A new OpenRC Tractor tool is out! Makit presents…THE LIFTER
IMPORTANT UPDATE
I improved the lifter with the use of a threaded rod instead of a 3d printed screw. I linked new version on the download button but I'll keep instructions the same, as steps are quite similar.
Be prepared to have lots of fun with this new OpenRC Tractor tool. You can use it in combination with the trailer and load and unload pallets or other tools. The pallet is also available!! Get it from MyMiniFactory
Update: If you find your tractor weeling, try this counterweight!
OpenRC Tractor lifter main
List of materials:
- Plastic parts, screws and nuts, cables
Check BOM pdf file from download link
- Motor and ESC
IMPORTANT: Connecting two esc’s with the same battery can cause problems if they don’t match. Please, make sure it’s safe to connect them together or you may damage your electronics.
In addition to the esc controller for the tractor motors, you’ll need a motor esc controller for the lifter motor. As I want to control both of them with the same radio and use the same battery, I bought these two esc controllers that are basically the same but one of them has brake (for the tractor) while the other doesn’t (for the lifter motor).
- ESC controller for the main tractor micro motors (with brake)
- ESC controller for the lifter motor (without brake)
- Micro motor
- RC radio transmitter and receiver
You’ll need a radio combo that lets you control the lifter motor. Not all RC radios allow this. In my case I use this one and I connect the lifter motor ESC to channel 3 and control it with a potentiometer.
- Battery
Lipo batteries must be treated with care, please follow the manufacturer instructions and read FAQ section where I talk more about LIPO batteries.
INSTRUCTTIONS
Assembling the lifter is not difficult, just bear in mind it’s easier if you follow this order:
Step 1
Screw lifter arms to the body with four M3x12mm countersunk screws
Step 2
You’ll need to solder a JST male plug to the motor. Bear in mind that positive (+) of the motor should be soldered to red cable.
Step 3
Insert motor into the screw and fix it with one M3x8mm screw. Now screw bodyclip nut (part 90) into the printed screw (part 96). Bear in mind bodyclip orientation, with “UP” letters facing up. Then take body and arms from step 1 and use two M3x16mm countersunk to put them together
Step 4
Fix motor_mount_part1 (part 94) to the x-connector (part 89) with two M3x20mm screws. Now join x-connector with result from step 3 with four M3x20mm screws (upper part) and two M3x16mm screws (lower part).
Step 5
Secure the motor with the motor_mount_part2 and two M3x20mm screws. You can use a clamp or a bracket to secure motor cables.
Step 6
Before using the lifter, I suggest you put the rear arms into a fixed position. As rear arms servos may suffer from the weight, I designed a plastic part that fixes the rear arms in the correct position. It is very important that you disconnect the rear arms servos from the receiver before installing this part. Just remove the upper rear plate screws and place the rear_arms_support (part 88), then use longer screws to secure it again. Check pictures if necessary.
Connection instructions
