Introduction
last updated 12/09
We have already built LifeTrac, the world's first, high performance, open source, multipurpose tractor. Our learnings from this project are:
- Design-for-disassembly via bolt-together xyz beam design is feasible for building heavy equipment
- Initial results indicate that complete, life-size Erector Set or Lego Set for real technology can be built using stock steel and components
- Lifetime design, modularity, simplicity, and ease of maintenance are key features
- Initial results indicate that DIY kits - reconfiguarable from small tractors to bulldozers just like Lego Blocks - with interchangeable motors and power units - are a viable route to widespread adoption of the technology
- Cost performance in the DIY scenario appears to be a factor of 10 improvement over the competition
Performance Review
To date, LifeTrac has undergone over 1 year of field testing. Bucket work, CEB press power, backhoeing, power generator work, bale spiking, tree hole augering, disking, and other uses were performed. During initial testing, the articulated joint cracked in half and was redesigned completely. Since then, there have been no mechanical problems, such that down time never lasted more than a few minutes due to ready ability to repair.
While long-term performance only will determine whether LifeTrac is worthy of its implied lifetime-design name - the results after 1 year of operation are promising.
- Hydraulic drive via a diesel engine reduces the mechanical complexity by eliminating the transmission-clutch-differential-drive train-steering-breaking, and replacing it with hydraulic flow, valves, and hydraulic actuators that perform all of the above functions
- Thus, power transmission components are decoupled and made modular
- Hydraulic system is robust and flexible. It allows devices on and off the tractor to be powered using 3 sets of 12 gpm outlets.
- Articulated steering is an effective means of performing short-radius turns
- Articulated joint both rotates and moves side-to-side, keeping 4 wheels on the ground under all conditions
- Pressure can be varied everywhere with adjustable pressure relief
We welcome third party testing organizations to get involved in the evaluation process we are currently building LifeTrac prototype II.