The Daihotai Tractor is a large eight-wheeled tractor used by the "wildcatters" of the Hadley's Hope colony. Its heavily suspended wheels allow it to travel across the hostile terrain and seem to stand up to harsh weather conditions, such as the ones on LV-426.
The cab is large enough to fit the entire Jordan family and appears capable of holding even more. It's equipped with a tow cable and spotlights.
Since the earliest days of colonization, the need for a go-anywhere, do-anything ground transport has long been recognized. Daihotai have long been market leaders in this field and their range of all-terrain commercial tractors has become a byword for quality and reliability.
Description[]
The Daihotai series vehicles are all based around the same 8x8 wheeled layout, with a 6.59 meter wheelbase and a track of 5.86 meters; a configuration designed to give stability over the roughest terrain. Each of the four two-wheel bogies are connected to the chassis by two swinging-arm Anderson suspension units. These units are cantilevered at the chassis bearings and sprung internally on torsion bars. Dampening is handled by telescopic shock absorbers, while hydro-pneumatic rams control the whole suspension assembly. A central computer processor monitors the suspension assembly as it travels on rough ground and instructs the rams to alter the configuration of the Anderson units to provide the best stability and traction over uneven terrain. This system can also adjust the ground clearance of the vehicle to account for the prevailing terrain, allowing for clearances between 1.48 and 0.90 meters.
Powerplants vary from model to model on the Daihotai series tractors, the most common types used being the J-160 and J-180 series gas turbines, generating from 140-150 kw. Power is transmitted from the plant to the wheels via a drive train that runs directly through the struts of the Anderson units to the bogies. Each wheel has its own individual independent transmission system which is computer controlled to provide optimum traction; the anti-lock braking system is also handled by the central processor. Road speeds for the Daihotai are typically around 110 km/h, and the off-road capabilities of the tractors are equally prodigious, thanks in part to its ability to tackle vertical obstacles up to 1.10 meters and gradients of over 70%.
On most models of tractor, a fully-enclosed cabin comes as standard. All cabins are self-contained biosystems with life support capability, sealed against poisonous atmospheres, biohazard and low-level ionizing radiation. Cabins are configured around a central living area, incorporating a galley and berths for up to five people. These living spaces are best described as 'utilitarian', although economical use of space does allow plenty of stowage for equipment and supplies. Each central cabin is reinforced by a steel roll-cage and can be sealed fore and aft by a sliding bulkhead door.
Forward of the central cabin is the driver's cab, which can also double as an airlock while traveling in hazardous environments. At the rear of the tractor is a workstation cab, which duplicates the driving controls of the forward cab, allowing the tractor to drive as effectively backwards as it does forwards. It also controls all specialist tools and attachments mounted on the tractor. Options for attachments include (but are not limited to) mechanical diggers, cutters, cranes bore drills, core samplers, spring stampers, welders, waldoes and 'dozer blades. The ruggedness and versatility of the Daihotai chassis allows almost any heavy duty function to be carried out, and its ubiquitousness has made the type a popular purchase for corporate fleet buyers everywhere.
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