Would you think that quick clamps are appropriate for a heavy robot? That is what I have now, but they work themselves loose over time and you have make sure you tighten them periodically otherwise a leg could slip.
I have the Crain with the quick clamps. I keep them tightened, and no problems in 7 years of constant use.
The take-away here is that a tripod apparently failed without warning.
Can't imagine that there wasn't some sign of wear and tear or distress, but if that's the case, it's a warning to us all, especially those with robotics.
For the money this shows the Leica CTP 101 the best bang for the buck. I have 2 of them and use them with a robot daily. NO COMPLAINTS!
I just took part of the foot to a grinder and it fit in my box just fine after, I didn't need that big of feet anyway....
I have a sticky leg Tri-max too. Must have been a paint issue. I used some steel wool and rubbed them down a few times. It helped it quite a bit.