dsc03567hf1.jpg
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by compexp on Dec 1, 2006, 8:08pm
cool! Thanks for posting!
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by elwenil on Dec 2, 2006, 8:22am
Hmmm, the first pic is a civilian model with 5 lug axles... Interesting.
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by porkchop on Dec 2, 2006, 9:14am
Sweet, thanks.
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by mikel on Dec 2, 2006, 9:54am
I started reading the report last night. It appears that the tracks were very fragile, specially in a vehicle as heavy as a M715. They tended to break during heavy braking. Sand would wear them out very quickly. Obstacle climbing was limited - But remember, these things were designed to improve mobility over very soft ground, and they do this very well.
They put a lot of strain on the steering gear, causing steering box failure in one of the test vehicles. Power steering was deemed absolutely necessary.
I'm trying to get a copy to Jon, so he can post the entire report.
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by mikel on Dec 2, 2006, 3:22pm
One of the IFSJA members has these on his Wagoneer. They seem to do fine, even with the lighter Dana 44's.
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/3...e/P4080525.JPG
http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/3...e/P4080524.JPG
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by tacomainoh on Dec 2, 2006, 3:46pm
Neat.
I saw a ski company here that is using Mattracks-equipped F350's up in the mountains... pretty good use for them.
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by mikel on Dec 2, 2006, 6:26pm
In my opinion the wheel bearings in both axles and balljoints in the front would suffer the most, due to the moment caused by the tracks sitting so far outboard. I don't think the axle tubes would fail, specially the Dana 70's. Axleshafts would see less than 1/2 the torque, due to the size of the sprockets, so they would be fine.
Just my $0.02.
Re: Tracked M715 pics
Post by mikel on Dec 3, 2006, 8:54am
http://www.satdirect.com/snow/Hatche...006/rollin.JPG
http://www.alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=16276