caterpillar tracks
Continuous metal belts
Caterpillar tracks are the continuous metal belts that wrap around the wheels of tanks, bulldozers, and other heavy vehicles, distributing weight over a larger surface area than wheels alone.
The linked metal plates grip terrain that would defeat ordinary tires: The excavator's caterpillar tracks churned through the mud.
Named after the Caterpillar company that popularized them, though the design predates the trademark.
Toothed wheel for chains
- grouserChronic complainer
- bushingFriction-reducing sleeve insert
- undercarriageFramework beneath a vehicle
- tensionerMaintains strap or chain pressure
Large storage vessel
- bulldozerBladed vehicle pushing earth
- excavatorMachine that digs earth
- loaderOne who fills containers
- backhoeHinged-arm excavating machine
crane · grader · earthmover · scraper · compactor · paver · trencher · armored personnel carrier
Adhesive friction enabling movement
- weight distributionHow mass is allocated
- ground pressureForce distributed over contact area
- flotationAbility to stay afloat
- gripSecure manual hold
stability · maneuverability · load bearing · propulsion · crawling · traversing
Large storage vessel
- armored vehiclePlated combat transport
- howitzerShort-barreled artillery piece
- armored personnel carrierProtected military transport vehicle
- main battle tankPrimary armored fighting vehicle
Wet soil mixture
- snowFrozen crystalline precipitation
- sandFine rock particles
- marshGrassy waterlogged lowland
- swampWaterlogged land with vegetation
tundra · soft ground · loose soil · rough terrain · slopes · ditches · rubble · wetland
sprocket
Toothed wheel for chains
- grouserChronic complainer
- bushingFriction-reducing sleeve insert
- undercarriageFramework beneath a vehicle
tank
Large storage vessel
backhoe · crane · grader · earthmover · scraper · compactor · paver · trencher · armored personnel carrier · snowcat
traction
Adhesive friction enabling movement
- weight distributionHow mass is allocated
- ground pressureForce distributed over contact area
- flotationAbility to stay afloat
grip · stability · maneuverability · load bearing · propulsion · crawling · traversing
tank
Large storage vessel
- armored vehiclePlated combat transport
- howitzerShort-barreled artillery piece
- armored personnel carrierProtected military transport vehicle
mud
Wet soil mixture
swamp · tundra · soft ground · loose soil · rough terrain · slopes · ditches · rubble · wetland · permafrost
- locomotionwalking, running, crawling, swimming, flying
- tracklaying vehiclestanks, bulldozers, snowcats, crawlers, pipelayers
caterpillar trackswheels
Circular rotation devices
tires · pneumatic tires · rubber tires · radial tires · legs
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