Course in Tracks vs Wheels: Advantages and Limitations
Online 300 h course on tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations. 6 modules covering ISO 6165 (earth-moving machinery, basic types), ASABE S296 (traction terminology) and advanced Excel. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Tracks vs Wheels: Advantages and Limitations — studying from Australia
Off-road and special-purpose vehicles are central to Australia's mining, agriculture, construction and emergency services sectors. Remote geography and harsh conditions create strong demand for robust machinery, including haul trucks, agricultural equipment and specialist fire and rescue vehicles. Engineers work on hydraulics, drivetrains, operator safety and machine automation. Employers include mining equipment manufacturers and dealers, agricultural machinery firms, construction companies and government fleet agencies.
Fees for Australia: A$1,020 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Will this qualification be recognised by Australian engineering bodies for off-road vehicle work?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by Engineers Australia or any national body. Recognition is decided by employers or the relevant professional body assessing your application. Engineers Australia assesses competence independently, so check its requirements before enrolling if membership is your goal.
Which Australian employers work with off-road and special vehicles and machinery?
Mining and agricultural equipment makers, fleet operators, defence and emergency service vehicle suppliers, and four-wheel-drive modification businesses are examples. Their hiring decisions depend on their own criteria. Relevant experience and a practical final project are often as important as the qualification.
Can I study this online while working in Australia, and is there support?
Yes, the programmes are 100% online and taught in English, and each student has an assigned technical tutor. You can study from anywhere in Australia without a student visa. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible; check the total hours and plan a realistic schedule.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Compare the operating principles of tracks and wheels.
Assess traction, flotation and speed performance.
Calculate the cost of ownership and operation of each solution.
Apply selection criteria according to application and terrain.
Analyse intermediate solutions such as half-tracks and rubber bands.
Make fleet composition decisions based on technical and economic criteria.
Prepare a selection study as a final project.
Who it's for
- Machinery application engineer who wishes to specialise in Tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations.
- Fleet manager who wishes to specialise in Tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations.
- Technical sales advisor who wishes to specialise in Tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations.
- Agricultural mechanisation engineer who wishes to specialise in Tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations.
- Machinery purchasing technician who wishes to specialise in Tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations.
- Equipment cost analyst who wishes to specialise in Tracks vs wheels: advantages and limitations.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter construction.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6165 (earth-moving machinery, basic types)
- ASABE S296 (traction terminology)
- ISO 4250 (earth-moving machinery tyres and rims)
- ASABE EP496 (agricultural machinery management)
- ISO 15143-3 (telematics data exchange for machinery)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Function of the undercarriage1.2Ground contact pressure and flotation1.3Traction available in each solution1.4Travel speed and mobility1.5Stability and lifting capacity1.6Damage to pavement and soil1.7Acquisition and operating costs1.8Classic applications of each solution1.9Hybrid and convertible solutions1.10Workshop: initial comparison for three sites
2.1Traction on soft ground and rock2.2Motion resistance and consumption2.3Ability to overcome obstacles2.4Performance on slopes2.5Manoeuvrability and turning radius2.6Travel speed and transfers2.7Stability for load lifting2.8Vibration and operator comfort2.9Noise emission and noise at the operator position2.10Practice: quantified comparison table
3.1Undercarriage cost per hour3.2Expected service life of each solution3.3Maintenance associated with each3.4Transfer cost between sites3.5Consumption and energy cost3.6Residual value of the machine3.7Availability and downtime3.8Cost of unavailability3.9Total cost of ownership analysis3.10Practice: economic comparison for one site
4.1Earthmoving and clearing4.2Urban works and pavements4.3Quarry and rock handling4.4Agriculture and soil protection4.5Forestry work and slopes4.6Work in flooded or soft areas4.7Demolition and recycling4.8Winter services4.9Work involving frequent transfers4.10Practice: reasoned selection for five cases
5.1Rubber tracks on compact machines5.2Tracks over tyres5.3High-flotation tyres5.4Additional axles and load distribution5.5Variable-pressure systems5.6Convertible machines5.7Bogies and tandem axles5.8Trade-offs of each solution5.9Market availability5.10Practice: evaluation of an intermediate solution
6.1Balanced fleet composition6.2Purchase versus hire decision6.3Flexibility versus specialisation6.4Risk of choosing wrongly and its cost6.5Operator involvement in the decision6.6Indicators to validate the decision6.7Common selection errors6.8Real cases and lessons learned6.9Review of the decision with usage data6.10Final project: undercarriage selection report
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is advanced Excel, MATLAB, Project Chrono, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real field procedures for traction and compaction comparisons, cost of ownership and operation analysis, and selection matrices by application. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Compare the operating principles of tracks and wheels.
Assess traction, flotation and speed performance.
Calculate the cost of ownership and operation of each solution.
Apply selection criteria according to application and terrain.
Analyse intermediate solutions such as half-tracks and rubber bands.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 total hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with advanced Excel, MATLAB and Project Chrono. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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