Electric Tractor

[Jim Nelson]

Way back in the early 70's I worked in a copper mine in Az. and they were using diesel electric haul trucks. These things were using a V-16 Detroit diesel engine to power a generator which supplied power to the 2 wheel motors in the rear wheels. They worked real well until things got dusty then lots of things went haywire, including the dynamic braking systems. I saw 2 guys killed in run away crashes.They had secondary disc air brakes but they were only to be used under 5 mph, much over that and they burned up in seconds.
I would like to see an electric tractor but can't help but wonder about the dust that we so often stir up mowing and such. I know things have come a long way since the 70's but it's still something to be concerned about.
I'm too old to expect to see one in my lifetime so I guess I'll just keep my old B-7800.We get along pretty well.

 

[the old grind]

Motors could be TEFC vs ODP-framed and 'Inverter Duty' just like our shop machines with VFDs. Doesn't add that much cost or weight, and a given for 'outdoor' use. IMO that'd seem to be the 'method' for tractors to deliver steady torque at varying rpms.

The alternate, and IMO better suited to cars is DC permag to take advantage of regenerative braking. So two approaches.

Some of us who don't rush to embrace 'new for its own sake' have watched decades of 'will make your life better' just make one or two guys rich selling stuff 99% can't afford in our lifetime.

In the '60s we heard "Hi tech composites will mean personal helicopters in our driveways by 1990!" (Popular Science) I've been saving for mine for 55 years.

Burger flippers driving Teslas? Maybe not this year ...

 

[gary49]

I’ve seen an electric tractor. It’s an old Allis Chalmers G that has been converted with golf cart batteries and an electric motor. It was at Sidehill Farm in northwest Massachusetts. They use it only for cultivation which is a pretty low horsepower application.

 

[LouNY]

Here you go, you can roll your own;
Electric G Tractor - Niekamp Tool Company

 

[Tennsawdust]

We're long overdue for an electric tractor from one of the majors. Be A LOT quieter and would service most of us who probably use our tractors less then 4 hours on a given day.

Ralph

If people were willing to pay $50,000 for a compact tractor they would already be selling them. Unfortunately battery costs are still far too high for anyone to make money selling an electric tractor. Just aren't there yet.

 

[prof fate]

John Deere's electric tractor in action - YouTube

not in stores...yet.

This is the Fendt e1 Vario electric tractor - FutureFarming

Aritlce says they were putting models out into use last year for real world use and testing.

 

[prof fate]

If people were willing to pay $50,000 for a compact tractor they would already be selling them. Unfortunately battery costs are still far too high for anyone to make money selling an electric tractor. Just aren't there yet.

Yeah...just wait.

Elec cars can be had now for LESS than teh avg car. And if you save $2000 a year in fuel and keep it 10 years it can cost $10k MORE and still be a better deal overall.

As for electric tractors not being affordable/competitive...as near as your local home depot!

Electric - Zero Turn Mowers - Riding Lawn Mowers - The Home Depot

 

[/pine]

...Yeah...just wait...

LoL...Don't hold your breath...!

 

[MossRoad]

Thermal Battery Holds 1.2 Megawatt-Hours of Energy in a 20-Foot Box

 

[the old grind]

Thermal Battery Holds 1.2 Megawatt-Hours of Energy in a 20-Foot Box

I know, right? Just put wheels on it. :thumbsup: Ordered mine already. (great price but shipping from China "may take up to 60 days")

"The battery that put Kubota out of business!"
(click here)​