LifeTrac II Part Sourcing

Update as of Sep. 7, 2010:

Extreme Traction from Marcin Jakubowski on Vimeo.

Video of Tractor and Frame assembly in William's second month Dedicated Project Visits report:

Download open source tractor 3D source code

Cut List

Square tube:

• 4 × 7'8"×4"×4" tubes for base.
• 3 × 5'×4"×4" under base tubes.
• 2 × 52"×4"×4" vertical chassis centre tubes.
• 2 × 55"×4"×4" vertical chassis tubes for front corners.
• 2 × 59"×4"×4" vertical chassis tubes for rear corners (PC mounting area).
• 2 × 84"×4"×4" top chassis tubes.
• 3 × 44"×4"×4" top chassis tubes.

Rounds:

• [4] 22", 27" or 28" × 1-7/8" axle shafts.
• [2] 56"×1-7/8" loader shafts.
• [2] 100"×6"×3" 1/4" or 3/8"? tubes for front loader arms.
• [2] 86"×6"×3" 1/4" or 3/8"? tubes for rear loader arms.
• [2] 45"×6"×3" 1/4" or 3/8"? tubes to re-enforce loaders.
• [8] 6"×4" 3/8" or 1/2" angle-iron to attach re-enforcing tunes to L-arms.
• [44] 5"bolts+nuts + [88] washers to suit to attach re-enforcing tubes, angle-irons & H/cylinders to L-arms.
• [4] 4-1/2" 1-7/8" DOM to mount shafts through the frame.
• [4] 3-1/2" 1-7/8" DOM to mount loader shafts to loader arms.
• [8] thrust bearings - in the form of large washers with 1-7/8" hole to go between frame-shaft-DOM-mounts and loader arm mounts.
• [4] 6" bushings/DOM to weld in gussets and wheel mounts.

Plate:

• [12] 10"×8"×0.5" steel plates to mount flange bearings and hydraulic motors to frame.
• [4] 6"×8"×1/2" QA-plate to mount motors to QA-motor plate.
• [2] 12"×12"×1/2" plate to mount H-cylinders to frame base.
• [4] 12"×4"×1/2" plate to weld to H-cylinder base plates.
• [16+] 1"diameter-hole nuts to weld into above plates.
• [1] 1/4" 4or5"×36" plate to mount Valves too.
• [4] 10"×12"×3/8" plate to connect Rear H-cylinders to loader-arms.
• [4] 8"×12"×3/8" plate to connect Front H-cylinders to loader-arms.
• [4] 12×10×1/2" plates to make wheel mounts.
• [8] 4"×4"×1/2" plate cut diagonally to make [16] gussets.
• [4] × 32"diameter × 9" wheels.

P.C. & Seat mounting metal:

• [1] 144" 4×4" 1/4" thick angle Iron
• [1] 88" 2×2" 1/4" angle iron
• [1] 192"×4" 3/8" plate

Other

• [16] thrust bearings - in the form of large washers with 1-7/8" hole.

Bolts

Functionality list:

• [40] 3/4x5-1/2", with [40] washers for one side and [40] metal lock nuts for the other side. For wheel plates & cylinder plates.
• [42] 3/4"x9" bolts, [80] washers, and [40] metal lock nuts. This is for the assembly of the main frame.
• [16] 1/2"x2" bolts + [16] nylon lock nuts + [16] lock washers to suit. Motor attachment to motor QA/interface plate. These could be 2" studs, as these are welded to the motor QA/interface plate.
• [8] 3/4"x2" bolts for motor; [8] nuts to weld; [8] lock washers. Attachment of motor interface plate to frame.
• [32] 5/8"x2"bolts + [32] metal lock nuts, [32] lock washers to suit. Mounting of bearings to frame.
• [32] 9/16"x2" fine thread bolts, [32] washers, [32] nylon lock nuts. Attachment of wheel to wheel hub. Includes studs, nuts, and washers.
• [4] 3/4"x4.5" bolts; [8] nuts; [4] nylon lock nuts. Mounting of wheel bushings to wheel shafts.

TOTALS:

• [40] 3/4"x5.5" bolts
• [42] 3/4"x9" bolts
• [4] 3/4"x4.5" bolts
• [8] 3/4"x2" bolts
• [120] 3/4" washers
• [80] 3/4" metal lock nuts
• [16] 3/4" nuts
• [4] 3/4" nylon lock nuts
• [8] 3/4" lock washers

• [16] 1/2"x2" bolts
• [16] 1/2" nylon lock nuts
• [16] 1/2" lock washers

• [32] 5/8"x2" bolts
• [32] 5/8" metal lock nuts
• [32] 5/8" lock washers

• [32] 9/16"x2" bolts
• [32] 9/16" washers
• [32] 9/16" nylon lock nuts

Hydraulics

Note that the following list involves 2 loaders. For a simpler version, a single front loader is sufficient. Two loaders are used for extreme flexibility.

(download Blender file here)

Main

Parts from Surplus Center:

Functionality list:

Note: Green indicates finalized shopping list from Surplus Center. Blue indicates list from McMaster Carr. Red is Dalton Hydralics. See Parts Sourcing for contact information.

1. [8] 1-7/8" Flange Bearings - [1] or 2-1/2" Flange Bearings [2]
2. [2] Front Loader cylinders - 36" - $174 - 48 5/8" retracted length - [3]
3. [4] 3/8 NPTM x 1/2 NPTF 90 SWIVEL [4] for Front Loader Cylinders up to hose
   1. 4.9 square inch area at 2500 PSI implies 12000 lb of force for each cylinder
4. [0] Rear loader cylinders - [5]
5. [0] SAE 8M x 1/2 NPTF 90 SWIVEL [6] for Rear Loader Cylinders
6. [4] QA plate hydraulic cylinders & 2 Rear Loader [7]
7. [0] 3/8 NPTM x 1/2 NPTF 90 SWIVEL [8] for Q.A. Plate Cylinders
8. [4] Motors - [9]
   1. [8] SAE M 10 to NPT M 1/2" for Ports [10]
   2. [4] SAE 4M TO 1/4" NPTM CONNECTOR for Case Drains [11]
   3. [8] 1/2" QC for Motors [12]
   4. [4] 1/4" QC for motors [13]
9. [2] 1-1/4 SHAFT COUPLER W 5/16" KEYWAY - [14]
10. [2] 1-3/8" 6T fully splined shafting - [15]
11. [2] Female 1-3/8" 6T spline coupling - [16], $30 each
12. [12] 1.875" double split shaft collars - [17]
    1. got 10 double split
    2. got 2 single split - [18]
13. [1] 1/2" male QC tip, which already have female part [19]

Valves

• [1] 3-spool motor valve, 25 gpm - [20], $288
• [4] 1/2" Quick Couplers [21] - for motor valve work ports
• [4] 1/2" NPT M to NPT M 90deg Elbow for Motor Valve working ports [22] - for 2 sets of work ports to wheel motors
• [4] 3/4" NPT quick couplers - Dalton Hydraulics - 2 for in/out, 2 for auxiliary work ports
• [2] 1/2 NPT hex nipples [23]-for auxiliary pair of motor valve work ports
• [2] 3/4 NPT hex nips [24] - in and out of valve
• [2] 3/4 NPT to 1/2 NPT bushing [25] - auxiliary work ports

OSE Danfoss Black 2 Spool

• [4] SAE 8M TO 1/2" NPTM CONNECTOR for working ports [26]
• [6] 1/2" NPT QUICK COUPLER F/F S20-4 [27]
• [1] SAE 10 PLUG for OSE BLACK 2 Spool [28]
• [2] SAE 10M TO 1/2" NPT CONNECTOR [29]

3 Spool Husco

• [1] 3/4" NPT quick couplers - Dalton Hydraulics - 1 pair for inlet
• [1] 3/4" NPT nip - [30] - for inlet
• [3] 1/2" nip for return cross [31]
• [1] 1/2"-1/4" bushing - to accept case drain return [32]
• [2] quick coupler pairs for return line - [33]
• Pipe cross fitting on the return line to accommodate case drain return - [34]
• [1] SAE 12 M to NPT 3/4 M Connector [35]
• [1] SAE 10M TO 1/2" NPT CONNECTOR [36]
• [1] 1/2 X 1/2 X 1/2 NPTF TEE [37]

2 Spool Prince Valve

• [1] 3/4" Quick Coupler for outlet (already included in central 3-spool motor valve)
• [2] 3/4" NPT nip for inlet/outlet - [38]
• [1] 3/4" NPT tee (already have these) for inlet
• [2] 3/4" to 1/2" bushings - [39]
• [1] 1/2" NPT male elbow - [40]
• [2] 1/2" quick coupler pairs - [41]

Cushion Valves

• [2] 1/2 NPT 30 GPM 1500-3000 PSI HYD CUSHION VALVES - [42]
• [4] 1/2" male QC tips to plug into valves, which already have female QCs [43]
• [2] 1/2 NPTM x 1/2 NPTF swivel [44] for cushion valve to mount tees, for separating to right and left cylinders; only one swivel needed per cushion valve
• [4] 1/2" nip - [45] - going from between swivel and tee.
• [4] NPTF Tee [46]- 4 for loaders only, not QA plates

Power Cube

• Note: pump is already obtained

• [1] Coupler half, 5/8" - $10
• [1] Coupler half, 1" - $10
• [1] Solid spider - $14
• [1] Breather cap - [47] - $8
  • [1] 3/4 NPT coupling - found at big box hardware stores
• [1] Suction strainer, 2" to 1-1/4" - [48] - $23
  • Use for dual Power Cubes
  • [1] Use 2" coupler from bix box store to thread into Power Cube frame
• [1] Pressure relief for power cube bypass- [49]
• [1] 20 GPM return Line Filter - [50]
• [1] 3/4" NPT Swivel for return line filter going into frame - [51]
• [2] 3/4" NPT hex nip on both sides of filter - [52]
• [1] 1"-3/4" NPT reducer bushing for frame receptacle for return filter - [53]
• [1] 3/4" quick coupler for return line to filter
• [2] 1/2" quick couplers for main power lines

Hoses:

• [1] 2 foot hose from pump outlet to return line filter - [54]
• [2] 10 foot hoses, already have these - [55]

Pressure Bypass:

• [1] 1/2" NPT Bypass valve - [56]
• [3] 1/2" Quick couplers - 1 complete for tee near pump, one going from return filter to tee, and male tip for return line. This gives one extra female quick coupler left over. This set of 3 QCs does not cover hoses going from and to the PowerCube.
• [4] 1/2" NPTF hex nip for one and other side of tee, on both tees - [57]
• [2] 1/2" NPTF tee - from outlet of pump to pressure bypass, and from bypass valve into return line filter - [58]

Hoses

Between Motor Valves & Motors

• [4] 1/2" X 36" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE for in/out of the valves [59]
• [4] 1/2" X 36" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE for in/out of front motors [60]
• [4] 1/2 X 1/2 X 1/2 NPTF TEE [61]
• [4] 1/2" X 48" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE for rear motors [62]

Motor Case Drains

• [2] 1/4" X 72" NPTM 2750 PSI HYD HOSE to run parallel with tractor sides [63]
• [1] 1/4" X 30" NPTM 2750 PSI HYD HOSE from Tee to Tee in return hose [64]
• [1] 1/4" X 36" NPTM 2750 PSI HYD HOSE to Rear Motors [65]
• [3] 1/4 X 1/4 X 1/4 NPTF TEE [66]
• [3] 1/4 NPT hex nipples [67]
• [4] 1/4" NPT quick couplers are already with the motors

Front Loader

• [2] 1/2" X 12" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE from Valves to Cushion [68]
• [2] 1/2" X 36" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE for left front loader cylinder [69]
• [1] 1/2" X 48" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE for right front loader cylinder [70]
• [1] 1/2" X 60" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE for right front loader cylinder [71]

Front loader QA Cylinder Hoses

• [4] 3/8" NPTM x 1/2" NPTF swivel - [72] - swivels for QA cylinders
• [2] 1/2" nips - going from cylinder swivels to tees - [73]
• [2] 1/2" NPTF tees - from cylinder to hoses - [74]
• [2] male QC tips - for plugging into control valves - [75]
• [2] 1/2" X 48" NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [76]
• [1] 1/2" X 120" NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [77]
• [1] 1/2" X 144" NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [78]

Rear Loader Hoses

• [2] 1/2" X 12" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE to Cushion Valve [79]
• [1] 1/2" X 60" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [80]
• [1] 1/2" X 96" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [81]
• [1] 1/2" X 84" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [82]
• [1] 1/2" X 120" 1/2 NPTM X 1/2 NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [83]

Rear loader Q.A. Cylinder Hoses

• [4] 3/8" NPTM x 1/2" NPTF swivel - [84] - swivels for QA cylinders
• [2] 1/2" nips - going from cylinder swivels to tees - [85]
• [2] 1/2" NPTF tees - from cylinder to hoses - [86]
• [2] male QC tips - for plugging into control valves - [87]
• [2] 1/2" X 48" NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [88]
• [1] 1/2" X 120" NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [89]
• [1] 1/2" X 144" NPTM 3000 PSI HYD HOSE [90]

Seat

• [1] Tractor Seat [91]

Wheel bearings

Front loader cylinder

Front loader cylinder fittings

Rear loader cylinder

|

Rear loader cylinder fittings

Quick attach plate cylinder

Wheel motors

Wheel motor fittings

File:Lt2wheelmotorcdfittings.jpg

Wheel motor case drain fittings

Spline coupler, female part

Spline shaft, male

Wheel motor shaft coupler

Shaft collars, 3 per wheel

2 spool motor valve, 25 gpm

5 spool valve, 20 gpm

Cushion valve for front and rear loaders

1/2 inch NPT swivel

1/2 inch NPT nip

Half inch tee

Pressure relief valve for Power Cube

Spline shaft, male

Total Weight

• Frame 4x4x1/4" square tubing - 1277 lb
• Loader arms (2 sets), 3x6x3/8" tubing - 900 lb
• Loader arm shafts, angles - 150 lb (even)
• Loader arm cylinder mount plates (base (66lb) and top(80)) - 146 lb
• Loader arm bottom eyes - 46
• Hydraulics, wheel bearings - 811 lb
• Wheel mounting plates, gussets, tubes - 112 lb
• Bearing and motor plates - 160 lb
• Wheels - 200 lb
• Wheel tracks (140 lb chain, 209 lb rebar (2.6 lb/ft for 1" rebar)) - 349 lb
• Bolts - 75 lb
• Pins - 30 lb
• Power Cube (1) - 420 lb
• Quick Attach Plates (2 sets) - 234 lb

Total weight of tractor with 2 sets of loader arms, 1 small Power Cube, and wheel tracks 4910 lb dry weight, with 2 Power Cubes - 5330 lb. Weight of loader arms with cylinders and Quick Attach plates: 940 front, 900 back, for total of about 1840 lb. Weight of 2 Power Cube version with only front loader - 4430 lb.

Cost

Basic Structure

This is about a buck fifty per pound of the 2214 lb machine, or about the going price of tomatoes. That is without the PowerCube. If you use an off-shelf 18 hp engine – the price may be $1225 ($500 for 18 hp engine + $200 pump + $225 frame + $300 balance of system). The total is then $4808.

Front Loader

• Heavy duty front loader arm metal (3/8″x3″x6″ rectangular tube) – $500
• Cylinders – $600
• Control valve – $200
• Hoses – $100
• Couplers and fittings – $100
• Quick Attach plate – $150Cushion valve – $66

TOTAL FRONT LOADER COST – $1716

Rear Loader

• Rear Loader Cylinders – $520
• Heavy duty rear loader arm metal (3/8″x3″x6″ rectangular tube)- $340
• Selector valve (4) – $180
• Quick attach plate – $150
• Cushion valve – $66

TOTAL REAR LOADER COST – $1256

Steel Tracks

• Chain - 80 feet - $270 at $3.37/foot
• Links - $28
• Rebar - 140' at $1.57/foot - $220

TOTAL for Wheel Tracks - $518

Quick Attach Plates

Quick attach plate with levers.

(See Open Pario for design)

• [6]1"x5" pins (30") - $10
• [129"] 3/16"x3" sq tubing - $46
• [113"] 1/2"x3" flat - $34
• [6"] 1" DOM tubing - $15
• [24"] 1" rebar - $3
• [66"] 1/4"x2" flat - $6
• [6"] 1/2" rebar - $1
• [15"] 3/4" threaded rod - $3
• [8] 3/4" lock nuts - $1.60
• [2] 3/4" nuts - $0.40

MATERIALS FOR EACH QA PLATE - $124

Overall cost for a dual loader tractor – wheel base of about 7×7 feet, designed to handle 3 Power Cubes, for a power limit up to approximately 150 hp – $6550 without the PowerCubes. Design is absolutely scalable, such that a half-size version – or MicroTrac, may be made – and it can be designed readily from our Blender model drawings.

Package Options

Package 1

• Basic 4 wheel drive tractor - $3583
• Tracks - $520
• Front loader with quick attach plate- $1840 (with quick attach plate)
• Power Cube - $1236 for 18 hp

Total cost is $7179 in materials. The 18 hp may be undersized, so we recommend 2 PowerCubes for 35 hp

Package 2

• Basic 4 wheel drive tractor - $3583
• Tracks - $520
• Front loader with quick attach plate- $1840
• Quick Attach plate - $124
• Front loader bucket - $400
• 2 Power Cubes - $2472 for 35 hp

Total cost is $8815 in materials fpr 35 hp.

Package 3

Now here’s the good part. We aim to develop the induction furnace within 2 years, with which we will be able to produce all tractor structure and components, minus the rubber parts, from scrap steel. This means that we will demonstrate how to build a tractor at the cost of scrap metal plus rubber, plus energy to run the induction furnace. This should be about $1k in materials such as hoses and hydraulic seals, plus labor. This indicates a possibility of closing the industrial divide between the developed and developing worlds.