MiserableOldFart
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2006
- Messages
- 542
- Location
- Delaware County Catskills NY
- Tractor
- NH Workmaster 40, Kubota GR2120
With the plug-in hybrid cars beginning to come to the fore, and Volvo's diesel plug-in on the market now, it would seem that tractors would be a natural extension. The extra weight of the batteries is virtually meaningless (or even a plus for some duties) in a tractor. Most CUT owners have to lug their diesel fuel home from gas stations, and the plug-in reduction of fuel use would be a back saver in addition to making the air a little cleaner. Many of us don't use our tractors for long periods of time (and even when we do, the diesel should perform fine for us) so many of the smaller tasks could be performed without the diesel even coming into play. For most of us, the long charge times associated with 110 volt charging probably even wouldn't be that big a deal, though the higher voltages are good if you have the money or already have it.. Might even be possible on a tractor to have an extra battery that sits in the loader or in a ballast box when doing work not requiring the loader or rear PTO. The auxy battery could be left to charge while using the main one in the field. Lots of possibilities with a tractor that might not make sense with a car..
Probably one of the issues with a tractor would be temperature control of the battery, but it's likely in a tractor, the battery could be surrounded by plenty of insulation so even that might be easier than in a car. The CVT trannies, which claim to be more efficient, might be even more capable in an electric environment - likewise with the standard gear transmission, because it would seem to be a simple matter to build a forward/reverse pedal or lever for them both - just like on the hydros.. Lower cost of fuel, cleaner air, fewer trips to the filling station.. these would all be good things in the compact tractors imho. Anyone else out there think it would be cool?
Probably one of the issues with a tractor would be temperature control of the battery, but it's likely in a tractor, the battery could be surrounded by plenty of insulation so even that might be easier than in a car. The CVT trannies, which claim to be more efficient, might be even more capable in an electric environment - likewise with the standard gear transmission, because it would seem to be a simple matter to build a forward/reverse pedal or lever for them both - just like on the hydros.. Lower cost of fuel, cleaner air, fewer trips to the filling station.. these would all be good things in the compact tractors imho. Anyone else out there think it would be cool?