LifeTrac
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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 easy of repair.
Four hydraulic motors provide skid steer power to the wheels, and a unique chain tread system enables navigation of fairly extreme terrain.
Product Ecology
Uses Power Cube Hydraulic Motor Induction Furnace Steel
Attaches Rototiller Backhoe Universal Rotor Trencher Baler Seeder Spader Rototiller Hay Rake Hay Cutter
Loads CEB Press
Specifications
- 5-10 mph in 4 wheel drive
- 29 gpm auxiliary hydraulics, 3 channels
- Weight: 3000 lb
- Modular: 2 OSTracs may be mounted together for double traction power
- 3500 lb winch
- 55 hp Deutz diesel engine
- Four 32 cubic inch hydraulic motors
- 3-point hitch
- Power take off, hydraulic - 0-700 rpm
Goals
- Lifetime design
- Scalable
- Modular
- Easy to maintain
Features
It has a number of features that set it apart from skid loaders and make these vehicles suitable for agriculture. The main features for agriculture are a 3-point hitch, power takeoff, and high-flow hydraulic takeoff. These features make the LifeTrac capable of using any agricultural implements.
LifeTrac is also designed with a winch, and is designed to be equipped with well-drilling equipment with 10-foot drilling pipe sections.
As such, the design is one of highest utility and versatility, combining the power of skid loaders with agricultural tractors and construction tractors. A Compressed Earth Block press CEB Press is designed for use as an implement with LifeTrac, and a backhoe as well.
The unique feature is the modularity and design for dis-assembly. Priority one is lifetime design, where any problem can be troubleshooted and fixed readily. Bye-bye to $1-2,000 transmission jobs at the shop. No transmission is required - it's built-in to the hydraulic drive.
Components are designed to be standard steel as much as possible. The goal is to have the user-owner fully capable of maintenance. By design, no issue in LifeTrac should be more expensive than $250 to fix. Standard steel components (sheet, tubing, shaft, etc.) is used, with no forming or machining outside of minor welding and lathing, for repair and construction of OSTrac.
General design goals
- Skid loader concept
- Articulated steering
- 4 wheel drive
- 2 wheel drive for doubled speed
- Front-end loader
- Backhoe attachment available
- Well-drilling attachment available
- CEB attachment available
- Hybrid between a skid loader, agricultural tractor, and construction tractor
Maintenance
- Yearly maintenance costs designed to be no more than $100 with heavy duty usage
- What are the key points in a maintenance check?
- What are the skill sets required to perform a systems check accurately?
Evolution
- Flash-steam bladeless turbine drive being explored
- Flash-steam electric hybrid drive being developed
See also
