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Joined 5 months ago
Cake day: January 27th, 2026

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/37376302

Full construction and details at moskitos.org

Source: https://mas.to/@meganL/116471791500973082

This is one of the people/teams competing for an innovation prize at #Spezi2026. A recumbent trike you can make mostly from wood. “Open source” (I put it in quotes because I know definitions vary and I’m not clear which one this uses).

I’m told the cost was about 1,200, but that is a lot less than a similar recumbent trike with a metal welded frame would cost for materials (not to mention the labor time, skills).

Front wheel drive and the whole rear moves with the handlebars.

“Based on a concept invented more than 10 years ago by two brothers, the moskitOS tilts and turns thanks to the clever use of an articulated trapeze that allows the whole front section, including the rider, to lean when cornering! This solution also has the advantage of driving the front wheel directly, avoiding the classic long transmission chain used on almost all similar vehicles.”

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/36451816

non YT link: https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=7ktbVxsL2XI

After some digging, the designs for this device are actually open source, albeit I could only find it in portuguese here

You can still use the motorcycle as usual, as it only takes 3 bolts to secure it to the cultivator

Seen that tractors and their implements are still expensive, this seems like a good alternative for small farmers

Even though I personally prefer syntropic farming systems, at least now other folks can make use of this open source hardware

From the video description:

How It Works: The motorcycle is modified with cultivation wheels positioned to align between crop rows. As the rider drives forward, the rotating tines loosen compacted soil and uproot weeds without damaging the main crops. Adjustable spacing allows adaptation to different planting layouts, ensuring precise inter row cultivation.

Advantages:

Faster than manual hoeing  
Reduces labor intensity  
Improves soil aeration  
Low fuel consumption compared to tractors  
Suitable for small and medium farms  

Disadvantages:

Requires skilled handling to avoid crop damage  
Not ideal for very narrow spacing  
Limited to relatively flat terrain  
Engine maintenance required  

Impact on Productivity: This innovation significantly boosts efficiency in crop maintenance. By mechanizing inter row cultivation, farmers can manage larger fields in less time, improve root oxygen supply, and reduce weed competition, ultimately supporting healthier crop growth and higher yields.

Suitable For:

Small scale farmers  
Vegetable and row crop cultivation  
Rural agricultural operations  
Medium sized farms seeking cost efficient mechanization  

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