Hi-sprocket Drive Grand-daddy???????????

Here is a 1920 narrow gauge Cletrac Model F

Hi, gary,ca and Kurt.
The Model F Cletrac was only made for 3 years because of that track roller system, commonly known as the 'string of pearls' systemmwhich they never used on any other model after the F. The Model F was available in 3 versions, narrow, wide and hi-clearance.

Somebody found a 'different' use for one of them:

[attachment=71408]Cletrac model F Letterbox_1_PM.JPG[/attachment]

Apparently, a couple of people did figure it out though and modified the track system.

[attachment=71409]Cletrac model F with HG track frames_1BL_JRS.jpg[/attachment][attachment=71410]Cletrac Model F with modified tracks - Australia 2005_1L_SS.jpg[/attachment]

Just my 0.02.

Bit like the track system that ran on big balls instead of conventional rollers, they used to fall out. For the life of me I cant remember the brand name or find a photo. Someone here will be much smarter than me and remember and possibly have a photo.

Wombat

Bit like the track system that ran on big balls instead of conventional rollers, they used to fall out. For the life of me I cant remember the brand name or find a photo. Someone here will be much smarter than me and remember and possibly have a photo.

Wombat

[quote="Wombat post=246245 userid=4746"]Bit like the track system that ran on big balls instead of conventional rollers, they used to fall out. For the life of me I cant remember the brand name or find a photo. Someone here will be much smarter than me and remember and possibly have a photo.

Wombat

***I want to say Yuba Ball Tread. They would fall out, and some owners would hire kids to look for the balls that fell off, so they could keep running the machine***JM
 [/quote]

Yuba Ball Tread - Mfg. Yuba City, California
There are several examples in existance - I believe this one may be in the Ag Museum in Woodland, may have been part of the Heidrick Collection.
Another is in a Museum in Old Sacramento, CA

I was told years ago, they were a good machine other than the races would wear and the balls would fall out. So the story goes about the kids following and picking them up to put back in the machine - Makes a good story anyway.

I do not recall what the two pipes with petcocks were attached to - I suspect either exhaust to try to clean the "cups" or possibly water?  
These machines were primarily used in the orchards along the Yuba-Feather-Sacramento Rivers, wonderful sandy loam, but abrasive.  
Understandably where the extreme wear would be generated in the enclosed space of the races.

Enjoy the pictures.
CTS