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Subject: Why are 'band tracks' not being used on the M-2
macawman    12/23/2003 11:26:14 PM
>>>A set of tracks is normally good for 1,300-1,600 kilometers of travel. To keep the Bradley's in Iraq supplied with replacement tracks, the army's only depot that refurbishes worn tracks (about 80 percent of the track is reused)<<< The reported endurance on a test model M-113A4 MTVL was stated as 4,000 Km plus. This would be 3 to 4 Xs the longevity of the current Bradley pad track. Some points of difference are: kevlar band tracks are not reusable, the Bradley weighs (combat loaded) 33 tons, the A4 weighs 18 tons, (that should make some difference in track wear endurance), all M-113s have a 10" wide track, the M-1s and M-2s have a 12" wide pad track. To my knowledge, the Army has not tested band tracks on M-1 or M-2s? Any comments to that?
 
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bombard    RE:Why are 'band tracks' not being used on the M-2   4/7/2004 10:24:56 AM
I dunno, but agricultural tractors use band tracks sometimes, but only for fieldwork, where ground pressure is impoortant. Other than then, wheels are better and dont wear as much in turning, etc. So perhaps your answer should be: Use wheels wherever possible, as tracks are maintence intensive. Band tracks are esp finnicky under heavy loads, in my experience
 
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Sam    RE:Why are 'band tracks' not being used on the M-2   4/19/2004 8:56:11 PM
Because they are not ready for prime time. Remember that the UD band tracks were tested on the lighter "Electric" drive 113.
 
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Eagle601    RE:Why are 'band tracks' not being used on the M-2   12/8/2004 1:12:08 AM
From what I've heard, band tracks may break less, but when they do it takes a lot longer to replace them. Also while they last onger you can't refit them, you have to buy more when they wear out. Plus they have the same problem as tires, they burn when hit with a MOlotoz tail or RPG.
 
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