Wheel Tracks?

[m899nyc]

I came across this video showing "wheel tracks" used on a skidder:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msPGQTsXk5Y

Why are these called "wheel tracks" when they appear to be a glorified tire chain? Do they operate in any way like a caterpillar track or different than wheel chains?

 

[Compositepro]

It is what some guy on YouTube chose to call them. Those are wheels with tire chains on them.

 

[3DDave]

More like wheel tracks:

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

 

[JStephen]

It looks like they have rigid bars forming the rolling surface (rather than just chains), so it does get the deep tread pattern associated with a bulldozer-type track. I assume that and perhaps tire protection are the intent there. Looks like a good system if you never have to run it on the road.

 

[IRstuff]

Looks like roller-chains on steroids.

But, tank tracks are technically "chains," as well; the main difference is actually driving the track with a sprocket wheel, like a chain saw, rather than just friction against the inside surface of the track. The other thing of note is that modern tank tracks are configurable for installing rubber pads to minimize pavement damage.

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[m899nyc]

"It looks like they have rigid bars forming the rolling surface (rather than just chains), so it does get the deep tread pattern associated with a bulldozer-type track. I assume that and perhaps tire protection are the intent there. Looks like a good system if you never have to run it on the road."

What I'm having trouble is understanding how it can act like a track if it wraps around a single round wheel.

 

[JStephen]

I think the point is that tracks have multiple features. Super-deep ridged tread design, indestructible surface- and the wheel-track shares those properties. Spreading load out between wheels for lower contact pressure- doesn't share that property.

 

[m899nyc]

Do you mean it works like a pedrail wheel?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedrail_wheel