Solution for Track Loss: Introducing the Yarbo "Swiss Edition" Track Modification

Posted by Jörg Schrüpbach | Agribois Sàrl | +41 79 208 13 14

Hello Yarbo Community and Yarbo Engineering Team,

In Switzerland, we push our agricultural machinery to the limit. The steep inclines and rugged terrain of our orchards and vineyards present an extreme challenge for any autonomous robot. Recently, like many users — not only in Switzerland but apparently also in the US — we have been experiencing recurring issues with Yarbo losing or blocking its tracks under heavy agricultural loads.

We could not atford to wait for an official factory modification, as our customers depend on continuous operation. We were getting tired of constantly remounting tracks when we should be out visiting new customers and expanding the Yarbo family.

![|3x23](file:////Users/jorgschupbach/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image003.jpg)The Solution: Developed by Andreas Wieland / Taim.AG

Andreas Wieland and the team at Taim.AG took matters into their own hands and developed a custom track reinforcement — what we now proudly call the “Swiss Edition”. This modification significantly stitfens the track guide and prevents the rubber tracks from slipping otf the rollers, even on steep side-hills and uneven ag ricu ltural ter rain.

The custom “Swiss Edition” track reinforcement block, developed by Taim.AG — securing the track on both sides even under extreme a gricultural conditi ons.

![|3x23](file:////Users/jorgschupbach/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image003.jpg)Testing and Results

For the past two weeks, the first test units equipped with this modification have been deployed in various agricultural settings under daily monitoring. The initial results are outstanding: zero track losses. We are now entering the second phase, which involves long-term endurance testing to observe wear and tear over ex tended continuous operat ion.

We are very excited about this development and will keep the community updated on the long- term results. If any other users are experiencing the same track issues — in Switzerland, the US, or el sewh ere — please feel free to rea ch o ut.

Best regards,

Jörg Schrüpbach

Agribois S àrl

+41 79 208 1 3 14

Love the new Swiss Edition!

I like it. :grin:

I do love the innovative solutions that many Yarbo users come up with. This derailing of tracks is not something I experience personally, but to make the ground contact rigid like that, doesn’t it defeat the purpose of tracks to some extent? Aren’t they supposed to have some flex between the rollers?

Wouldn’t the addition of the track reinforcement block increase friction and decrease battery life somewhat?

IMO Yarbo should make the front and back wheels the same and move that idler to the center where this mod is. Been saying that for a long time. I do love the simplicity of this.

It spreads the load better which might make the turn easier and it could also make the current turning algorithm less confused.

I have an area with three point turn disabled and Yarbo makes less stupid back-and-forth moves there. My assumption is that yarbo doesn’t exactly move as it expects on those spots because of uneven terrain.

Perhaps this mod makes Yarbo’s moves more consistent. Perhaps it more efficiently clears the soil from grass roots. Looking forward to further results.

Small idler wheels might be a good choice here, adds to cost but reduces track wear.

Would be nice if this mod helps with Yarbo’s turning. That’s a significant pain point for sure.

Have an STL for this? I might add my own flare to this. I constantly have track issues no matter how much or little i grease things.

Any idea when I can get a set for testing in Minnesota?

Mitch Koep

Maybe put some spring loaded bogey wheels in there like on military tanks.

This is timely; My Yarbo lost its right shoe twice this week.

Even just a pair of small wheels that articulates like offroad trucks use. Spring probably not needed.

Would be interested in buying if you decide to build and sell.