LifeTrac v25

AI Generated LifeTrac 2025

LifeTrac_v25/AI_Prompts

LifeTrac_v25/OpenSCAD_Files

Github Discussion Page

TO DO

• Need to pick a wheel shaft and motor mounting design, idealy from older LifeTrac designs.
• Need to fix mounting of bucket
• Need to adopt quick attach design
• Need to place a plate at the bottom of the machine, connecting the the side wall plates. possibly like the back of the machine.
• Need to place the crossbeam so that the hydraulic arms bottom out when the bucket or quickattach plate almost collides with front of arms.
• Need to decide on engine mounting.
• Fix hole mismatch for middle vertical cross plate
• Fix front of bucket, removable blade piece? find an off the shelf option.

Machine Design

LifeTrac v25 is a remotely-operated compact utility loader designed as an open-source alternative sized between a Toro Dingo and a Bobcat. Built using parametric OpenSCAD design, it features modular construction following Open Source Ecology principles.

Key Design Features

• Modular Construction: Plate steel, square tubing, and angle iron components for easy fabrication and repair
• Remote Operation: No operator seat required, optional standing deck for manual operation
• Hydraulic Power: 4 independent wheel motors for all-wheel drive, 2 cylinders for arm lift, 2 for bucket tilt
• Open Source CAD: Complete OpenSCAD parametric design files for customization and manufacturing

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value (mm)	Value (inches)	Value (meters)
Overall Width	1,200 mm	47.2"	1.20 m
Overall Length	1,800 mm	70.9"	1.80 m
Height to Frame Top	1,000 mm	39.4"	1.00 m
Ground Clearance	150 mm	5.9"	0.15 m
Wheel Diameter	500 mm	19.7"	0.50 m

Performance Specifications

Specification	Value
Hydraulic System Pressure	3,000 PSI
Estimated Lift Capacity	~1,200 kg (~2,646 lbs)
Drive Configuration	All-wheel drive (4 hydraulic motors)
Cylinder Bore (Lift)	63.5 mm (2.5")

Weight Estimate

Machine weight is estimated at 800-1,000 kg (1,760-2,200 lbs) based on steel construction with:

• 1/4" (6.35mm) plate steel for most components
• 1/2" (12.7mm) plate steel for high-stress areas
• 4"×4"×1/4" square tubing for main frame
• 3"×3"×1/4" square tubing for loader arms

Features

• Multiple Control Modes: Switch for MQTT/OFF/BLE mode selection (BLE default)
• BLE Direct Control: Direct Bluetooth connection to DroidPad app (no WiFi/broker needed)
• Remote Joystick Control: Dual joystick setup for tank steering and hydraulic functions
• DroidPad Compatible: Native support for DroidPad via BLE or MQTT
• WiFi Communication: Reliable wireless control with MQTT protocol
• ROS2 Integration: Control LifeTrac from BeagleBone or any ROS2-enabled device
• Configurable Flow Control: Choose between single or dual proportional flow valves via jumper
• Proportional Flow Control: Speed regulation based on joystick input intensity
• Safety Features: Emergency stop, communication timeout, and fail-safe operation
• Status Monitoring: Real-time system status and diagnostics

Control Scheme

Tank Steering

• Left Joystick Y-axis: Forward/backward movement for both tracks
• Left Joystick X-axis: Differential steering (left/right turns)

Hydraulic Functions

• Right Joystick Y-axis: Arms up/down control
• Right Joystick X-axis: Bucket up/down control

Speed Control

• Proportional Flow Valve: Automatically adjusts system speed based on maximum joystick input
• Deadzone: 10% deadzone prevents unwanted movements from joystick drift

GitHub Repository

For complete documentation, source code, and detailed specifications, visit the LifeTrac v25 GitHub Repository.

The repository includes:

• Mechanical design files (OpenSCAD)
• Arduino controller code
• Remote control software
• Web controller interface
• ROS2 integration packages
• Complete wiring and installation guides