Design and simulation analysis of small-scale tracked power chassis based on RecurDyn

Hilly and mountainous areas are critical regions for orchard cultivation in China．Due to harsh planting environment and dense foliage in these orchards, operational quality of large-and-middle-sized tracked power chassis systems is severely compromised．Addressing common issues such as poor maneuverability and inadequate obstacle clearance capabilities, a small-scale tracked power chassis was designed specifically adapted for complex environments of hillside orchards．This chassis boasted strong climbing abilities and excellent obstacle clearance, allowing for flexible operation in orchard rows with a spacing of 1.2 meters．Using multi-body dynamics software RecurDyn, a dynamic model of tracked chassis was developed．Simulations were performed to analyze its performance in straight-line motion, climbing, and obstacle clearance on both hard and soft terrains．Results indicated that chassis' passability and adaptability met operational requirements．This study could provide theoretical support and a reference for design of small-scale tracked power chassis in hilly orchard areas．