LifeTrac

LifeTrac Tractor

Overview

LifeTrac is a low-cost, multipurpose open source tractor. It serves as a workhorse backbone for many of GVCS technologies.

Featuring a modular design and detachable PowerCube units, it has the ability to rapidly switch between a variety of GVCS machines via the QA Plate. The machine is overbuilt with a focus on lifetime design and ease of repair.

Four hydraulic motors provide skid steer power to the wheels, and a unique chain tread system enables navigation of fairly extreme terrain.

Preparation

Safety

• Hearing Protection
• Eye Protection
• Steel Toe Boots
• Welding
  • Gloves
  • Hood
  • Apron/Jacket

Workspace

This section describes the various workspace areas that we have found to be useful in fabricating the LifeTrac. It is provided as a suggestion for preparing your work area.

• Storage: For raw steel and parts
• Cutting Area: For use with cutting torch - Made from non-flammable materials
• Welding Table: Usually steel, suitable for use with arc welder (MIG, TIG, stick, etc)
• Ventilation for cutting / welding areas

Tools

• Welder
• Angle Grinder

• Hand Tools
  • Crescent wrench
  • Socket set
  • Hammer

• Metal Cutting Tools
  • Bandsaw
  • Chopsaw
  • Torch

• Paint Tools
  • Gravity Fed Paint Sprayer
  • Air compressor

Cut Sheet

• This list contains instructions for cutting the raw steel into pieces for assembly. Most will require further cuts before being ready for assembly.

1/2” Thick, 4" x 6" Angle

• 4 @ 6"

1/4” Thick, 2 3/8" Dia Steel Tube

• 1 @ 4 1/2"

5/16” Thick, 2 1/2" Dia Steel Tube

• 4 @ 5"

3/8” x 3" x 6" Steel Tube

• 1 @ 45"
• 2 @ 100"

¼” x 4" x 4" Steel Tube

• 3 @ 44"
• 2 @ 52"
• 2 @ 55"
• 2 @ 59"
• 3 @ 60"
• 2 @ 68"
• 4 @ 76"
• Totals: 18 Pieces, 90' 4" (round up 10% =~ 100')

Parts Fabrication

• The purpose of this section is to prepare the components for final assembly. This includes cutting steel into required lengths and shapes, drilling, welding and shaping as required for final assembly.

• These step includes drilling and cutting steel up to 1” thick.

¼” x 4" x 4" Steel Tube

• Cut the following lengths:
• Drill 13/16" holes in the following tubes and locations:
• Use cutting torch to cut a 2 3/4" hole as follows:

Assembly

Lower Frame

• Cut the following lengths:
• ¼” x 8” x 12” Plate
• ¼” x 8” x 9” Plate

Lower Frame

Product Ecology

Product Ecology

From	Uses	Creates	Enables
Power Cube Hydraulic Motor Induction Furnace Steel Components	Power Cube		CEB Press Rototiller Backhoe Universal Rotor Well-Drilling Rig Trencher Baler Seeder Spader Rototiller Hay Rake Hay Cutter

Status

Currently the Lifetrac is on its second prototype with half a dozen units at Factor e Farm. The machines are currently being prepared for field testing as a part of the Factor e Farm Infrastructure Buildout 2011.

The next prototype aims to integrate as aspects of Digital Fabrication for automated production. Rebar construction is also under consideration.

See also

• LifeTrac Questions

The Global Village Construction Set
Habitat	CEB Press	Cement Mixer	Sawmill	Bulldozer	Backhoe
Agriculture	Tractor	Seeder	Hay Rake	Well-Drilling Rig
	Microtractor	Soil Pulverizer	Spader	Hay Cutter	Trencher
	Bakery Oven	Dairy Milker	Microcombine	Baler
Industry	Multimachine	Ironworker	Laser Cutter	Welder	Plasma Cutter
	CNC Torch Table	Metal Roller	Rod and Wire Mill	Press Forge	Universal Rotor
	3D Printer	3D Scanner	CNC Circuit Mill	Industrial Robot	Chipper Hammermill
	Drill Press	Induction Furnace
Energy	Power Cube	Gasifier Burner	Solar Concentrator	Electric Motor Generator	Hydraulic Motor
	Steam Engine	Heat Exchanger	Wind Turbine	Pelletizer	Universal Power Supply
	Nickel-Iron Battery
Materials	Aluminum Extractor	Bioplastic Extruder
Transportation	Car	Truck
Key	Design	Planning	Prototype	Almost done	Full Release