LifeTrac IV/Research Development/Improvements

=Overview= These page lists improvements learned from lessons learned on the LifeTrac III prototypes. Please add as necessary.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Connection
It may be useful to have an auxiliary quick connection mount routed to the front of the loader.

Floor Plate
Current Lifetrac has no floor plate which is a safety concern. A floor plate should be added to the next design.

Roof Plate
A roof plate is another safety feature that should be looked into. Perhaps made of a metal mesh.

Safety Screen
A safety screen should be added to the sides when occupant is in the vehicle so that arms cannot get caught under the loader arms accidentally. Could be made of a lighter metal mesh.

Seatbelt
In the event of a rollover, the occupant needs to be secure in the seat.

Driver Position
Currently due to the driver being so far rearward it is difficult to see precision work with the quick attach plate like when picking pallets. It may be possible to move the driver more forward in the vehicle. It would require redesign of quite a few things but should be considered.

Vehicle control mechanisms
Current vehicle control mechanisms are via push levers for everything which is difficult and non-intuitive. Beginning research into a foot pedal mechanism for controlling the QA plate angle would be beneficial.

Additional controls for the skid steering like joysticks would be useful too but may be too complicated.

Head lights
Attaching headlight mounts to the front of the frame for operation at night is useful.

Optimized hydraulic locations for maximum lifting capacities
The locations of the hydraulics and how they push on the loader arms need to be optimized.

Track Design
Current tracks can slip off during hard riding. Proposes for redesign of tracks or adjustment of current tracks is desired.

=Links= Safety Info - PDF on preventing injury and death with skid loader design.