>The whole point of tank treads is to maximize the ground surface area that the vehicle weighs on. The treads don't spread weight much more than the wheels - l

>The whole point of tank treads is to maximize the ground surface area that the vehicle weighs on. The treads don't spread weight much more than the wheels - look at tank treads in practice - they are somewhat loose between wheels. Most treads are somewhat loose, meaning the tension in them is not enough to be supporting tank weight. The exist to provide traction when they catch uneven surfaces, where wheels perhaps no longer make contact. Their point is to allow the tank to catch on non-flat ground when things jut between the wheels. Treads allow grip on non-uniform surfaces. But most of the time the weight of the tank is completely on (only a few of) the wheels.