The main function of tracks is to increase the contact area and reduce ground pressure, enabling smooth operation on soft terrain. Tracks are flexible loops driven by the drive sprocket, surrounding the drive sprocket, road wheels, idler wheel, and return rollers. Tracks consist of track shoes and track pins, with the pins connecting the shoes to form the track loop. The ends of the track shoes have holes that mesh with the drive sprocket, while the middle section features guide teeth to align the tracks and prevent detachment during tank turning or side-slope driving. The ground-contact side has reinforced anti-slip ribs (commonly called tread patterns) to enhance the durability of the track shoes and the adhesion between the tracks and the ground. Tank tracks can be classified into two main types based on structure: metal pin hinge type and metal-rubber hinge type. The metal-rubber hinge type can be further divided into single-pin and double-pin variants. Metal pin-type tracks have a simple structure, but the direct dry friction between pins and pin holes leads to rapid wear and short service life. During tank maintenance, it's common to find track pins worn into a "candied hawthorn" shape, making them one of the vulnerable components. Metal-rubber hinge tracks feature multiple rubber sleeves vulcanized onto metal pins, press-fitted into the track shoe pin holes. This design eliminates direct friction between pins and holes, with only elastic torsion of the rubber sleeves during twisting. These tracks offer quieter operation, longer lifespan, albeit with more complex structure and higher cost.
