The ultimate traction

[Lighthawk]

I think this might be the locals answer to any possibility of ever getting stuck. Twin tank treads on ballbearings with a front wheel to steer. Genius!
These tractors were built in Marysville, CA; just downriver from my home town {slight puffing of chest }

Check out what they could do:
Ubhebe District, 1916

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

A restored one...

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

Mr Hawk, is that Yuba tractor driving out of the ditch or backing into it? Just asking.

 

[Lighthawk]

Good question, Stew. I assume this rig could do either.
They were apparently the most successful way to haul ore carts across DV back in the day.

 

[Desert Rancher]

I saw one of those recently at the Sacramento History Museum. Great idea except the balls and track would wear out at different rates, as they were exposed.

Maintenance doomed it.

 

[billharr]

If you get to Stockton check out the Haggin Museum and the Holt Hall. Old guy from Stockton named Benjamin Hold got the track thing right, call it a Caterpillar and did OK with it.

http://www.hagginmuseum.org/collections/history.shtml

Holt Memorial Hall
Documents Stockton’s contributions to industrial history. Features a Holt ‘75’ Caterpillar track-type tractor with a 1904 Haines-Houser combined harvester, both of which were developed in Stockton. Also includes Benjamin Holt's invention workshop.