Advice to buy a new tank - good options, reliable and that dont break the bank

[cravo]

No idler adjustment on the M41 but it usually does not need adjustments.
im afraid of that on the M41 specially with metal tracks i have seem some get out on loose dirt and sand,
so i would like to know if it would be better to choose another model less prone to have this issue or the improvements that can be done to prevent this.

The T34 has idler adjustment but here again you will probably never need to use it.

Yes plastic tracks are better for indoor running on har wood floors. Metal tracks will cause scratches more easily.
tha problem is that i love to play outside go for some hill climbs and some obstacles and the metal tracks i think they are better suited and the extra weigh is a good thing on the subject to get the tank planted on the ground and get some grip on the loose surfaces.

Weight will not effect run time noticeably on the two tanks you are looking especially with the large capacity batteries like those you are planning to run.

You are safe to use LiPo batteries IF you have the experience using and storing them. 3s are also safe to run as the new control systems are rated for 12.6v maximum and a 20 amp max draw. Still it is best to not run the tank using a 3s continuously unless it is run on Low Power =70% of peak voltage or roughly 8-9 peak volts. It will get hot pretty fast and shut down. Repeated heat related shut downs WILL damage the electronic. If you want to routinely run the tanks on maximum power using a 3s you will need to upgrade the control system to the 7.1 which has a much higher amp draw rating of 160, but the same maximum voltage. I will warn you that the tanks will be stupidly fast and nearly uncontrollable on high power mode running 3s batteries.


my idea is not to overheat or run in full speed with 3s but to go smoothly and enjoy more run time, thats it.

so wich one you guys think i should pull the trigger?

the ide

[Rubicon99]

Another important question for me is the battery tray compartment.
I have some 3s lipos 2500mah that i would like to use.
they hare 2.8mm thick x 78mm
height 76mm
thickness 28mm
width 38mm
will they fit on these two tanks without any issue?
either the 41 Buldog or the T34 -85?
Another question is how to adjust the tracks on both of them?
does the M41 has an adjustable idler? if not how to adjust the tracks, do we have to remove one link of each track to stay more tensionable?
and the T34 does it have adjustable idler?
Im focusing on these two models first on all metal parts, but i know the added weight will give more wear and less runtime, on the other hand is good the added weight for climbing and with metal tracks doesnt slip so much as metal.
So i think the plastic tracks are better suited for indoor use and metal tracks for outdoors ( i have a wooden floor) and i am concerned if i play at home with metal tracks the floor will get badly scrached, lol

No idler adjustment on the M41 but it usually does not need adjustments.

The T34 has idler adjustment but here again you will probably never need to use it.

Yes plastic tracks are better for indoor running on har wood floors. Metal tracks will cause scratches more easily.

Weight will not effect run time noticeably on the two tanks you are looking especially with the large capacity batteries like those you are planning to run.

Let me start this next paragraph by saying I am also not a fan of running Lipos in tanks but many people do use them. You are safe to use LiPo batteries IF you have the experience using and storing them and understand their special safety needs. 3s are also safe to run as the new control systems are rated for 12.6v maximum and a 20 amp max draw. Still it is best to not run the tank using a 3s continuously unless it is run on Low Power =70% of peak voltage or roughly 8-9 peak volts. It will get hot pretty fast and shut down. Repeated heat related shut downs WILL damage the electronic. If you want to routinely run the tanks on maximum power using a 3s you will need to upgrade the control system to the 7.1 which has a much higher amp draw rating of 160, but the same maximum voltage. I will warn you that the tanks will be stupidly fast and nearly uncontrollable on high power mode running 3s batteries.

[cravo]

All metal editions and shipped from I think either Holland or Belgium. Very reliable company.

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-german-tiger-1-professional-edition-1-16-scale-heavy-tank-rtr-hlg3818-002

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-german-panther-professional-edition-1-16-scale-battle-tank-rtr-hlg3819-002

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-usa-m41-walker-bulldog-professional-edition-1-16-scale-light-tank-rtr-hlg3839-002

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-soviet-union-t-34-professional-edition-1-16-scale-medium-tank-rtr-hlg3909-002

Possible free shipment to Poland.

Thank you for your search, i have noticed that the M41 is cheaper and they are not charging shipping fees on any of them to deliver them to Poland.
Althout there are other models that are more expensive than in ali.
so Bottom line.wich one is best mechanically speaking and less hassle free?
i checked also this video that states that all tanks from HENG LONG version 6.0 upwards have the idler tension for the tracks
please check the video bellow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szka1JDHkhw

at time 0.57 seconds it shows how to tension the tracks
i dond know if the heng long M41 ALSO HAVE THIS IDLER and i would like to know, because its crucial to tension the tracks so they dont go out.
another questions is
are any of the other versions presented above better? and if so why?
Since the price range is small sometimes its better to choose something better mechanically.
what are your thoughts about them?
or its just a matter of preference and all of them are good equally?

[Meter Rat]

Thank you for your comment, but regarding to 3s someone stated that its possible to lower the settings to only 80% power to prevent heat issues.
regarding to the Tiger wich one do you think its best? i am a newbie and we after all the advices we were boiling to two models
M41 from heng long all metal parts
and also
t34-85 from heng long as well metal
tiger is another tank model? If so can you provide a link so i know wich one is it?
i am in the process of choosing my first tank and i have some experience in rc since the nitro rc buggies, of course now i upgraded to all eletrical but still i would like to have a tank.
thanks in advance.

All metal editions and shipped from I think either Holland or Belgium. Very reliable company.

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-german-tiger-1-professional-edition-1-16-scale-heavy-tank-rtr-hlg3818-002

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-german-panther-type-g-professional-edition-1-16-scale-battle-tank-rtr-hlg3879-002

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-usa-m41-walker-bulldog-professional-edition-1-16-scale-light-tank-rtr-hlg3839-002

https://www.motionrc.eu/collections/rc-tanks/products/heng-long-soviet-union-t-34-professional-edition-1-16-scale-medium-tank-rtr-hlg3909-002

Possible free shipment to Poland.
I should point out my Tiger is made from three different manufacturers.

[keilau]

Another important question for me is the battery tray compartment.
I have some 3s lipos 2500mah that i would like to use.
they hare 2.8mm thick x 78mm
height 76mm
thickness 28mm
width 38mm
will they fit on these two tanks without any issue?
either the 41 Bulldog or the T34 -85?
Another question is how to adjust the tracks on both of them?

I do not recommend using 3S nor LiPo battery for the Heng Long tank due to safety concerns. Lithium battery overheat easily by itself. You should use 2S Lithium Ion pack with protection circuit ONLY. Search for "battery" and keilau on this forum. I have discussed the issue extensively.

Yes, your LiPo battery will fit the standard HL battery compartment.

[cravo]

I cannot comment on battery size and whether a 3s will fit. Most 2s of 2500mah will give 3/4 - 1 hour run time. I use 2s 3200mah in all my tanks and I get between 1 - 1.5 hours run time in my Challenger and Abrams which both weigh about 8kg. I might look at 2s 4000mha - 5000mah batteries. Going to 3s and raising the voltage may bring overheating issues. Others may better advice.
From personal experience regarding tracks. The Challenger and Abrams both use heavy metal renditions of modern track with rubber pads. Great grip on wooden floors, tarmac, slabs and carpets. Too much grip on grass, making turns difficult, which places strains on the motors. Plastic tracks on my Tiger work well on all surfaces, but have slip on smooth surfaces. The T72 has metal tracks with out pads, very similar to the plastic tracks. Other factors come into play. I find that the rear drive tanks, Challenger, Abrams, and T72 all tend to rip up grass and clog the drive sprockets, so causing the tracks to walk off the sprockets. Our local beach which is small stones and shells, brings different issues with these tanks, with stones being picked up and jamming the tracks, causing damage to the drive systems. Hard packed, and soft dry sand do not cause the same issues. These problems do not affect the Tiger, which runs well on most surfaces including the beach and the garden.

Thank you for your comment, but regarding to 3s someone stated that its possible to lower the settings to only 80% power to prevent heat issues.
regarding to the Tiger wich one do you think its best? i am a newbie and we after all the advices we were boiling to two models
M41 from heng long all metal parts
and also
t34-85 from heng long as well metal
tiger is another tank model? If so can you provide a link so i know wich one is it?
i am in the process of choosing my first tank and i have some experience in rc since the nitro rc buggies, of course now i upgraded to all eletrical but still i would like to have a tank.
thanks in advance.

[Meter Rat]

I cannot comment on battery size and whether a 3s will fit. Most 2s of 2500mah will give 3/4 - 1 hour run time. I use 2s 3200mah in all my tanks and I get between 1 - 1.5 hours run time in my Challenger and Abrams which both weigh about 8kg. I might look at 2s 4000mha - 5000mah batteries. Going to 3s and raising the voltage may bring overheating issues. Others may better advice.
From personal experience regarding tracks. The Challenger and Abrams both use heavy metal renditions of modern track with rubber pads. Great grip on wooden floors, tarmac, slabs and carpets. Too much grip on grass, making turns difficult, which places strains on the motors. Plastic tracks on my Tiger work well on all surfaces, but have slip on smooth surfaces. The T72 has metal tracks with out pads, very similar to the plastic tracks. Other factors come into play. I find that the rear drive tanks, Challenger, Abrams, and T72 all tend to rip up grass and clog the drive sprockets, so causing the tracks to walk off the sprockets. Our local beach which is small stones and shells, brings different issues with these tanks, with stones being picked up and jamming the tracks, causing damage to the drive systems. Hard packed, and soft dry sand do not cause the same issues. These problems do not affect the Tiger, which runs well on most surfaces including the beach and the garden.

[cravo]

Another important question for me is the battery tray compartment.
I have some 3s lipos 2500mah that i would like to use.
they hare 2.8mm thick x 78mm
height 76mm
thickness 28mm
width 38mm
will they fit on these two tanks without any issue?
either the 41 Buldog or the T34 -85?
Another question is how to adjust the tracks on both of them?
does the M41 has an adjustable idler? if not how to adjust the tracks, do we have to remove one link of each track to stay more tensionable?
and the T34 does it have adjustable idler?
Im focusing on these two models first on all metal parts, but i know the added weight will give more wear and less runtime, on the other hand is good the added weight for climbing and with metal tracks doesnt slip so much as metal.
So i think the plastic tracks are better suited for indoor use and metal tracks for outdoors ( i have a wooden floor) and i am concerned if i play at home with metal tracks the floor will get badly scrached, lol

[cravo]

Can you identify which website you get the lowest price. The Toucan Hobby Store website is smart enough to identify your location and direct you to the nearest warehouse site.

well after i put the adress what i have is this

THIS IS IN USD
BELLOW IS FROM ALIEXPRESS (SAME STORE AS WELL TOUCANHOBBY) AND THE VALUE IS IN POLISH ZLOTYS

TOTAL 1093,18 + 272,62 PLN FOR SHIPPING = 1365.80 PLR
CONVERTED TO USD - 312 USD
THERE IS STILL SOME DIFFERENCE 45.9 USD DIFFERENCE.

[SoCalBobS]

AliExpress does not provide customer support like eBay or Amazon. It's just a marketplace for individual stores & sellers. I've encountered scams or just non-response twice from it. Won't do it again.

[keilau]

I CHECKED AND THE DIFFERENCE AT MY DOOR SHIPPING INCLUDED ITS GIVING 90 USD LESS asking from aliexpress than drectly from toucanhobby. website, same exact adress was used for both to compare the whole price with shipping included.

Can you identify which website you get the lowest price. The Toucan Hobby Store website is smart enough to identify your location and direct you to the nearest warehouse site.

[cravo]

This is the Toucan Hobby Store shipped from China. The shipping from China is $130.59 to my US address. I can buy from Toucan's US warehouse for $30 shipping, but a higher tank price. The total is still a saving compared to shipped from China. How much is the shipping from China to your country? The real cost is tank price plus shipping to your address.

I CHECKED AND THE DIFFERENCE AT MY DOOR SHIPPING INCLUDED ITS GIVING 90 USD LESS asking from aliexpress than drectly from toucanhobby. website, same exact adress was used for both to compare the whole price with shipping included.

[cravo]

sorry now i will post the link and the company is exactly the same as the one i poste above but it shows a smaller price on aliexpress with shipping to my location.
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/10050...yAdapt=glo2bra

its the same company
TOUCAN RC HOBBY STORE

[keilau]

sorry now i will post the link and the company is exactly the same as the one i poste above but it shows a smaller price on aliexpress with shipping to my location.
https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005006078212051.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.5b287f06f LnUP8&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2bra

This is the Toucan Hobby Store shipped from China. The shipping from China is $130.59 to my US address. I can buy from Toucan's US warehouse for $30 shipping, but a higher tank price. The total is still a saving compared to shipped from China. How much is the shipping from China to your country? The real cost is tank price plus shipping to your address.

[cravo]

If it looks to good to seem true, it is most like a scam especially on Chinese websites. Buy from the US, Canada or European supplier. Take a look at HAYA.com they are out of the UK and carry a lot of HL products. Also look at Motionrc.com they have a European warehouse that they ship from. Motion is also the owner of this forum.

Typically the 7.0 versions are coming with the new sprockets. I say typically because that not a hard and fast rule. The sprockets can be purchased separately so if yours does not have the new sprockets you can still add them.

Setting the tank to Lower Power is covered in the instructions. It is a simple mater of selecting it via the TX (transmitter).

sorry now i will post the link and the company is exactly the same as the one i poste above but it shows a smaller price on aliexpress with shipping to my location.

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005006078212051.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.5b287f06fLnUP8&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2bra

[Rubicon99]

Hi
I was checking the difference of prices ans on this case with shipping it's a difference of 99 USD.
Being on AliExpress cheaper buying from the same store as the one refered above.
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 1 093,18zł 35%OFF | Toy 1/16 HENG LONG 7.0 Customized Walker Bulldog RTR RC Tank 3839 Full Metal Tracks Wheels Smoke Unit Airsoft Gift TH17329-SMT5

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrHlBZc

How is this possible?
And how can I know what version it is and if it has the new sprocket guide retaining?
and how to set the low power mode?

If it looks to good to seem true, it is most like a scam especially on Chinese websites. Buy from the US, Canada or European supplier. Take a look at HAYA.com they are out of the UK and carry a lot of HL products. Also look at Motionrc.com they have a European warehouse that they ship from. Motion is also the owner of this forum.

Typically the 7.0 versions are coming with the new sprockets. I say typically because that not a hard and fast rule. The sprockets can be purchased separately so if yours does not have the new sprockets you can still add them.

Setting the tank to Lower Power is covered in the instructions. It is a simple mater of selecting it via the TX (transmitter).

[cravo]

All three are about equal in ground clearance.

The M41 has the widest track followed by the T34. The M4 has the narrowest track although aftermarket tracks for the M4 are available which increase the width substantially.

Yes Lipos can be used on all three. If you run a 3s lipo it is best to switch the tank into the low power mode. This reduces the availability of power down to 70% of maximum. Doing this helps ensure you do not overheat or burn anything out. The tanks do have under and over voltage safety shut downs, but it is best not to rely on them.

The M41 is a good tank but you must make sure it is the version the has the newer sprocket guide tooth retaining rings. These are rings added to the inside of the sprockets that act to keep the track teeth inline and thus reduce the track "walking off" the sprockets. The M41 unlike the M4 and T34 does have a greater tendency to loose tracks. Hence why the retaining rings were added to newer versions.

Hi
I was checking the difference of prices ans on this case with shipping it's a difference of 99 USD.
Being on AliExpress cheaper buying from the same store as the one refered above.
Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 1 093,18zł 35%OFF | Toy 1/16 HENG LONG 7.0 Customized Walker Bulldog RTR RC Tank 3839 Full Metal Tracks Wheels Smoke Unit Airsoft Gift TH17329-SMT5

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrHlBZc

How is this possible?
And how can I know what version it is and if it has the new sprocket guide retaining?
and how to set the low power mode?

[Rubicon99]

Guys thank you all for all the advices given.
I REALLY appreciate them all.
Regarding to buy a cheap plastic and them upgrade it, it's just not my idea, I'm used to do it if needed and of something breaks but if I can buy something not to break and with better performance and more running time without problems I prefer it.
So for now the options are narrowed to:

Heng long M41 walker buldog all metal
Professional edition

https://www.toucanhobby.com/products/hl-70-3839w-1cc-dzn1?_pos=16&_sid=4629dac1f&_ss=r&variant=42854942 703866

Heng long T-34

https://www.toucanhobby.com/products/hl-70-3909-1cc-ss-dzn1?_pos=14&_sid=f8af821e7&_ss=r&variant=42849660 174586

Heng long M4 Sherman

https://www.toucanhobby.com/products/hl-70-3898-1cc-1-ss-dzn1?_pos=8&_sid=428c3c4fd&_ss=r

from all this three options I would like to know:
Wich one has the highest clearance underneath?
Wich one has the wider tracks?
do they have bearings?
Is it possible to use q lipo battery on it?
2s lipo?
And a 3s lipo?
Any other options to consider of this 3 tanks like any other better configuration of this presented?
Thank you all for your advices
After the reply I will try to see Wich I like more and decide.

All three are about equal in ground clearance.

The M41 has the widest track followed by the T34. The M4 has the narrowest track although aftermarket tracks for the M4 are available which increase the width substantially.

Yes Lipos can be used on all three. If you run a 3s lipo it is best to switch the tank into the low power mode. This reduces the availability of power down to 70% of maximum. Doing this helps ensure you do not overheat or burn anything out. The tanks do have under and over voltage safety shut downs, but it is best not to rely on them.

The M41 is a good tank but you must make sure it is the version the has the newer sprocket guide tooth retaining rings. These are rings added to the inside of the sprockets that act to keep the track teeth inline and thus reduce the track "walking off" the sprockets. The M41 unlike the M4 and T34 does have a greater tendency to loose tracks. Hence why the retaining rings were added to newer versions.

[cravo]

Sorry, forgot RCTANK.PL. Polish tank forum.

Hi, I don't see the polish forum because I am living in Poland but I do not speak polish for now.
so language is an issue for me.

[cravo]

Guys thank you all for all the advices given.
I REALLY appreciate them all.
Regarding to buy a cheap plastic and them upgrade it, it's just not my idea, I'm used to do it if needed and of something breaks but if I can buy something not to break and with better performance and more running time without problems I prefer it.
So for now the options are narrowed to:

Heng long M41 walker buldog all metal
Professional edition

https://www.toucanhobby.com/products/hl-70-3839w-1cc-dzn1?_pos=16&_sid=4629dac1f&_ss=r&variant=42854942 703866

Heng long T-34

https://www.toucanhobby.com/products/hl-70-3909-1cc-ss-dzn1?_pos=14&_sid=f8af821e7&_ss=r&variant=42849660 174586

Heng long M4 Sherman

https://www.toucanhobby.com/products/hl-70-3898-1cc-1-ss-dzn1?_pos=8&_sid=428c3c4fd&_ss=r

from all this three options I would like to know:
Wich one has the highest clearance underneath?
Wich one has the wider tracks?
do they have bearings?
Is it possible to use q lipo battery on it?
2s lipo?
And a 3s lipo?
Any other options to consider of this 3 tanks like any other better configuration of this presented?
Thank you all for your advices
After the reply I will try to see Wich I like more and decide.