New Electric Tractors Ready For Market

New Electric Tractors Ready For Market ENERGY Solar 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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