The tank wheels are made of solid rubber and are used like a gear to assist in turning the tank. The tank tread provides a surface for seven road wheels and one idler per track per tank. There are a total of 16 tires per tank assembly.
Selling to the U.S. government is significantly different from selling to the private sector. The government is a large bureaucracy that is focused on getting the lowest price. However, the quality expectations and specifications remain. Supplying tank track rubber to the government, especially to the military, may result in federal charges and negative publicity (e g the army's Sergeant Bradley the Marine Corps Osprey helicopters). Governmental contractors must meet specifications in an efficient low-cost manner.