No, you are not alone. We are not alone. They're coming to take us
away...well, maybe just me for listening to all this discussion about
Mowbots. We all sound like Elmer Fudd. :-)
> Tracks would avoid the problem, but have problems of their
> own, being prone to getting gummed up.
Yuck! I'd hate to think about un-gunking them!
> On a smooth surface, this doesn't even have to be a wheel,
> just a rounded foot is adequate.
You see this on at least one production mower/weed wacker.
> As there are only three points of contact with the ground, it is
> impossible for any wheel to be lifted clear (assuming all other parts
> of the underside of the mowbot have sufficient clearance). The main
> problem with this design is ensuring that the centre of gravity is
> sufficiently low and near the centre of the triangle of the wheels (c)
> to prevent the whole thing toppling over when it start or stops suddenly.
Yes, this makes sense to me. But then again I have always been partial
to three wheeled 'bots. Having large-ish wheels with the body slung
well below the centerline would
allow it to roll over almost any terrain while keeping the COG low.
Tom