Electric tractor

[sourgum]

This tractor was supposedly just released on open market last week. 40 continuous hp unit - all electric power. The company claims the tractor is suited to orchard owners and those needing a small tractor for spraying , mowing pastures, cultivating, small woodlot hauling firewood & other light duty stuff. There is supposed to be an optional loader available. It is 4 wheel drive and has 10 hr running time on battery. Wonder if this will sell to small landowners and orchard owners. This picture is in a California orchard where it underwent final field testing.

 

[TractorTucker]

How did they measure their 40hp? Do you think it will pull 3-14s?

 

[rustred]

ha ha, be interesting to see the governor set up on that thing. more juice more juice. hold on my motor is hot! where's the T.A. ?

 

[moresmoke]

Sure it will work for some uses. Just like some people are happy with their electric car or golf cart. Choice is good when it is your own.

 

[Royse]

Did they happen to mention the price?

 

[Gambles]

Watch that thing be mandated by 2030 in a certain western state (cough, cough) that already has rolling blackouts.

 

[dcarp]

Here’s a link to a story about the tractor. Who needs a driver when you have one of these.
Autonomous Electric tractor

 

[ss55]

It is surprising they don't market it for use in confinement livestock buildings. No exhaust fumes, low noise and close proximity to electric power for recharging could be a good fit.

 

[buickanddeere]

Anyone here that is impressed by this tractor . They need to research the size and cost of a 400Kw hr battery pack . For the fun of it just calculate a 200Kwh battery pack .

 

[504]

AS much trouble as the tier emissions are giving,and you can go to an electric tractor,I can see BTOs going to 200hp models next year. They are going to start small and go up.

 

[Lyndon - AB]

I like electric powertrains, but yeah, something doesn't pass the smell test with this thing. To maintain a 40 hp output for 10 hours would require minimum 290 kWh, and that's not taking efficiency losses into account. Like what I think you were getting at, that number doesn't really jive with the size of the tractor or proposed price tag.

 

[kip78]

You guys have no idea what's going on in industrial right now. Get used to it. I'm sure your grandparents said the same thing about their horses being better than those silly tractors when they first came out

 

[Usedtobeiowadave]

Not my grandpa, he couldn't get rid of his horses and all the gear fast enough when a tractor became an option.

 

[db4600]

I was reading somewhere that the optimal application is in an orchard or currant bushes! ..... sorry!

 

[Traditional Farmer]

I'm not against electric tractors but they have a long way to go before being practical on most farms,and horses were better than many of the very first tractors that were built.And the question I have that electric vehicle fans never answer is where is all this new electricity supply coming from? With rolling blackouts and electricity in short supply seems CA would be the last place electric vehicles of any kind would work well.

 

[Brendon-KS]

What you say is especially true considering that the Tesla Model S 85kW-hr battery weighs 1200 lbs. Using the same technology would say that this tractor would need a battery in excess of
4000 lbs to be able to provide 40 hp for ten hours. The power density of electricity from batteries is simply nowhere close to what it is for diesel or gasoline fuel going through an
internal combustion engine. For driving a car down the road it works because the duty cycle of the power requirement is extremely low. However, for jobs that require continuous high
power output it is just simple physics that say that battery-powered machines leave a lot to be desired.

 

[showcrop]

When you look at the size of the hood it is obvious that there is room for a lot of battery under there. What is not so obvious, and takes a little thought, is that since not only is there no motor, there is also no transmission, and no differential. That tractor requires only a motor at each axle end, leaving a lot of room for batteries nearly the whole length and width under the operator's platform. Without the running gear weight it needs battery weight in order to pull anything.

 

[buickanddeere]

(quoted from post at 23:21:28 12/14/20) AS much trouble as the tier emissions are giving,and you can go to an electric tractor,I can see BTOs going to 200hp models next year. They are going to start small and go up.

You serious are kidding about BTO and a 200HP electric tractor ?

 

[buickanddeere]

(quoted from post at 00:44:08 12/15/20) You guys have no idea what's going on in industrial right now. Get used to it. I'm sure your grandparents said the same thing about their horses being better than those silly tractors when they first came out

Kip78. Do tell us how the people willing to change are going to obtain battery packs with the energy density of diesel and a 19 minute recharge time .
Being that you lack education and experience in power generation , electrical transmission , batteries , chemistry , physics etc . How are you qualified to make such a statement ?

 

[db4600]

60 years ago.

 

[buickanddeere]

Most electric vehicles run a fairly conventional power train . Golf carts , fork lifts and electric cars .
The electric tractor would also use one large electric motor and a transmission rattler than four individual wheel motors .
There is no way to make a single speed transmission work from 1MPH to 20Mph and be able to make full power at any speed between .

 

[Case Nutty 1660]

CASE has released this one,, it is in customers hands now for certain applications it should do well
cnt
580EV

 

[Crazy Horse]

Headline below from Yesterdays Tractors magazine (printed) circa 1918 .......

GASOLINE TRACTORS WILL NEVER REPLACE HORSE TEAMS SAYS OLD MACDONALD !!!!

 

[Bret4207]

(quoted from post at 09:37:33 12/15/20)

(quoted from post at 00:44:08 12/15/20) You guys have no idea what's going on in industrial right now. Get used to it. I'm sure your grandparents said the same thing about their horses being better than those silly tractors when they first came out

Kip78. Do tell us how the people willing to change are going to obtain battery packs with the energy density of diesel and a 19 minute recharge time .
Being that you lack education and experience in power generation , electrical transmission , batteries , chemistry , physics etc . How are you qualified to make such a statement ?

We really need a "Like this post" button!

 

[Brendon-KS]

Fuel cells to generate electricity that in turn powers a motor still rely on the very high energy density of hydrocarbon fuels - it's just a different way of converting the fuel's chemical energy into mechanical energy and work. They are certainly more efficient but so far their other drawbacks, mainly high cost and low power density, have prevented them from becoming a practical replacement for internal combustion engines in most mobile applications. As your post indicates this has been studied and worked on for many years and we're still a long ways from where we need to be for them to displace ICEs. The fact remains that in spite of inefficiency and pollution issues the ICE's relative simplicity, high power density, low cost, and quick refueling make for a very high bar for other technologies to achieve in order for them to become mainstream in applications where continuous high-power output is required. The ICE went from invention to mainstream very quickly (just a few decades) due to its above listed benefits and has remained dominate for over a century now. This is proof that ICEs are very good at what they do and that replacing them will be challenging. I don't think this is necessarily an insurmountable challenge but history shows that it will require technologies that we don't have yet.

 

[sotxbill]

(quoted from post at 07:37:33 12/15/20)

(quoted from post at 00:44:08 12/15/20) You guys have no idea what's going on in industrial right now. Get used to it. I'm sure your grandparents said the same thing about their horses being better than those silly tractors when they first came out

Kip78. Do tell us how the people willing to change are going to obtain battery packs with the energy density of diesel and a 19 minute recharge time .
Being that you lack education and experience in power generation , electrical transmission , batteries , chemistry , physics etc . How are you qualified to make such a statement ?

Just curious.. why would anyone expect a 19 minute charge time??? I sure its more in the order of 8 hours or more for a full charge,, probably mush less for a 3/4 charge just like the electric autos out there today. Same batteries, same motors.... And in this case, being heavy, will work for the vehicle..... unlike passenger cars...

 

[TomA in CA]

I just read about a tractor called a Monarch that is coming on the market soon. It is rated 70 hp and is supposed to run 10 hrs on a charge.

 

[TractorTucker]

A motor can be rated for 40hp but that doesn't mean it can put it to the ground. I had a 24hp cub cadet and my 7.25 hp sears suburban could outpull it. And for electric to replace big tractors it would have to become a lot easier to recharge quickly. What is quicker, putting 300 gallons of diesel in a tank or recharging a battery with the ability to store an equivalent amount of energy? What about when the tractor is several miles from the shop in a field? Can I just hook a big battery onto a truck and take it to the tractor, give it a little time to recharge the tractor and get back to work faster than I can refill the gas tank?

 

[fixerupper]

Everybody is so blindly against anything new. Yabut this and Yabut that!

If I had the money laying around and I don't, I would sign up for one as a summer loader tractor as as soon as I could. I know I would not be close to getting my investment back out of it but it sure would be handy. I don't use a loader that much anymore so this thing would fit the bill perfectly for me around the farm place. For pushing snow in the winter, I like my warm cab and a big tractor.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

(quoted from post at 05:37:33 12/15/20)

(quoted from post at 00:44:08 12/15/20) You guys have no idea what's going on in industrial right now. Get used to it. I'm sure your grandparents said the same thing about their horses being better than those silly tractors when they first came out

Kip78. Do tell us how the people willing to change are going to obtain battery packs with the energy density of diesel and a 19 minute recharge time .
Being that you lack education and experience in power generation , electrical transmission , batteries , chemistry , physics etc . How are you qualified to make such a statement ?

I'm sorry but what does anything you said have to do with anything he said?

Fact of the matter is that farmers DID poo-poo tractors when they first came out. First thing out of their mouths was, "That will never work!" followed by a hundred different excuses and contrivances. Sound familiar?

If the engineers and dreamers gave up back then, we would not have tractors today.

Maybe they'll figure it out. Maybe they won't.

 

[buickanddeere]

(quoted from post at 08:40:24 12/15/20) 60 years ago.
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto67052.png">

Do tell us the source of hydrogen , how you are going to transport and how to store H2?

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 23:29:29 12/14/20) I like electric powertrains, but yeah, something doesn't pass the smell test with this thing. To maintain a 40 hp output for 10 hours would require minimum 290 kWh, and that's not taking efficiency losses into account. Like what I think you were getting at, that number doesn't really jive with the size of the tractor or proposed price tag.

nd 290kW-hrs ~ 7 1/2 gallons of gas or diesel, or about 50 pounds. Diesel has a bit more energy that gasoline, but I'm just speaking round numbers. But, in my opinion, the much larger question has already been mentioned & that is how are we going to double the electricity generating capacity & distribution network? Where to site these generating plants, whether fossil fueled, atomic, wind or solar? Probably does not matter much as all alive today will be dust by the time when & if the end of that electrification road is reached.

 

[Lyndon - AB]

I'll be around to see the transition to electric, or at least I sincerely hope so (I'm 31). I'm not denying that density of energy storage of batteries versus gasoline or diesel fuel leaves a lot to be desired. Cost is a big issue as well. However, technology is advancing, though I will make no claims as to when it will reach a semblance of cost/efficiency parity with fossil fuels.

As to electricity generation and transmission, I'm sure utilities will upgrade as demand on the system increases. Just in the last couple of years there was a huge new transmission line went up in my area. For generation, I'm not a big fan of wind or solar, the hype doesn't meet the reality currently. In my neck of the woods, natural gas is plentiful, so I wouldn't mind seeing coal plants switch to natural gas as they hit the end of their useful lives or end of their current contracts. Also, from what I've read, technology is progressing well with small-scale nuclear fusion reactors, as well as molten salt reactors.

The problem I see with the electrification narrative is the push to force it through in as short a time as possible. Let the technology evolve, as it becomes more cost effective and more efficient to the point it reaches parity or passes fossil fuel powertrains, and it will naturally take over. If it happens in 5 years, cool. If it takes 20 years, so be it. I don't see the point in forcing it on us too early, just as I don't see the point in resisting it because its different.

 

[WNYBill]

Diesel electric like a locomotive, might work for big 200hp tractors. Until the battery problem is solved and the price comes down, electric will never replace the 40 to 100hp farm tractors. I would sooner believe seeing gasoline replace diesel to get the price down.

 

[TractorTucker]

(quoted from post at 18:41:53 12/15/20) Diesel electric like a locomotive, might work for big 200hp tractors. Until the battery problem is solved and the price comes down, electric will never replace the 40 to 100hp farm tractors. I would sooner believe seeing gasoline replace diesel to get the price down.

I can see that working, but if you are going to have a diesel generator built into the tractor anyway what is the advantage of the diesel generator running motors over the diesel engine driving the tractor?

 

[BarryfromIA]

At the end of a long day and you need a complete recharge of the battery after a late start of your harvest day how do you recharge when the solar panels go dark at night?

 

[Traditional Farmer]

How many of the proponents of electric tractors here have bought one? How are they working out?

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 14:55:47 12/15/20) How many of the proponents of electric tractors here have bought one? How are they working out?

TF, I have always thought that you are really up on current events. How is it that you do not know that no one here has an electric tractor yet????

 

[DoubleO7]

I did not realize YT had so many forum members that are recent graduates with advanced degrees in ANYTHING.

30 years ago no one would have imagined that there would be televisions as big as a slide projector screen.
That would be light enough to hang on your wall.
And be under $1000 and clear as if looking out the window.

I bet some here still have their 200lb, 27 inch RCA console floor model television using rabbit dar antenna.

An electric tractor will not do what everyone wants done the way they want it done.

At any price, ever.

 

[SVcummins]

I hope they get it done then I’ll be able to buy diesel for .25$ a gallon if mr new green deal doesn’t bankrupt me first

 

[DoubleO7]

(quoted from post at 21:06:33 12/15/20) I hope they get it done then I ll be able to buy diesel for .25$ a gallon if mr new green deal doesn t bankrupt me first

.25$ a gallon??
When it is made illegal you will have to make your own or pay more for others to risk going to jail for making it.I

It will be the hoosegow for you, comrade.

 

[SVcummins]

You’re probably right 😐

 

[J Hamilton]

I read the article on that and even asked my local dealer when or if they were getting one because I want to try it out and see for myself how it does.

 

[Traditional Farmer]

I'm trying to find out if anyone does have an electric tractor and how are they working out.There should be some around since there are so many extolling the virtue of them.Or maybe its a situation
like a great uncle he always bragged on Studebakers had a couple non runners in the yard but always had a Ford as a daily driver.

 

[caterpillar guy]

Nobody ever looks at the cost to deal with the scrapping of these types of things versus the internal combustion engine. Most of these fine ideas lack fore thought to how and what to do with the lfet overs after they are junk and the cost of it all. The batteries in these fine electric cars cost more to dispose of than the engines in the current cars. Like all these wind blades they haul to a pit to be cut up then buried in the ground then complain about their ground water contamination later . Yup I want such junk. And Bite me wants all this green ween junk.

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 21:29:54 12/15/20) I'm trying to find out if anyone does have an electric tractor and how are they working out.There should be some around since there are so many extolling the virtue of them.Or maybe its a situation
like a great uncle he always bragged on Studebakers had a couple non runners in the yard but always had a Ford as a daily driver.

TF, you may have missed the fact that the discussion is about the START of production of electric tractors. How many people were using computers in the 1950s? Discussions about something new doesn't magically bring them into use.

 

[Traditional Farmer]

Well its evolved into why people aren't accepting them,don't want to use them,are against them etc etc.Surprisingly your comparison to computers in the 1950's is a pretty good one it was years before computers became something that the average person could use and afford.The electric vehicle folks aren't even up to making a practical small electric car that is economical feasible apparently from how few people are buying what is on the market even with tax credits to buy one.Let us all know when you buy either an electric car or tractor for yourself.

 

[TractorTucker]

My grandfather just got a hybrid car because he put in solar panels. The only reason he got the car was because of taxes and he was generating more electricity than he could use. He told me not to put in solar panels because they take to long to return on the investment.

 

[thdrduck]

Interesting discussion. Remember the mother of invention thing. Battery tech would not be where it is now if not for the cell phone and eventually there will be another big breakthrough. I suspect that sooner or latter we will be more electrified. Fossil fuels can't last forever and the jury is pretty much in on the damage using them is causing our planet. You know, there were a few people that were around when the Wright bros first flew and still around to see man walk on the moon, the space shuttle fly and people living in space. Never say never.

 

[buickanddeere]

Computers do not define the laws of physics and chemistry .
The electric vehicle or tractor that some people are dreaming of and believe possible . Sorry to burst your bubble , lithium does not have the energy density .

 

[buickanddeere]

Another battery tech break through ? Not unless the Almighty adds some new elements to the periodic table .
Do you know how batteries work and why they are manufactured from lead, nickel ,
Zinc or lithium .

 

[grhuck]

(quoted from post at 17:10:21 12/14/20) This tractor was supposedly just released on open market last week. 40 continuous hp unit - all electric power. The company claims the tractor is suited to orchard owners and those needing a small tractor for spraying , mowing pastures, cultivating, small woodlot hauling firewood & other light duty stuff. There is supposed to be an optional loader available. It is 4 wheel drive and has 10 hr running time on battery. Wonder if this will sell to small landowners and orchard owners. This picture is in a California orchard where it underwent final field testing.

<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto67001.jpg">

I'm loving the bleatings from the moss back army.

2 things will happen

EV tractors will get better over time (traction motors and batteries)

The fuel will get better-ability to gather electical power will for the individual improve, alternative fuels for a carbon engine powered generator and electrical solar collection/storage.

Imagine the lost methane from slurry lagoons being harnessed to run a generator. Fallow or soil banked fields filled with solar collectors. A dedicated gen/set that only runs Greasle may finally be possible and economically viable.

But, if your one who's still mad everyday about the catalytic convertor or the demise of UHF/VHF TV, this may not be the technolgy for you. But not worry by time it reaches fully realization into whatever it's going to be. Most of will be dead or too old to care.

 

[Bret4207]

(quoted from post at 14:52:54 12/15/20)

(quoted from post at 18:41:53 12/15/20) Diesel electric like a locomotive, might work for big 200hp tractors. Until the battery problem is solved and the price comes down, electric will never replace the 40 to 100hp farm tractors. I would sooner believe seeing gasoline replace diesel to get the price down.

I can see that working, but if you are going to have a diesel generator built into the tractor anyway what is the advantage of the diesel generator running motors over the diesel engine driving the tractor?

Torque.

 

[buickanddeere]

How efficient are motors now and what gains are you expecting ?
What are these alternative fuels and their source ?
How do you plan on increasing energy density in batteries ?
If you worked in the field , you would know . Rather than believing in rainbows and unicorns .just becomes somebody wa gas something and it would be nice . Does not make it possible .

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

(quoted from post at 21:29:54 12/15/20) I'm trying to find out if anyone does have an electric tractor and how are they working out.There should be some around since there are so many extolling the virtue of them.Or maybe its a situation
like a great uncle he always bragged on Studebakers had a couple non runners in the yard but always had a Ford as a daily driver.

I don't see anyone here "extolling," rather, taking a wait-and-see attitude rather than the usual sh!t-on-it-because-its-different approach.

 

[showcrop]

(quoted from post at 07:34:17 12/17/20)

(quoted from post at 21:29:54 12/15/20) I'm trying to find out if anyone does have an electric tractor and how are they working out.There should be some around since there are so many extolling the virtue of them.Or maybe its a situation
like a great uncle he always bragged on Studebakers had a couple non runners in the yard but always had a Ford as a daily driver.

I don't see anyone here "extolling," rather, taking a wait-and-see attitude rather than the usual sh!t-on-it-because-its-different approach.

Barnyard, I agree completely! Extolling is much more dramatic though, don't you think?