TheMan419
Veteran Member
Looks like this could be interesting. I did not look too hard, but can't find data on how long it can run between charges.
Driverless electric tractor
- Thread starter TheMan419
- Start date
Looks like this could be interesting. I did not look too hard, but can't find data on how long it can run between charges.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
ill tell you what. theres nothing more boring than driving in circles mowing a field. I did it enough when i was younger. now days i hire out a guy that mows and bales my pasture. he keeps the bales. id buy a driverless tractor in a heartbeat if i HAD to do this on my property. but ill bet the cost of this unit is sky high.
ponytug
Super Member
Back in 2020, they were claiming 10 hours/charge and a $50k price tag...
www.thedrive.com
Now, $68k for 70HP...
newatlas.com
All the best, Peter
The $50K Electric Monarch Tractor Can Plow a Field Without You and Run for 10 Hours
It even has generator capabilities to provide an on-site electrical supply.
www.thedrive.com
Now, $68k for 70HP...
Monarch launches first commercial "driver-optional" electric tractor
After two years of development, California startup Monarch Tractor has launched the AI-packing, all-electric MK-V Founder Series, and announced deliveries to its first customer – wine and spirits producer Constellation Brands.
newatlas.com
All the best, Peter
oldnslo
Super Member
Article states targeting vineyards in California so no clue on HP required vs period of time used. I believe another company in California has released an autonomous crop sprayer for orchards. Information not mentioned was recharge time. Maybe they can put wind mills or solar panels in the vineyards and orchards to recharge them.
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
Kubota is supposed have one out in "23".
SR
SR
Sawyer Rob
Super Member
Last I'd seen, they had stake trucks with huge batt. packs that they could drive out into the fields to quick charge them.
SR
SR
I have never understood why electric cars (and now tractors) do not have an easily replaceable battery pack. I realize there would have to be a standard across all companies..... but just drive into a "gas" station and swap out a battery pack and be back on the road in a few minutes. Then the battery can be recharged while you are driving on to the next station. I realize there is a heck of a lot more logistics in it than that, but it seems logical. Since it seems logical no legislature is ever going to deal with it.
10 hrs seems pretty reasonable. Also if they are fully autonomous they can drive back to the barn, recharge and get back to work. So they can work overnight while I am sleeping.
As for ROI you have to factor in the money you are saving not paying an operator to run the thing. I suspect the actual payback period is on the order of 4 - 5 years.
Not practical for us small operators, but for a big operation not having to worry about your farm hands showing up for work is a good thing.
LittleBill21
Veteran Member
because batteries can be abused, and a finite life, if i take care of my battery and want to prolong its life, why would i stop somewhere and swap a battery that can be damaged or have a shorter life cycle, especially considering most of them cost 10-20k to replace.
oosik
Super Star Member
There may be some type of advantage to an electric tractor - ??? But what are the advantages to a driverless tractor. You certainly aren't about to turn it loose, walk away and start some other project. The thing will have to be continuously monitored by somebody. The same somebody who could be driving a standard tractor.
And what about those - wheat, corn, soy beans, etc - with really large fields. Where the tractor will be out of sight and possibly out of range of any form of communication. That's a whole lot more than a lot of trust.
And what about those - wheat, corn, soy beans, etc - with really large fields. Where the tractor will be out of sight and possibly out of range of any form of communication. That's a whole lot more than a lot of trust.