In the early 80s (probably 1982 or 1983) I read a science fiction book that I bought new (at Walden Books in the mall). I can't remember the name of the book or the author. I'm gonna guess it was a fairly new publication at the time I bought it.
The book starts with a single explorer on an unknown planet decked out in all the latest technology in military hardware. A group of tanks promptly show up and destroy him with ease. It turns out that he's just the latest of many to fail to make any headway on the planet.
I can't remember why they feel the need to go this planet and subdue whatever force is running it (I remember it being implied that the tanks are all automated). But the hero of the story comes up with a new plan, and I specifically remember him saying 'I plan to go in naked', which raises eyebrows, but he's serious - he believes, correctly, that all the technology is simply attracting the tanks and that if he goes in 'primitive', they won't be able to see him or know he's there. His plan works, and - honestly, I don't remember much after that, or how it ends. I vaguely remember him finding some kind stone pillar that turns out to have electronic buttons that gives him access to the nerve center of the operation.
The book included illustrations throughout, which was a big selling point to me at the time, since this was probably around 6th grade, and cool-looking futuristic tanks were tougher to come by back then.
I've made multiple attempts over the years to figure out the book on the internet, and I have not been successful. The problem is that the internet sci-fi lists tend to focus on the greatest and most popular works, and I'm pretty sure this book is considered neither.
