Tractor Design Rationale, Product Ecology - Revision history

Scott Baker: /* Design Rationale */

2013-08-22T05:15:46Z

Design Rationale

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:15, 22 August 2013
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	LifeTrac satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]		LifeTrac satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]

	~~#'''~~Open Source~~.'''~~ The LifeTrac was designed from the ground up with the intention of making freely available not only the design, but also the education necessary to understand, use, and improve the design.		;Open Source : The LifeTrac was designed from the ground up with the intention of making freely available not only the design, but also the education necessary to understand, use, and improve the design.

	~~#'''~~Low Cost~~.'''~~ As compared to its commercial equivalent, the LifeTrac is 1/5 the cost to acquire. There are even more dramatic reductions in the cost to own.		;Low Cost : As compared to its commercial equivalent, the LifeTrac is 1/5 the cost to acquire. There are even more dramatic reductions in the cost to own.

	~~#'''~~Do-It-Yourself~~.'''~~ Most of the components and sub-assemblies are held together with bolts. If you've got a wrench you've got a tractor.		;Do-It-Yourself : Most of the components and sub-assemblies are held together with bolts. If you've got a wrench you've got a tractor.

	~~#'''~~Closed-Loop Manufacturing~~.'''~~ Because the materials the LifeTrac is made of require so little machining, they can be produced by future GVCS machines. No need for exotic materials or fancy injection molding.		;Closed-Loop Manufacturing : Because the materials the LifeTrac is made of require so little machining, they can be produced by future GVCS machines. No need for exotic materials or fancy injection molding.

	~~#'''~~Industrial Efficiency~~.'''~~ The LifeTrac's performance is designed to be comparable to industry standards, and we are approaching that point quickly.		;Industrial Efficiency : The LifeTrac's performance is designed to be comparable to industry standards, and we are approaching that point quickly.

	~~#'''~~Lifetime Design~~.'''~~ Unlike what is available commercially, the LifeTrac is designed to function indefinitely. Design for obsolescence is avoided, as maximum service to the user is part of the design.		;Lifetime Design : Unlike what is available commercially, the LifeTrac is designed to function indefinitely. Design for obsolescence is avoided, as maximum service to the user is part of the design.

	~~#'''~~Robustness~~.'''~~ It's ugly, but it works.		;Robustness : It's ugly, but it works.

	~~#'''~~Technological Recursion~~.'''~~ LifeTrac is part of technological recursion at the deepest level, in that it is responsible in part for extracting raw resources from which all things are made.		;Technological Recursion : LifeTrac is part of technological recursion at the deepest level, in that it is responsible in part for extracting raw resources from which all things are made.

	~~#'''~~Local Resources~~.'''~~ What good are the resources under your feet if you can't use them? The LifeTrac opens up new avenues for self-sourcing.		;Local Resources : What good are the resources under your feet if you can't use them? The LifeTrac opens up new avenues for self-sourcing.

	~~#'''~~Replicability~~.'''~~ With full documentation on how to source the materials, build the tractor, and use it in the field, the LifeTrac eradicates barriers to entry.		;Replicability : With full documentation on how to source the materials, build the tractor, and use it in the field, the LifeTrac eradicates barriers to entry.

	=Product Ecology=		=Product Ecology=

Scott Baker: /* Design Rationale */

2013-08-22T05:13:37Z

Design Rationale

Marcin at 13:09, 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T13:09:13Z

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	=Design Rationale=		=Design Rationale=

	Basic discussion of design rationale is [http://blog.opensourceecology.org/2010/07/open-source-tractor-update/ here].'''Definition''': LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features featuring easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adopting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube module for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.		Basic discussion of design rationale is [http://blog.opensourceecology.org/2010/07/open-source-tractor-update/ here].

			'''Definition''': LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features featuring easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adopting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube module for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.

	'''Problem Statement''' – Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design. Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.		'''Problem Statement''' – Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design. Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.

Marcin at 13:09, 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T13:09:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 28 December 2011
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Definition''': LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features featuring easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adopting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube module for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.		=Design Rationale=

			Basic discussion of design rationale is [http://blog.opensourceecology.org/2010/07/open-source-tractor-update/ here].'''Definition''': LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features featuring easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adopting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube module for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.

	'''Problem Statement''' – Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design. Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.		'''Problem Statement''' – Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design. Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.

Marcin at 07:56, 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T07:56:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:56, 28 December 2011
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	'''Solution''' – LifeTrac is designed to be the peoples' tractor. The user is able to service, modify, and produce fuel for the tractor. Gear transmission is replaced with a hydraulic drive train, where quick-connect, flexible hoses are the means of transferring power. Lifetime design (bolt-together construction, modularity) with general purpose parts allows the tractor to be passed down from generation to generation, before its life-cycle is completed as feedstock for the induction furnace. The absolute simplest design facilitates creation of small-scale enterprise for manufacturing these tractors in as little as 3 days of time using a RepLab1 facility. This allows communities to be entirely self-sufficient in their mechanical power infrastructures, while reducing lifetime costs of tractors by a factor of at least 10.		'''Solution''' – LifeTrac is designed to be the peoples' tractor. The user is able to service, modify, and produce fuel for the tractor. Gear transmission is replaced with a hydraulic drive train, where quick-connect, flexible hoses are the means of transferring power. Lifetime design (bolt-together construction, modularity) with general purpose parts allows the tractor to be passed down from generation to generation, before its life-cycle is completed as feedstock for the induction furnace. The absolute simplest design facilitates creation of small-scale enterprise for manufacturing these tractors in as little as 3 days of time using a RepLab1 facility. This allows communities to be entirely self-sufficient in their mechanical power infrastructures, while reducing lifetime costs of tractors by a factor of at least 10.

	'''Development Status and Needs''' – We have completed Prototype I-III, and we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications. Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set f loader arms, and it featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor redesign (thicker wheel shafts and bearings (2.5") of LifeTrac lend themselves to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer – via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive.		'''Development Status and Needs''' – We have completed Prototype I-III, and we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications. Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set f loader arms, and it featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor redesign (thicker wheel shafts and bearings (2.5" instaed of 1-7/8") of LifeTrac lend themselves to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer – via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive.

	It satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]		LifeTrac satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]

	1. '''Open Source.''' The LifeTrac was designed from the ground up with the intention of making freely available not only the design, but also the education necessary to understand, use, and improve the design.		1. '''Open Source.''' The LifeTrac was designed from the ground up with the intention of making freely available not only the design, but also the education necessary to understand, use, and improve the design.

Marcin at 07:55, 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T07:55:10Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+'''Definition''': LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features featuring easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adopting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube module for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.
 '''Problem Statement''' – Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design.  Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.
@@ Line 8: / Line 7: @@
 '''Development Status and Needs''' – We have completed Prototype I-III, and we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications.  Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set f loader arms, and it featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor redesign (thicker wheel shafts and bearings (2.5") of LifeTrac lend themselves to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer – via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive.
-Development Brief for LifeTrac Digital Fabrication - Download the LifeTrac Blender file. Then import it into a professional CAD package like Solidworks to generate 2D fabrication drawings, and further, these drawings have to be converted to toolpath (xy) files for a torch table.
+ It satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]
-The problem requires virtual dismounting the tractor into all of its structural tubing and plates - the components that we will be cut with the torch table. The tubing is 4x4x1/4" mild steel tubing, and the plates are 1/2" mild steel plate plate steel.
+. '''Replicability.''' With full documentation of how to source the materials, build the tractor, and use it in the field, the LifeTrac eradicates barriers to entry.
 =Product Ecology=

Marcin at 07:53, 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T07:53:07Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 '''Definition''': LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-200 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features featuring easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adopting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube module for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.
@@ Line 26: / Line 5: @@
 '''Solution''' – LifeTrac is designed to be the peoples' tractor. The user is able to service, modify, and produce fuel for the tractor. Gear transmission is replaced with a hydraulic drive train, where quick-connect, flexible hoses are the means of transferring power. Lifetime design (bolt-together construction, modularity) with general purpose parts allows the tractor to be passed down from generation to generation, before its life-cycle is completed as feedstock for the induction furnace. The absolute simplest design facilitates creation of small-scale enterprise for manufacturing these tractors in as little as 3 days of time using a RepLab1 facility. This allows communities to be entirely self-sufficient in their mechanical power infrastructures, while reducing lifetime costs of tractors by a factor of at least 10.
 '''
-Development Status and Needs''' – We have completed Prototype I-III, and we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications.  Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set f loader arms, and it featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor redesign of LifeTrac lends itself to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer – via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive. The next step is CAD drawings addressing outstanding design issues.
+'''Development Status and Needs''' – We have completed Prototype I-III, and we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications.  Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set f loader arms, and it featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor redesign (thicker wheel shafts and bearings (2.5") of LifeTrac lend themselves to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer – via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive.
 Development Brief for LifeTrac Digital Fabrication - Download the LifeTrac Blender file. Then import it into a professional CAD package like Solidworks to generate 2D fabrication drawings, and further, these drawings have to be converted to toolpath (xy) files for a torch table.

Marcin: /* Product Ecology */

2011-12-28T07:50:27Z

Product Ecology

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:50, 28 December 2011
Line 34:		Line 34:

	The final step is optimizing the cutting strategy based on available stock steel that can fit on a torch table. For example, we can start with a sheet of 1/2" thick steel, not individual plates, for producing all the mounting plates.		The final step is optimizing the cutting strategy based on available stock steel that can fit on a torch table. For example, we can start with a sheet of 1/2" thick steel, not individual plates, for producing all the mounting plates.

	~~=Product Ecology=~~

	=Product Ecology=		=Product Ecology=

Marcin: /* Product Ecology= */

2011-12-28T07:50:18Z

Product Ecology=

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:50, 28 December 2011
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	=Product Ecology=		=Product Ecology=

	=Product Ecology==		=Product Ecology=
	{{Product Ecology		{{Product Ecology

Marcin at 07:50, 28 December 2011

2011-12-28T07:50:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:50, 28 December 2011
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	The final step is optimizing the cutting strategy based on available stock steel that can fit on a torch table. For example, we can start with a sheet of 1/2" thick steel, not individual plates, for producing all the mounting plates.		The final step is optimizing the cutting strategy based on available stock steel that can fit on a torch table. For example, we can start with a sheet of 1/2" thick steel, not individual plates, for producing all the mounting plates.

			=Product Ecology=

			=Product Ecology==
			{{Product Ecology

			\|From=
			*{{Power Cube}}
			*{{Hydraulic Motor}}
			*{{Induction Furnace}} Steel

			\|Uses=
			*{{Power Cube}}

			\|Creates=

			\|Enables=
			*{{CEB Press}}
			*{{Rototiller}}
			*{{Backhoe}}
			*{{Universal Rotor}}
			*{{Well Driller}}
			*{{Trencher}}
			*{{Baler}}
			*{{Seeder}}
			*{{Spader}}
			*{{Rototiller}}
			*{{Hay Rake}}
			*{{Hay Cutter}}

			}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:13, 22 August 2013
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Basic discussion of design rationale is [http://blog.opensourceecology.org/2010/07/open-source-tractor-update/ here].		Basic discussion of design rationale is [http://blog.opensourceecology.org/2010/07/open-source-tractor-update/ here].

	~~'''~~Definition~~'''~~: LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features ~~featuring~~ easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for ~~adopting~~ power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. It can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube ~~module~~ for fuel flexibility, such that locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop, such as hay, may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.		;Definition : LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. LifeTrac is a versatile, 4-wheel drive, full-sized, hydraulically-driven, skid-steering tractor of 18-75 hp with optional steel tracks. LifeTrac is intended to be a minimalist but high-performance, lifetime design, design-for-disassembly workhorse and power unit of any land stewardship operation. It features easy serviceability by the user. Its modular nature allows for quick attachment of implements; interchangeability/stackability of multiple power units (Power Cubes) for adapting power level to the task at hand; quick attachment of all hydraulic components via quick-coupling hoses; including quick interchangeability of hydraulic motors for use in other applications. LifeTrac can be fitted with up to two sets of loader arms. LifeTrac is intended to be used with modern steam engine Power Cube modules for fuel flexibility, such that a locally-harvested, pelletized biomass crop (such as hay) may be used for fuel. Regarding safety features, LifeTrac replaced the traditional power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving other implements with a detachable hydraulic motor for the same purpose, where this motor may be mounted on the tractor, on the implement, or wherever it is required.

	~~'''~~Problem Statement~~''' –~~ Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design. Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.		;Problem Statement : Industrial tractors are being designed increasingly for planned obsolescence with 10 year lifespans, and the user typically cannot service their own tractor due to complexity of design. Power transmission and engine systems are the dominant failure modes of tractors. Fuel costs are a significant expense of operating a tractor. Capital costs of purchasing tractors typically place their users in debt.

	~~'''~~Solution~~''' –~~ LifeTrac is designed to be the ~~peoples~~' tractor. The user is able to service, modify, and produce fuel for the tractor. Gear transmission is replaced with a hydraulic drive train, where quick-connect, flexible hoses are the means of transferring power. Lifetime design (bolt-together construction, modularity) with general purpose parts allows the tractor to be passed down from generation to generation, before its life-cycle is completed as feedstock for the induction furnace. The absolute simplest design facilitates creation of small-scale enterprise for manufacturing these tractors in as little as 3 days of time using a RepLab1 facility. This allows communities to be entirely self-sufficient in their mechanical power infrastructures, while reducing lifetime costs of tractors by a factor of ~~at least~~ 10.		;Solution : LifeTrac is designed to be the people's tractor. The user is able to service, modify, and produce fuel for the tractor. Gear transmission is replaced with a hydraulic drive train, where quick-connect, flexible hoses are the means of transferring power. Lifetime design (bolt-together construction, modularity) with general purpose parts allows the tractor to be passed down from generation to generation, before its life-cycle is completed as feedstock for the induction furnace. The absolute simplest design facilitates creation of small-scale enterprise for manufacturing these tractors in as little as 3 days of time using a RepLab1 facility. This allows communities to be entirely self-sufficient in their mechanical power infrastructures, while reducing lifetime costs of tractors by a factor of 10 or more.

	~~'''~~Development Status and Needs~~''' –~~ We have completed Prototype I~~-III~~, and we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications. Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set f loader arms~~, and~~ it featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor ~~redesign~~ (thicker wheel shafts and bearings (2.5" ~~instaed~~ of 1-7/8") of LifeTrac lend themselves to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer – via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive.		;Development Status and Needs : We have completed Prototype I, II and III; we are currently on Prototype IV. Prototype I (ref) was an articulated version of the tractor without roll cage, and Prototype II (ref) was an enclosed version with tracks and skid steering. Prototype II has demonstrated quick-attachment and stackability of power units (ref), as well as interchangeability of wheel motors and control valves via quick-couplers for repurposing in other applications. Prototype III was a shortened version of Prototype II with only one set of loader arms; it also featured CNC Torch Table assist in its fabrication. Prototype IV (Current as of Dec. 2011) introduces [[Quick Connect Wheels]]. Moreover, minor redesigns (thicker wheel shafts and bearings - 2.5" instead of 1-7/8") of LifeTrac lend themselves to adaptation as a tracked bulldozer via addition of chain gear reduction to the direct-coupled wheel drive.

	LifeTrac satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]		LifeTrac satisfies many of the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications#GVCS_Specifications.2FCore_Values OSE Core Values]

	1. '''Open Source.''' The LifeTrac was designed from the ground up with the intention of making freely available not only the design, but also the education necessary to understand, use, and improve the design.		#'''Open Source.''' The LifeTrac was designed from the ground up with the intention of making freely available not only the design, but also the education necessary to understand, use, and improve the design.

	2. '''Low Cost.''' As compared to its commercial equivalent, the LifeTrac is 1/5 ~~ofthe~~ cost to acquire. There are even more dramatic reductions in the cost to own.		#'''Low Cost.''' As compared to its commercial equivalent, the LifeTrac is 1/5 the cost to acquire. There are even more dramatic reductions in the cost to own.

	3. '''Do-It-Yourself.''' Most of the components and sub-assemblies are held together with bolts. If you've got a wrench you've got a tractor.		#'''Do-It-Yourself.''' Most of the components and sub-assemblies are held together with bolts. If you've got a wrench you've got a tractor.

	4. '''Closed-Loop Manufacturing.''' Because the materials the LifeTrac is made ~~out~~ of require so little machining, they can be produced by future GVCS machines. No need for exotic materials or fancy injection molding.		#'''Closed-Loop Manufacturing.''' Because the materials the LifeTrac is made of require so little machining, they can be produced by future GVCS machines. No need for exotic materials or fancy injection molding.

	5. '''Industrial Efficiency.''' The LifeTrac's performance is designed to be comparable to industry standards, and we are approaching that point quickly.		#'''Industrial Efficiency.''' The LifeTrac's performance is designed to be comparable to industry standards, and we are approaching that point quickly.

	6. '''Lifetime Design.''' Unlike what is available commercially, the LifeTrac is designed to function indefinitely. Design for obsolescence is avoided, as maximum service to the user is part of the design.		#'''Lifetime Design.''' Unlike what is available commercially, the LifeTrac is designed to function indefinitely. Design for obsolescence is avoided, as maximum service to the user is part of the design.

	7. '''Robustness.''' It ugly, but it ~~work~~.		#'''Robustness.''' It's ugly, but it works.

	8. '''Technological Recursion.''' LifeTrac is part of technological recursion at the deepest level, in that it is responsible in part for extracting raw resources from which all things are made.		#'''Technological Recursion.''' LifeTrac is part of technological recursion at the deepest level, in that it is responsible in part for extracting raw resources from which all things are made.

	9. '''Local Resources.''' What good are the resources under your feet if you can't use them? The LifeTrac opens up new avenues for self-sourcing.		#'''Local Resources.''' What good are the resources under your feet if you can't use them? The LifeTrac opens up new avenues for self-sourcing.

	~~10. '''Replicability.''' With full documentation of how to source the materials, build the tractor, and use it in the field, the LifeTrac eradicates barriers to entry~~.

			#'''Replicability.''' With full documentation on how to source the materials, build the tractor, and use it in the field, the LifeTrac eradicates barriers to entry.

	=Product Ecology=		=Product Ecology=