Suggestions for track drive sprockets ?

[CompoSimmonite]

I'm brewing an idea for a tracked vehicle. Not yet sure of size - might be small / walk behind lawnmower or could be bigger that can carry person. Found numerous on line ideas for making the tracks but aren't sure about the drive sprockets. I could go down the route of fabricating from steel plate but before I go there any suggestions for "off the shelf" items that could be adapterd. This is a "Redneck" idea so using parts of scrap car, wahing machine and such are the prefered source of parts

Cheers.

paul h

 

[Eastblock]

I'd start with selecting the track then take it from there. If you use T-34 style track some rods welded across an old wheel rim might do the trick.

 

[rtbcomp]

Flywheel from a Metro or other small car?

 

[CompoSimmonite]

One idea I've had is using cheap (Chinese !) motorbike sprockets and attaching them either side of a small wheel (castor less tyre ?) The track could be made from two lengths of chain on either side that the cleats are attached.

Paul H

 

[Pete.]

Brake disks would make drive sprockets and there's no shortage of worn out ones to choose from. Cutting the teeth isn't too difficult nor does it need to be too accurate for such a device.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Brake disks would make drive sprockets and there's no shortage of worn out ones to choose from. Cutting the teeth isn't too difficult nor does it need to be too accurate for such a device.

Good idea. With careful choice the vehicle hub could also be used solving another problem. Second disc bolted onto the wheel studs after turning around

Paul h

 

[Hitch]

Get some old conveyors anywhere?

 

[stormin]

I would second the brake disc idea, first thing that came to my head.
Use a hole cutter around the perimeter to notch out, then trim up with the angle grinder.
Proper cast iron (if you can get such disc today) has self lubricating properties too with the graphite contained in the iron steel matrix so ideal for such a use.