LifeTrac Questions
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= Does any other single device that has the functionality of both a standard agricultural tractor and a skid steer in one, as found in LifeTrac?
Point: As far as we know, LifeTrac is the only device that includes the functionality of an agricultural tractor and skid-steer loader in one.
Skid Loader specialization:
- Hydraulic drive allows immediate reversal of direction - allowing for rapid digging/moving tasks
- Tight turning because the wheels skid on the ground (hence the name). A skid steer can essentially turn a circle in place
- Hydraulic takeoff can power a variety of implements
- Heavy duty tires, about $300 each
- Quick attach plate is used for rapid interchange of implements
LifeTrac Comparison to Skid Loader:
- Hydraulic drive just like in skid steers has identical performance.
- Tight turning is achieved via articulation of the tractor up to about a 40 degree angle
- Hydraulic takeoff can power a variety of implements
- 16" truck tires with chains attain high performance at a cost of $30 per wheel (with used tires)
- Quick attach plate is used for rapid interchange of implements
Tractor Specialization:
- Faster speed and larger size allows large tracts of land to be worked
- Power take off shaft can power a variety of implements
- 3-point hitch allows the use of a wide range of agricultural implements on the back of the tractor
- Large rear wheels provide effective traction; dually (doubled) wheel configuration may be used
LifeTrac Comparison to Tractor:
- High speed can be achieved by going into 2 wheel drive mode, for large-scale agricultural tasks
- Power take off (PTO) shaft can power a variety of implements; PTO is movable, and can be attached on rear, on quick attach plate, or anywhere else.
- Movable 3-point hitch allows the use of a wide range of agricultural implements - either on the end of the tractor or on the front quick attach plate.
- 4 wheel drive, inexpensive wheels with chains provide good traction; dually wheel configuration may be used
Discussion:
- LifeTrac has the quick back-and-forth motion found in skid steers - to allow effective digging/moving functions with loader. At the same time, it has the speed and PTO/3-point hitch ability that makes it capable of any agricultural tasks, up to about a 40 acre scale (about 1 hp/acre figure of merit). One cannot do effective, accurate digging with a tractor, where one cannot make sharp turns and must change gears to change direction. All in all, using industrial equipment, one needs both a tractor and a skid loader to do all the functions of which LifeTrac is capable.
- Does anyone know of any single device that has the functionality of both a standard agricultural tractor and a skid steer in one, as found in LifeTrac? See discussion - [1]
square tube construction techniques
The basic frame is bolted together from 4x4x1/4" square tubing. That basic frame looks very similar to the "grid beam" techniques.
- Would it be possible to build the basic frame using standard grid beams? (2x2" square tubing?)
- Since both LifeTrac and "grid beam" are open-source, is it possible to make a modular construction system that combines the best parts of both systems?
More about grid beam: see gridbeam.
Other research questions
LifeTrac is an open source, design-for disassembly tractor with interchangeable modules and a high level of flexibility that aims at achieving a life-size Lego set for mechanical equipment and implements. There is a number of research questions to be answered:
- What is the optimal frame design such that it can allow for attaching all the different modules and components? What are the design requirements for the frame that would allow it to be a 'life-size Erector Set'? What is the optimal structural member unit for the frame? We are presently using 4"x4"x1/4" steel tubing.
- What is the maximum practical size for the frame, and therefore, tractor?
- What is the best design for the PowerCube? What are the design requirements for a PowerCube?
- What is the minimum power that a highly functional tractor requires? What is the minimum size that LifeTrac can be?
- What modules can be added to the tractor? How can the modules themselves be modular, ie., consist of a number of smaller design-for-disassembly modules?
- What is the best design for a modern steam engine-based PowerCube, such that any biomass crop (biomass pellets) can be used for fuel?
- What is the best design for a biomass pelletizer system that could be used to produce fuel for the tractor?
- What are the design requirements for the tractor to have lifetime design?
- What is the cost analysis for parts, components, and labor of producing the tractor?
- What are the fabrication requirements and ergonomics for a tractor production enterprise for LifeTrac?
- How can an induction furnace be used to produce parts for the tractor out of scrap steel?
- What machining requirements exist for making components for the tractor, if one were to not buy parts off-shelf?
- What is the best design of a universal, quick attach plate for the front loader for attaching implements?
- What are the weight balance issues involved?
- What is the structural analysis for the tractor - what are the maximum loads it can carry on the quick attach and loader?
- What are the power and structural calculations for the tractor?
- ...
