Skidded Tractor For Everday Use
This repository contains detailed information about each version of the LifeTrac series, including comprehensive documentation extracted from the Open Source Ecology wiki pages.
Each LifeTrac version has its own folder containing detailed documentation:
- LifeTrac I - 2008 - The first prototype with articulated steering
- LifeTrac II - Beginning of modular Power Cube design with skid steering
- LifeTrac III - Compact design with single loader and quick attach valves
- LifeTrac IV - Enhanced with larger hydraulic motors and Modular Wheel Units
- LifeTrac V - Introduction of LifeTrac Construction Set with 4"x4" tubing
- LifeTrac VI - Refined design with fixed loader arm geometry
- LifeTrac VII - First tracked version for bulldozer applications
- LifeTrac v16 - (LifeTrac VIII) 2016 - Simplified traction machine design
- Microtrac v17.10 - (LifeTrac IX) Compact modular design
- LifeTrac v17.10 - 5 Minute Part Replacement focus
- LifeTrac v20.12 - Latest version with UTU and UWU systems
- LifeTrac v25 - Remote control system with WiFi/MQTT and BLE communication (Work in Progress)
- LifeTrac I - 2008 - Articulated steering, 4 wheel drive, wheel chains, dedicated 55 hp diesel engine. Limited roll-over protection.
- LifeTrac II - Began modular Power Cube design. Skid steering with tracks on rubber tires, 4 wheel drive, 2 modular engine units (Power Cubes), 54 hp total, front- and rear-end loaders included.
- LifeTrac III - Same as II but one single (front-end) loader arm. 32 cu in hydraulic motors. Quick attach valves added.
- LifeTrac IV - Larger hydraulic motors (45 cu in) were used, and Modular Wheel Units were added. Quick connects added to hydraulic controls.
- LifeTrac V - Began using LifeTrac Construction Set - 4"x4" square tubing, and increased modularity of construction. Modular Wheel Units continued.
- LifeTrac VI - Continued LifeTrac Construction Set. Modular Wheel Units are a robust design feature. Same design, but fixed the loader arm geometry.
- LifeTrac VII - First tracked version built. Continuing Tractor Construction Set with Bulldozer Development.
- LifeTrac v16 (LifeTrac VIII) - 2016 - Tracked tractor designed purely as a simplified traction machine with 7000 lb of pull.
- Microtrac v17.10 (LifeTrac IX) - In use in 2021 but modified to shorter tracks.
- LifeTrac v17.10 - Universal Wheel Unit no longer the main drive option to promote 5 Minute Part Replacement.
- LifeTrac v20.12 - Built during Summer X 2021. Includes work on UTU and UWU. Test bed for 5 Minute Part Replacement.
- LifeTrac v25 - Remote control system featuring WiFi/MQTT and Bluetooth (BLE) communication for hydraulic operation control. Includes Arduino Opta controller, ROS2 integration, and web-based interface with live camera feed. (Work in Progress)
Each version folder contains:
- README.md - Comprehensive overview with technical details and historical significance
- bill_of_materials.md - Bill of materials information (where available)
The documentation has been extracted and compiled from the Open Source Ecology wiki to provide a comprehensive reference for each LifeTrac version.