Why are my tyres embedded in the ground at KSC?

[THX1138]

I wanted to make a rover to plant flags at the ends of the KSC runway but the tyres embed in the ground and just spin without propelling me anywhere. I tried using clamps to raise myself out of the ground but when they drop the craft the wheels embed in the ground anyway.

Edited January 27, 2015 by THX1138

[AlexinTokyo]

Wheels in KSP only have proper collision mechanics when the base of the wheel (the opposite side to the suspension column) is in contact with the ground.

In your design, you have rotated the wheels so the suspension points forwards; this is preventing them from interacting with the ground properly. If you rotate the wheels 90° they will work as expected.

[FleshJeb]

They probably need to be turned 90 degrees (clockwise in this pic) so the suspension will work.

EDIT: I got ninja'd!

Edited January 27, 2015 by FleshJeb

[TopGull]

Looks like you mounted your wheels sideways. I wouldn't think that would stop you from rolling, but it certainly won't steer properly.

[DrD]

Wheels have to be oriented properly or they don't work at all. I had the exact same problem.