OP
You know I think Power Trac is probably best set up to switch to a battery platform. The articulated setup has many advantages as well as I'm sure you're aware.
Would you buy an electric tractor?
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MossRoad
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Someone is currently doing that in the forum right now.
4570Man
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If I’m not mistaken they’re just trying to stick an electric motor in place of the gasoline engine. To have any chance of working good it needs a complete re design with electric drive motors, only using the loader pump when necessary and electric PTOs.
EddieWalker
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I don't think an electric tractor is going to run off of a battery. They will have to come up with a power source to generate the electricity to power the electric motors that uses less fuel that just having the existing diesel engines. Cat tried this with their D7E dozer with some results. They use less fuel and get the same amount of work done, but it's super expensive and nobody is really interested in buying them. Instead of better battery technology, I think it will go the way of more efficient electricity generating ability with smaller engines.
Just a few years ago, I was totally against cordless yard tools. Lawn mowers and weed eaters. But now I have a Makita cordless weed eater and I'm amazed at how much better it is than any gasoline powered weed eater that I've ever owned. And that includes both Stihl and Echo!!!
Technology is changing so quickly that I think it's very possible that something will happen to replace the diesel engine tractor. Once that happens, the options will probably be based more on who uses the better parts and who uses junk. Kind of like buying a diesel tractor today.
Just a few years ago, I was totally against cordless yard tools. Lawn mowers and weed eaters. But now I have a Makita cordless weed eater and I'm amazed at how much better it is than any gasoline powered weed eater that I've ever owned. And that includes both Stihl and Echo!!!
Technology is changing so quickly that I think it's very possible that something will happen to replace the diesel engine tractor. Once that happens, the options will probably be based more on who uses the better parts and who uses junk. Kind of like buying a diesel tractor today.
Gale Hawkins
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Power Trac Products
Thanks for bringing up a name I did not know about. I can see what you are saying about Power Trac. I got interested in a 1997 Steiner recently and decided due to my physical limitations one day I want an articulating tractor.
Sure having 4 electric motors would be ideal but using electric for the pump drive while not as cheap as gas/diesel would be doable near term. As more and more cities band gas/diesel lawn care equipment a company like Power Trac could be a good solution if they electrify.
Gale Hawkins
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Mat4644 do you see your post as a put down on farmers in Europe and the USA. A few years ago I asked a farmer who had a nice wheat crop why he burned it down. He said Gale we farm the government programs first and the land second.
Tesla like many other business has been bankrupt more than once. Many of us just figure out another way when all the cash is gone. With most all of the car companies in the USA going broke Tesla's push to make 20 million vehicles a year may save the day by 2030. You really need to check out the info from 22 Sep 2020 Tesla Battery day so your posts are more in line with current reality and you understand why the old line makers are toast. The old line car makers have giving Tesla a 10 year head start over themselves.
Ford and GM's $32 Billion Debt Crisis (Bankrupt Soon?) - YouTube
MossRoad
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Tesla is living in La La land with the incentives and stock market speculators thinking it's an Amazon. Eventually it will be forced to deal with real market reality like the other automakers. Honda and Toyota had electric technology way before Tesla and it's not an industry secret with every auto company having technology but waiting until it's profitable.
RSR
Platinum Member
For me, it would be less about cost and more about convenience. No loud motor that I can't hear over. No need for engine warm up and cool down. No lugging around diesel cans and having to remember to take them to town to fill up. No regens, to worry about, etc.
Assuming the longevity and reliability were the same (admittedly, a big unknown) I think an electric tractor would be much more convenient to use.
After all, the main reason I have a tractor is to save me time, and make things easier/more convenient. Any additional step in that direction would be a plus.
repete
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What if you just put a pto driven generator on the electric tractor and run forever for nothing?
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