Life Track II Build/Wheel Mount Construction Video Script

The LifeTrac Tractor wheel mount assembly is constructed from a hydraulic motor with coupler, two wheel mount plates measuring 8 by 10 by 1/2 inch (base) each attached to a flange bearing assembly, a bare piece of 10 by 8 by 1/2 inch steel plate that will be made into the motor mount plate, and the hydraulic motor mount that includes a 6 by 8 by 1/2 inch steel plate called the quick attach plate or hydraulic motor interface plate; we will be attaching this to the motor mount plate, a wheel assembly including a T245/R16, the shaft assembly, three double split lock collars, two big washers, a hydraulic motor, and six three-quarter inch bolts.

This video includes the most updated measurements and procedures for the LifeTrac III prototypes on the Factor e Farm. I will refer to the orientation of the frame pieces as if we were sitting in the drivers seat of the LifeTrac: north is to the front end where the loader will be attached, south is behind us at the back of the tractor, west is on our left hand side and east is on our right hand side. All lateral measurements of the beams are from left to right, all measurements of depth are from front to back, and all measurements of height are from top to bottom. Each drill hole is measured from one end of the tube to accommodate for inaccurate material dimensions. Pay careful attention to only measure from the top and left reference point. Do not attempt to convert and measure locations from the right nor bottom, as even slight inaccuracies can prevent bolts from aligning properly between pieces and create overall alignment problems which can be serious. Construction of sub-assemblies in this video (such as preparation of the shaft itself and wheel bearing assemblies) will be covered in detail in other videos.

The first step is to prepare each of the pieces for mounting. The assembly process, at present, will involve some welding of mounting plates to the LifeTrac frame; however, the next iteration of the LifeTrac will have a fully modular wheel mount assembly that will be readily attachable and detachable with only four bolts, eliminating the welding that inhibits ready swappability and interchangeability of the wheel between different machines. This will greatly enhance the serviceability of the LifeTrac, allowing a wheel mount assembly to be readily swapped with another LifeTrac or another Global Village Construction Set machine that uses a wheel mount. This will readily align this component with the overall GVCS strategy of simplicity and ease of service through modular, easily-swapped components.

To begin, punch 3/4 inch diameter holes in one of the two wheel mounting plates measuring 8 by 10 by one-half inches that is already prepared with bearing assemblies attached; the holes are centered 2 1/2 inches down from the top at 2 inches and 6 inches from the left. Repeat these hole punches for the second wheel mounting plate.

On the 10 by 8 by 1/2 inch motor mount plate, punch 3/4 inch holes centered 5 inches from the left at 1 1/2 inches and 7 1/2 inches from the top. Torch a 3-inch-diameter hole centered 5 inches from the left and 4 inches from the top.

On the 6 by 8 by 1/2 inch quick attach plate (also called the hydraulic interface plate), punch 3/4 inch holes 3 1/2 inches from the left at 1 1/2 inches and 7 1/2 inches from the top. Torch a 3 inch diameter hole centered 3 1/2 inches from the left and 4 inches from the top.

Bolt one of the two wheel mount plates through the existing holes at 9 and 13 inches for the front wheels or 63 and 67 inches for the rear wheels on the lower outer north/south frame member (measured from the front edge of the frame member) using 3/4 inch bolts. Repeat this with the second wheel mount plate to the outside of the lower inner north/south frame member. Previously, the plates were mounted with clamps and holes transfer-punched from the plates onto the frame members and then the frame members were punched during the assembly, but current frame preparation and assembly instructions (see frame assembly video) punches the holes in the frame in their correct location first, which saves time and simplifies the process over the previous method.

Securely tack-weld the motor mount plate to the vertical frame member fully along all contact edges; it should be flush with the front or back lower east/west LifeTrac frame member depending on whether it is a front or rear wheel.

Bolt the quick attach plate to the motor mount plate using 3/4 inch bolts at the top and bottom bolt holes; make sure that the 3 inch diameter shaft holes align.

Insert the prepared shaft through the wheel and the first wheel mount on the outer side of the outer lower north/south frame member; slide two large washers onto the shaft as you pass it through the outer wheel mount and north/south frame member and keep against the interior of that outer north/south member. Continue the shaft in through the inside wheel mount and frame member and into the hydraulic coupler located inside that inner lower north/south frame member. Install a double split lock collar on the outside of the outer north/south frame member, a second collar on the inside of the outer north/south frame member and two washers, and place the third double split lock collar outside of where the shaft enters the wheel/bearing mount by the inner north/south frame member.

Carefully check to make sure that the shaft goes straight through the wheel mount assemblies and into the hydraulic motor coupler and is not askew forward or back, nor up nor down.

Align the shaft with the bolt hole on its outer end with the matching bolt through-holes on the outside of the wheel and secure with a bolt. This secures the wheel in place.