First electric tractor ride

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Salesman came buy the dealership yesterday peddling a Solectrac (spl?) tractor. The owner jumped on and rode it around for awhile. He said it was pretty smooth running, quiet and responsive. The salesman stated that this tractor would save over $12,000 in fuel costs over a similar diesel powered machine in a 10 yr period. The battery was good for that long and I asked about a battery purchase price. He didn't know the answer to that one and kept saying "it's guaranteed for 10 yrs. What tractor company do you know of that guarantees their engine for that long"?
At any rate, the tractor was good for 3-6 hrs on a charge and would charge in 8 hrs on a 220 circuit. It weighed similar to a fueled tractor of that size at 2300 lbs.
MSRP price was $28,000. Came with ags on it. Industrial and turfs were about $1500 more and a loader was about $4600.

In my opinion, It has its place for light use like on a horse farm of small garden or short driveway. If your climate gets below freezing in the winter, you have to heat up the battery with a blanket for it to take a charge. It is a lithium/iron battery that itself must be at 32*
My overall impression was that it was nice for what it was and has its place for someone.
I wouldn't buy it to save the planet as some believe electrics will but I guess its main thrust is towards convenience.
I don't think it would like pulling a 2000 lb log behind it for long or plowing out a 1000 foot driveway with 15" of snow. There is no front pto mount for it as yet..
cet-electric-tractor

 

[mcfarmall]

No thanks. I prefer to allegedly "kill the planet."

 

[Roadworthy]

Interesting. It appears to be at a very popular power point, 25 horsepower. Since it's new it's also unproven for parts availability and how sturdy it's made. On top of that it's probably made in China - I didn't see anything about country of origin. I'll pass.

 

[arrow]

Interesting. It appears to be at a very popular power point, 25 horsepower. Since it's new it's also unproven for parts availability and how sturdy it's made. On top of that it's probably made in China - I didn't see anything about country of origin. I'll pass.

Made in India is what the rep stated.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

Not me!
Who knows...in 2-3 years from now fuel prices may drop.
More electric things mean more demand means higher electric bills.

 

[TugBarge]

They are interesting. We have a local Solectrac dealer - I am keen to try one out.

In our climate, I wouldn't be opposed to owning one for tasks around small properties. I hope the technology continues to improve.

 

[ArlyA]

Interesting concept. Thanks for posting.

 

[MossRoad]

Hmmm. No filters to change. No fuel to haul home. No oil changes. Most home owners put about 50 hrs per year on their machines. Might be a market for it.

 

[chim]

...................The battery was good for that long and I asked about a battery purchase price. He didn't know the answer to that one and kept saying "it's guaranteed for 10 yrs. ......................

IF applicable, the alleged cost to replace an EV battery is around $227 / kWH. That would make the 22 kWH battery cost about $5K.

 

[arrow]

IF applicable, the alleged cost to replace an EV battery is around $227 / kWH. That would make the 22 kWH battery cost about $5K.

I'm thinking this price would come down as the technology advances.
Then I think of the mining needed to make one battery and become unconvinced that it would.
I also think that unless synthetics are created for what the raw essential minerals accomplish that comprise a battery makeup such as iron, cobalt, lithium, copper, etc, the scarring to the earth might be as prolific as more and more giant holes are dug. Plus these minerals are in abundance in certain spots only.

I wonder how long a nuclear reactor about the size of a coffee can would propel a vehicle for.

 

[Smokeydog]

Thinking about electric while doing chores today. Cleaning off part of the garden, hauling some limbs and grading the driveway. Average about 100hrs a year and will be 10 years old next year. Biggest misconception is that electric vehicles are zero emissions and low maintenance cost. Back of envelope figuring I wouldn’t be surprised it takes more diesel and coal to make the battery than diesel I use in 10 years. Add the cost and carbon of charging don’t see the environmental advantage... yet

Electric is improving with many battery improvements promising.

Carbon capture using air and sunlight to make fuel like diesel carbon neutral are also promising.

Big problems require many solutions and people working together to solve.

 

[WranglerX]

Think I'll wait till we get over the "go electric hysteria" to save the planet..... And in California with the crappy electrical grid, I would have to buy diesel generator to keep it charged....

 

[MossRoad]

....

I wonder how long a nuclear reactor about the size of a coffee can would propel a vehicle for.

Just think, in about 40-50 years you could head to the junkyard to scrounge up some parts for your w76 conversion.

 

[MossRoad]

...I would have to buy diesel generator to keep it charged....

Good luck, it will be banned.

 

[arrow]

Just think, in about 40-50 years you could head to the junkyard to scrounge up some parts for your w76 conversion.

First off, I'd need a larger coffee can.
I love nuclear. I have a scale model Mustang made of plutonium.
I also played with the liquid mercury toys they had for sale in the 50's.
See...nothing happened.

 

[ruffdog]

Hmmm. No filters to change. No fuel to haul home. No oil changes. Most home owners put about 50 hrs per year on their machines. Might be a market for it.

Interesting. Being that electric motors have all their torque available right from the start, they would not need the hydro transmission. They have 3 ranges and a forward/reverse switch. Just think of how quiet it would be too. The neighbor's new small Kubota is real loud and this EV would do everything for him that one does. No fuel jugs, oils, filters, radiator(?), noise,.....

 

[DK35vince]

The salesman stated that this tractor would save over $12,000 in fuel costs over a similar diesel powered machine in a 10 yr period.

I seriously doubt I've spent that much in fuel on a 35 HP tractor in 21 years 2440 hours

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

If I burned 1 gallon per hour for my 1120 hours at a price of $4 a gallon..... on $4480

And my tractor is 25+ years old

Granted I dont know how long it ran with a broken hour meter/tach cable.

 

[LD48750]

I'm all for renewable energy sources.

Anyone know the renewal time for lithium?

How much shorter then fossil fuels?

 

[Citydude]

I could see it in warmer climates but not in Wyoming.

The thing that irks me is the plug in is on top of the hood area. Couldn't put the plug in on the side?