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New Electric Tractors Ready For Market
As the power and design of batteries rapidly improves, electric-powered equipment is showing up everywhere, including at the Western Canada Farm Progress Show. I recently attended the show and spotted a Solectrac electric utility tractor that’s designed to replace a 25 to 40-hp. gas tractor.
    Designed by Californian Steve Heckeroth, the eUtility tractor has a Cat I 3-pt. hitch and a 540 rpm pto. At 68 decibles, it’s the quietest tractor ever tested at Nebraska Tractor Test Labs.
    Equipped with a 30kWh lithium battery pack, it has 5 to 8 hrs. of run time, depending on load. It charges to 80 percent in 3 hrs. or full charge overnight. Exchangeable battery packs are also available to extend daily operating time.
    Instead of hydraulics, it has electric linear actuators so there’s no fluid to deal with. They’ll handle a 3,000 lbs. static load. Battery life is estimated to be about 10 years.
    A front loader is available. A hydraulic pump can be installed for implements that require hydraulics.
    The eUtility tractor sells for $45,000. Tractors will be ready for delivery this fall.
    Heckeroth also designed the “eFarmer” tracor that’s similar in design to an Allis Chalmers G. It can be fitted with front, mid, and rear 3-pts. so implements can be mounted for maximum visibility. A single joystick controls steering and speed for easy navigation in row crops. Run time is about 8 hrs. and exchangeable battery packs are available. The eFarmer tractor will also sell for $45,000 starting later this year.
    To see the tractors in action, check out the video at www.farmshow.com.
    For more information, go to: www.solectrac.com; ph 707 235-8509; steve@solectrac.com.



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2019 - Volume #43, Issue #4