John Deere has released a video of an all-electric concept tractor in the lead-up to the SIMA Agribusiness show in France, pointing the way toward a zero-local-emissions tractor product in the future.
In some ways, tractors seem like an ideal candidate for electrification. Electric motors are great for generating the kinds of huge torque figures tractors require, and tractors are generally fairly short range vehicles that live in the same shed every night, making for convenient recharging. They're also very low-maintenance in comparison with diesel gear.
That's the thinking behind John Deere's SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery) tractor, a gutted out JD 6R with a huge battery bank up front and dual electric motors developing up to 130 kilowatts (174 horsepower) of continuous power.
(Score: 2) by tisI on Saturday December 10 2016, @03:27PM
Heavy equipment, tractors, are all hydraulic. Everything.
The power plant doesn't matter. Diesel engine or electric motor.
With renewable energy advancing across Europe, all electrics are a prefect fit.
And if one day America ever catches up, they'll be way ahead of Cat with a full line of electrics.
"Suppose you were an idiot...and suppose you were a member of Congress...but I repeat myself."