Bulldozer Review

See CAD file - [1]

Overview: Currently, we are working with the nonsymmetric drive configuration on the MicroTrac, as that allows for the narrow wheel base of interest using the exising Modular Wheel Units.

More Detail

More specifically, we uncovered many specific points that need to be verified and improved from the Bulldozer_Roadmap:

1. Clamp collars for idlers - field performance and slippage? Requires SME review, calculations, and field data.
2. Clamp collars for drive sprocket - what is the torque limit for the clamp collar in practice? Needs data collection and field verification.
3. A way to remove bolting conflicts and bolt heads protruding on surfaces that can be used for attaching other modules. Feasibility of partial XYZ bolting on corners to remove bolt heads is one strategy. Bolt conflicts were catastrophic in the August build - in that they forced different locations of
4. Cab bolt conflicts did not allow solid mounting of cab on Power Cube. Better mounting with improved tipping balance should be explored.
5. Series hydraulic system only was functional in the initial build - because 2 separate 1 spool valves downstream of one another function as a series circuit for the 2 wheel motors.
6. Little space remains currently for putting on aggressive treads
7. Machine height is almost too large for MicroTrac. This does call for a smaller width of the base once we are capable of building our own hydraulic wheel motors. Currently, the wheel motors are a stopgap measure using off-shelf parts.
8. Longevity of metal tracks needs to be verified - right now they are mild steel
9. All together, track pieces and other parts should be cut with CNC torch table.
10. Initial proposal is to master the bulldozer platform as a series of consecutive steps, with strategically determined functionality and price point.