First electric tractor ride

[ultrarunner]

But just think....no more wondering if the diesel tractor will start or waiting for it to warm up. Agree on the plug at the top of the hood. Duh

Less chance of driving off with plug in plain view...

 

[nickfank]

Before any one says that EV's are less poluting than fossil fueled any thing , just take a look at what's involved in manufacturing raw lithium the main ingreadiant to be made in to batteries, Then there is the thousands of gallons of toxic coolant or anti freese that goes into the batteries to stop them over heating on load or the ability to charge them at low tempratures, all that's happening is that you don't see the polutants or their effects on the eco system until it's to late, just like when the transition from steam (coal) went to diesel fuel. Stick to Diesel fuel at least we know what's killing the planet.

It's certainly true that mining (not manufacturing) lithium is as prone to environmental problems as any metal mining operation such as iron or aluminum. However, like all metals, Lithium can be recycled. It isn't "used up" like fossil fuels.

I'm puzzled about that coolant issue... Our two EVs have coolant and a radiator. It's about the same amount of coolant as our conventional car has. But we don't pump it onto the ground. In fact, I've never changed it, and the maintenance schedule doesn't call for changing it, because it's a truly closed system. There's no head gasket for it to circulate through, and no seal on a water pump, so it doesn't have the inevitable contamination issue that coolant on ICE's has. In our two cars, it doesn't circulate through the battery pack, which is air-cooled. The coolant is for the inverters. I can imagine using coolant in the battery packs on a high performance car, but I don't know why it wouldn't be circulated through a closed system in that case too.

Your point about taking care to identify the possible problems is a good one, but so far, Electric is looking pretty good in comparison to ICEs. I speak as someone who has actual experience with using and maintaining both, so what I'm saying here isn't just something I read on the Internet.

 

[Henry Island Guy]

I wonder what a forum like this would have looked like when the first gas powered tractors were hitting the market claiming to replace horses!

 

[ultrarunner]

This is not new....Electric lawn tractors, compact tractors and even large tractors have been tried for decades..for various reasons they never caught on..cost and battery issues/technology being the main problems.... If you research the all electric vehicle industry as it stands right now "with unbiased facts and stats" the truth is that electric cars on average have somewhere between 30&40% more issues and problems than gasoline/diesel powered. Also the dangers of LION batteries is just now starting to show itself...fires, explosions, toxic gas, etc, etc, etc. The firefighting world is one of the best places to find out about the true dangers and how they are becoming more and more common. That said..sure an electric tractor might be nice and fun for certain things..But all things considered I beleve that a world powered by batteries is not going to happen in any massive scale for many years to come....In all truth there is no such thing as "Green Energy"... It all has to come from the ground at some point....name one thing we use and consume that doesn't.

The farm back in the 30's had a small hydro and wind generator mostly for radio and pretty clean operation...

 

[ultrarunner]

Anyone figure the Federal State and Local rebates plus utility incentive for charging station?

I wonder if driving to town in the HOV lane is included?

If someone gave me one I wouldn't complain...

 

[CoyotKid]

If you want Made In America, wait till next year. Old GM plant in Lordstown, OH will make your day: Foxconn debuts all-electric tractor in Lordstown
And you can run it from your computer.

 

[ruffdog]

If you want Made In America, wait till next year. Old GM plant in Lordstown, OH will make your day: Foxconn debuts all-electric tractor in Lordstown
And you can run it from your computer.

Foxconn has made many promises around the world over the years that have fizzled. I will believe it when I see it.

 

[MossRoad]

The farm back in the 30's had a small hydro and wind generator mostly for radio and pretty clean operation...

About 10 years ago I was in the basement of an old farmhouse at a history museum over in Ohio and they had a bank of glass batteries that were originally hooked to the windmill. 100+year old technology. Worked well, from what I read.

 

[ruffdog]

I think a EV tractor would be very handy to use. I have used EV fork trucks for years and a tractor would be similar with the hydraulics. I am really leery about the future of current battery design though. I don't think supplies will support manufacturing that many batteries. I'm hoping that new battery technology will be MUCH better in the near future. I think we have a long way to go for this to be mainstream.

 

[CoyotKid]

Foxconn has made many promises around the world over the years that have fizzled. I will believe it when I see it.

And to run it "wirelessly" you will probably need good cell coverage. Even living in a fairly populous part of the country, I could just see my robot tractor cutting the neighbors field <grin> and will it stop for a dog or groundhog?