I don’t think that electric anything, should be dictated to people, as to what they “have to” have! Electric anything, will sell itself, when it’s ready. I don’t think vehicles, and similar things, are to that point. On the other hand, hand held devices, such as drills, saws, lights and the like have sold themselves to the public, because they’ve gotten effective, reliable and efficient.
Boom! Exactly....folks see an electric vehicle and think it's being shoved down their throats....but they see a DeWalt commercial and think...man that's a cool tool..I gotta have that.....an electric tractor is just another tool for the property
If I had to mow that slowly I would loose my mind! 😊 I'm a small off-grid grandma so I like my solar, I love electric tools that are tested and found reliable. If new battery technology would make the price of that tractor worth it, maybe. If you want to get political just look at the Netherlands and how farmers and their people are getting screwed. Net zero by 2030. That's inhumane. There are net zero farms modeled here in America but it doesn't seem to catch the attention of most people.
Josh you say it don't cost you anything to charge the tractor but it actually does a solar panels and the battery banks don't come for free so you have that expensed so what is that expense to go along with the 35000 for the tractor I enjoy your videos but this is a little ridiculous. JMO
For small hobby farms under 5 acres in more urban/rural this is great for the reduced noise pollution also. I will be getting one of these for our future homestead as it will serve 99% of my needs with an off-grid system and now. Moving soil, and bags of products for the greenhouses. Love it.
probably about 30% quieter than a deisel...however....in a more urban area...cars are constantly blasting out noise pollution more so than any farm operation ever thought of
Last winter I bought a new electric 2-stage snowblower. For the amount of snow I move, it has been a good fit. I had to learn how to economize on the batteries, but once I did the battery duration has not been a problem. I don’t miss the maintenance and repairs on the old used gas blowers I had, and the electric is way quieter. In a proper application electric has its advantages.
Hey Josh, For comparison, can you say how long it took to use the electric tractor to mow that field in 540e vs how long it would take the 25 hp diesel to mow the same area?
“Everything’s not political guys. This is a tool!” Well said! It’s unfortunate that the propulsion system has somehow become political. It’s keep so many people from even entertaining electric for use cases where it makes the most sense! (I know it doesn’t work for row crop tractors right now!) Excellent video! I hope more people can be open minded and determine if electric is the best fit for them.
That What's ironic is electric mining equipment has been around for a century so why isn't it used in commercial agriculture? It's used in the trucking industry all over the world but the USA? Why not there?
I generally run my 24hp yanmar that's about the same size anywhere from 8- 10 hours cutting trails and smoothing paths. I still think it's more "environmentally friendly" to just use a diesel tractor than to pollute with lithium batteries and electric motors. But hey you do you Josh.
Really, 1. less polluting, why don't you run your diesel anything in an enclosed building (with you or anyone that breaths in it) and the polluting lithium powered ANYTHING and see which one kills you first... 2. With solar panels and battery storage together the ROI will be cut in half by the time you have bought and "burned" all that diesel and it either needs overhauled or it's just junk, but the electric is just getting started and fueling it is... free. Hummmm, farming I think is all about renewable and sustainable practices, sounds like electric is too. Unless you have an oil field and refinery on your farm...
@@ricksquier7812 Clearly you have no idea how lithium batteries are made, how explosive they are and even the FACT they are harder to cleanly dispose of than nuclear material. And as for your solar panel comment, that's bullshit. We decided on my property, to add solar and wind to supplement our power needs and for any kind of disaster/SHTF moments. Boy, have we learned the truth about it here. They are NOT VIABLE for long term power needs at all unless you plan to spend $50,000 for a enough lithium battery cells to power your home needs for even just a week of power. And how do I know that, because this winter here in Wisconsin, we had TWO blizzard storms. We lost power for days and the solar and wind turbines were USELESS. Now, unless you can explain how to make a solar panel work without sunlight and during the night AND make a wind turbine run without wind OR when wind is too high for it to be used, then I am all ears. We have enough batteries, I thought, to run for 48 hours straight in a grid down situation. Turns out, not even close. IN fact, the well and other pumps run on 240v, not 110v, and they take a lot of amperage which drains batteries faster than you can imagine. Turns out without sunlight and wind to generate any power to keep those batteries, up, they don't last in cold weather because they lose about 50% of their charge performance. And as for your "charging it is free" bullshit, LOL that is a full on lie. Unless you plan to send me a check for the $75,000 we spent for the entire system we put in. People like you just ignore the FACTS and the truth. Batteries are MORE contaminating by far to manufacture than any other type of material. And you completely ignore the fact they are extremely hazardous to recycle.. which has to happen every 4-5 YEARS, which is another FACT you conveniently ignored. The problem is not the EV stuff specifically, it's people like you because not only are you factually clueless on reality, you think FORCING PEOPLE to accept YOUR idea of how we live is going to happen... and on that one, you would be wrong.. utterly and completely wrong.
That is a huge topic about 'blood batteries" and the social and environmental costs for the technology. That wears out and cannot be recycled (yet). They say an electric car takes years) to break even on the carbon footprint of a gasoline car. After 6 years +/- the electric car has a slight advantage due to most power production from fossil fuels power plants which are higher efficiency than a gas engine.
I think Solectrac had to make some compromises when designing this tractor to keep the costs relatively low. I think the "ideal" electric tractor would have independent motors on each axle (or each wheel) and a dedicated PTO motor, in order to be able to deliver the most torque exactly where it's needed at any given time. That would be far superior to any combustion engine tractor. However the development costs and production costs would be higher which would make it less price-competitive.
For it not to be political, you sure mentioned it quite a bit. I’m an electrician by trade I know the torque power of electric motor the biggest problem is the fact that the motor can be rated 80,000 hours but what is the life span of the battery is rated 5 -10 years then the cost of new battery plus disposal of old and what do they do with old batteries I think that requires more investigation, before praising the future of electric. I’m not political with it just environmentally thinking.
about the same as regular solar batteries, how hard you work them should also have effect on how they last. a couple years down the road the battery should be able to be upgraded?
cost of the battery likely half the cost of the tractor. Can’t charge it in the winter temperatures, must be warmed before charging can commence. I live in northern BC🇨🇦…so any fuel savings will be nullified by heating costs to keep the battery warm. So I’d have to build another solar array and shed for the tractor, there’s another $8-10 K, to make it work. Getting to be an expensive toy, that can’t do any serious plowing or field work. 3 hrs of working time is ridiculous, what farmer do you know that only works for 3 hrs a day🤣? Farmers must work when the Sun Shines, not wait for the tractor to charge….A little 25 horse diesel tractor only using a cupfull of diesel for that time working, so any comparison in efficiency or value is mute. An electric vehicle contains less moving parts, is simpler to manufacture, yet costs three times more than its engine powered competition. It is a no-brainer.
Solectrac claims a 2500 cycle battery life, so if you charged it once a day and used it once a day, 365 days per year, it would last 2,500 days, or 6 years and 10 months. But you won't use it every day.
I started moving toward electric's around 2016 (That's when I installed a large DIY solar power system). At that time I had 23 gas or diesel engines. I am now down to 12. I don't think I would ever buy another gas or diesel engine for any purpose. Electric is just SO much better! That said, I would guess that the last thing to go will probably be my B2601 diesel tractor and that will be at least 20 years from now...
I think you are right saying it’s another tool, but would say you’re wrong saying it isn’t political. Look at what they’ve doing with emission standards you see they are choking out modern diesel engines. Modern tractors are mostly junk because of it. I’m certainly not against the new technology, but you can’t say the government isn’t pushing electric vehicles/equipment and trying to move away from gas/diesel.
Plus for the electric is no fuel, oil, or similar maintenance. Both have hydraulic. The diesel you add weights for better traction, the electric has the batteries, which is why they made it.
Most insightful presentation on electric tractors that I've seen over the last few years. Many thanks. Would love to get my hands on one for my small-holding in Ireland. Need to get my hands on the small-holding first 🙂
The fact that the ET must be moving to operate the PTO (if I understand your description) is a non-starter for me. We do a LOT of wood chipping on our farm for purposes of forest maintenance and mulch production. This is done with a PTO-driven chipper in combination with a stationary 38 hp diesel tractor. Any farmer will also advise that capital allocation and time management are critical aspects of their operations. Purchasing machines that are 40 - 50% more expensive than traditional alternatives while offering substantially less run-time would be inadvisable.
Great video! Thank you for taking the time emphasize that these initial machines are not intended for big farming or long hours of work. They're targeted at the small property owner like me who doesn't need to be going for 6 to 8 hours at a stretch non-stop. Three hours non-stop with a PTO implement running is the most I'm likely to do and that will be using a snowblower attachment after a major snowstorm. Other than that, maybe 90 minutes tops doing a lawn mulch followed by a leaf vacuuming. The rest of my work will be stop and go with more stops than go.
I'd be curious how the new hydrostatic version they are working on compares. From my understanding, the gear drive system has some quirks like that not being able to run the pto in reverse and also having to mow relatively slowly. Also curious how the backhoe attachment works. My main concern is still when I have bigger projects that I spend all day on my current 25hp tractor digging and moving materials, etc. The run time and charge time would seriously impact the ability of a weekend warrior to get that kind of work done. For a good 80% of what I do with my tractor though, runtime and charging time wouldn't be a concern. Still a tough pill to swallow with the price difference though.
Great video, Josh. At at one time I considered getting one of the old GE Elec-Trac small tractors (to play with more than anything else). I put about 60 hours per year on my 2005 B7610 Kubota mowing about 3 acres, hauling firewood from the woods, and other assorted tasks. I have 7.5 acres and the price for the electric tractor would be cost prohibitive for me. I just don't use a tractor enough to justify the $35,000 price. If I can get 4,000 hours out of my Kubota, it will outlast me a couple of times over. My wife and I have a Honda Accord Hybrid (45 to 50 mpg) that we love. I think that the electric idea may work for some, but as with a lot of new technologies, we always seem to come up with the new idea without having a handle on what to do with things like batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels when they have outlived their useful lives. This issue needs to be addressed for all of the new technologies up front to prevent what is deemed to be something good for the climate initially ending up having a disasterous result on the back end. Keep up the comparisons and thanks!
I have a 50 acre farm and I would love to have an electric 25 hp tractor. I would take one in a heartbeat and use it for small tasks all the time….moving hay bales, grading the road, finish mowing the front pasture, using a side discharge rake to rake hay, etc. I spend most days working on “yesterday’s” equipment b/c I can’t afford the new stuff. (Well , that’s not entirely true as I have 2 newer tractors!!). This would be a dream to have on my farm!!
Great video! I have been wanting a tractor for around the shop at my oyster farm. This would be so cool! I have a ford f-150 lightning that I have been using as a work truck for about 6 months now and I love it! This would be a great addition to the farm! I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
I agree that the inability to utilize pto while stationary is a problem I also would like solectrac to include a plug in so the electric tractor can be used as a mobile back up battery bank for use with small tools at far corners of property or running freezers during power outages etc. This imo is a key advantage of electric tractors is the ability to uae them as a mobile battery bank
Only complaint I have for electric is what happens when your battery runs out? You’re done for the day where as diesel you fill it back up and continue working. Other than that, I have no criticism. I’ve heard that the strip mines that they have to acquire materials for the batteries are horribly destructive but haven’t verified that yet on my part so take that with a grain of salt. If some day the charge time was drastically better and didn’t jeopardize the health or safety of the battery, then sign me up.
I'm hoping we aren't too far off. At a supercharger a Tesla can get to about 80% battery in 40 minutes. That's not "great", but it's not like I haven't realized I didn't have any diesel and have to make my 20 mile round trip to go get some. While that's not 40 minutes, it isn't that far off. While the mines are definitely not great, oil spills are definitely not great either. I'm under the impression Tesla can recycle a little over 90% of the batteries in their vehicles, unlike diesel which is 0% recyclable. I don't think we are there yet, but I'm excited at the possibility.
I'd be interested to see its range outfitted with turf tires to mow pulling a gang of self-powered (wheel power) reel mowers. Residential golf courses, parks etc. could benefit.
With a 12 hour recharge time the issue becomes that when the battery is low you are basically done for the day. Whether or not the job you were working on is finished, As opposed to simply refiling the diesel's fuel tank in 10 minutes and keep going.
yep...you've gotta plan your day my friend.....however refilling the diesel isn't just a 10 min job. You have to buy the fuel can, take it to the store, keep it full, spill a little while trying to refill and so on, not to mention the cost of diesel. Now do I think battery powered machines will ever replace diesel...heck no...but new technology is coming that might. I'm all for a cleaner world...but I don't think this is the total answer
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I presume you are being facetious or do you count the time spent paying your electric bill as part of recharging the E-tractor.. The fuel cans I own were bought LONG ago and are filled during a normal fuel stop for my truck. At any given moment I have a dozen or so filled and ready to use in my shed.
You stated that the electric motor had a life span of 80,000 hours. What is the life span of the battery? how much does it cost to install a new battery? How much does a solar charging system like yours cost? Those are questions that I think most people want to know. I think that you are correct that it would be great for many people. good video
Not a comment, but a question: I live in the northern Rocky Mountains. We use a small Kubota tractor for everything, including snow removal. My question is, "How well does the electric system work/recharge/hold charge in the cold? How is its performance affected by decreasing cold? It might be interesting to include a test under those conditions.
I recommend looking at Nickel Iron NiFe battery storage for home farm solar. They last 50 to 100 years, run super deep cycle able to to FULLY DISCHARGE, without damaging them. They are quite Bulky and have to have thier cheap easy to get DIY electrolyte topped up every few months IF FULLY discharging often. Very reliable.
As a retired electrician, I am sold on electricity. But until the electric car has more miles per charge in it, I do not want one. Same with the tractor. The cost comparison of the charger and solar make it to expensive for me. I do like electric tools. Battery powered ones are in my tool bag.
I'm currently designing the generator and drive motors for a 500 HP diesel-electric hybrid tractor. Thanks for your video -- I'll be sure to tell the control designers to make sure the PTO system continues to work when the tractor is moving in reverse ! I like the solar panel on top idea too (although it would take a few days to charge the beast I'm working on) . Still - if it's the apocalypse and there is no diesel available ..............
Love this little tractor! Wish it'd been around when I got my diesel tractor. Seems like a diesel tractor requires ongoing maintenance too, that you'll avoid with an electric tractor. Only concern would be winter plowing operation - how long would the battery last? Per their website battery life is 2500 cycles. That means 2500 times can the battery go from a full charge to as low as it'll go (which often is about 20% in the battery world). So if you only use 50% one day, then that's 1/2 cycle even if you recharge it over night. So a battery might last you 10 years if you use the battery fully 250 times in a year (and if you do, then this tractor is probably too small in the first place). Then you'll need to replace the battery or live with a much lower capacity (life is typically defined as ">80% of original charge"). And 2500 cycles is very low, so that might be a gross underestimation => making it last a lot longer. But - OH YEAH! I'll take one!
Josh, thanks for the demo! I won't ever be able to afford one, but if I could, the inability to run the PTO while sitting still or in reverse would be a deal killer for sure. To mow next to the water on the edge of our pond, I raise the mower, back up while mowing, then gradually lower it down while still mowing then pull forward and mow the same swath in forward as I did in reverse but much lower. Also, if you can't run the PTO while the tractor is not moving, then that negates one of the most useful things that a compact tractor can do on a farm which is to provide stationary power for augers, etc. So, great concept but a fail at this point, for me.
Yeah I mow in reverse a lot to get under trees and to get in corners. Seems crazy they wouldn’t have thought of stationary implements and mowing in reverse. Would also like to know how it does blowing snow in cold weather. I’m all for new tech but this has a ways to go just in design.
I think mowing at the super slow speed is a major drawback. It made a simple job take 3.5 hours (over an hour an acre). I mow my fields, which are MUCH rougher, at acres per hour. Tim used the Tractor in Medium speed, more realistic, but burned up the battery faster. He recognized he could use low speed and get longer run time but NOT cover as much acreage. I can't let the machine force me to be less efficient. Even as a hobby farmer on 110 acres.
Thanks for the honest opinion. I have the electric Rivian truck. I don’t understand why people bring in politics. It’s simple math. I don’t have to pay $100 to fill up with gas.
Don’t leave it around anything important.. I bet the replacement batteries cost close to the purchase price of the initial investment... Don’t worry if you get stuck out there , just get your trusty diesel generator to charge it up.. Hard Pass..
Me neither, every battery has a service life related to how many charge , discharge cycles it can handle , every charge discharge cycle takes service life out of a battery, how long do they claim it can do this before changing it out and what's the battery cost new?
This is a pretty fair assessment of a neat little tractor. Perfect for a hobby farmer, though im curious hiw much a battery replacement costs, since i am willing to bet it will need atleast one during the 80k hour life expectancy of the motor.
I am neither threatened, nor, confused by any electric vehicle. I am however curious about the fairytales made about the environmentally greatness of said vehicles... Mining for the materials to make the batteries, does way more damage to the earth than drawing out the liquid dinosaurs will ever in my great grandchildren's lifetime.!
What I like is the 80000 life of engine,the saving of diesel for other equipment,less noise,and no fumes when working inside a building. What I don’t think I would like the cost of replacing the battery, a job taking longer than expected and running out of power,the backing up no pto,the added cost of tractor vs diesel,the cost of a solar panel setup to power it ( not that you have to have that)and waiting for it to charge t get started on a job. I was wondering have they any plans on adding solar panels to the roof and/or hood to help extend the run time?How many hours is the battery expected to last? I run a 35hp t1520 new holland and 95hp m9540 kabota. I could see this electric tractor being really good for cleaning out barns and the thousands of smaller chores a diesel tractor wast a lot of fuel idling on. On many small farms tractor are not run every day or for all day long. It would be nice if it came with with the ability to be charge from solar panels straight to the battery instead of having to have another battery setup for recharging.
Well I have a Hart mower with a 6 AH battery that is "supposed" to be able to cut 3/4 of an acre of lawn... or cut for 45 minutes per charge. Even not using the self propel option, and throwing the grass out the side (for which I get the best performance)... my under 2/3rds of an acre of grass has ALWAYS required about FIVE full charges to cut it... (the house, driveway and woods in back are about 1/3 of an acre in total - my property is one full acre). Even my front yard, which is the slowest growing, gets cut the most and is usually the driest and thinnest grass, requires 2+ full charges to cut... and the backyard is bigger than the front. Mind you I got it because I have solar panels to install... but have other things I have to do first.
I will not go electric for any equipment whether it be farm equipment or pickup trucks. Just wait until a new battery has to be purchased. Neither do we have proper recycling on them.
your farm equipment has a battery...and you take it in about every 3-5 years to recycle as a core and buy a new one right? This is just a larger battery isn't it? I guess I don't get that one battery is bad...and the other battery is good?
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer It's not that batteries are bad, it's that lithium batteries are 1) expensive, 2) will have to be disposed of at some point (like in a river or whatever), 3) lithium mining is outright exploitation of the third world, and 4) a lithium based infrastructure is going to be an ecological and human disaster in a few decades if smarter minds don't prevail with the whole lifecycle of these materials. And the relentless political drumbeat that productive farmers are "the problem" because they dare to use efficient tractors is getting old. Your video glosses over serious issues relative to the ecosystem for portable electric power.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Josh, you asked for our opinions, thoughts, and impressions. Why are you feeling the need to push back on any topic? Why the debate? Just listen to our comments, and digest. Those who are not for this wave of tech will not be swayed by your rebuttals.
I think for electric tractors, a hybrid diesel/electric or hybrid gas/electric....like toyota vehicles would be a better solution for the first electric tractors, than full electric. Get more mileage/hours from the fuel. Have the electric torq. Would not leave you in a discharged state. During high fuel prices charge from solar. During low fuel prices use the cheaper more dependable fuel. In an emergency and you're low on fuel, just charge with solar. That would be a start, but it would still be too expensive for my choice....but hybrid would be a better start for those that want electric. Toyota's hybrid vehicles seem to work very well. Love your sustainable farming Mr. Stoney Ridge!
What is the battery life? What is the battery replacement cost? Not everyone can afford solar charging stations. I like electric change saws and small power tools and I own a saw, blower, and line trimmer all electric. How will all of these large batteries be disposed of?
The selectrack is so cool and futuristic...looks like a DJI drone when you look past the loader attachment...😁 Enjoying the content like always Josh .... watching from Ndola Zambia
The reason a lot of people, including myself, have become so bitter towards electric technology is because it's being crammed down everyone's throats as something we have to all switch to now because it'll save the environment and it'll still do everything gas and diesel will do, and it's just not able to do that yet. It's nice to see a more reasonable approach to the technology, but it just isn't on par with diesel and gas yet and I for one am tired of being told it is. When it gets there it gets there, but it needs to do so naturally, not by being crammed down out throats.
100% correct. Battery technology requires 7.5 times the volume for the BTU equivalent of a gas powered vehicle. Think about that for a moment and then tell me electric is better. It's not.
What it needs is come with 2 quick removable batteries so you get two batteries one battery on charge, one working in the tractor. I love my ego electric power equipment because every battery is interchangeable with a an EGO tool.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Of course, but my point was manufacturers need a way to easily replace even a large battery while the other one is being charged. A slide out battery on wheels maybe?
I may be ignorant, but I am sold on electric. Especially with solar, it seems like a long-term win/win. I've been a mechanic and have the tools, and I love internal combustion. But the ability to be independent of outside inputs (gas, for example) is invaluable, if you can afford it. The initial cost is high. And batteries are high. Freedom sometimes is high.
Heres the deal. If we don't invest in new technology nothing will ever progress. If people with horses didn't buy cars, we'd still be riding horses. If we didn't plant trees, our kids wouldn't have shade. Thanks again 🍻
I'm in south-central VA (not far from you) and I live on a 13 acre farm. I have a 35HP Massey that I cut my fields with and manage the animals with. I have a Cummins pickup that I use for the farm and blows black smoke but I also have a tesla that I drive around everywhere else and am a network engineer by trade as well as have a side business where I do security and networking for small businesses and farms. I think this is great and yet I would never give up my diesel tractor for certain things, just like I won't give up my diesel truck for certain things. Everything has its place, and this is another tool for your toolbox for sure. I think the tractor did great and I would be interested in on for offsetting certain tasks that I really don't need the cabbed 35HP for. Electric is great. I want a solar array with battery as well but that will come in time. Keep up the great content Josh. Electric isn't for everybody and as long as it never becomes something we are forced to do (stepping on our freedoms in the process) I will welcome it.
Personally I think it's a really cool idea, back in the 70s ge made a little electric garden tractor called the electrak. I would love if one of these company's would come out with an electric garden tractor that was capable of running heavier attachments like snowblowers and such.
If you are ever thinking of anything electric make sure you look at battery cost and replacement same as the power pack , drive systems etc. This is a common thing to inspect same as dealer help and warranty.
To each their own, I really don't see the electric one being as durable as the other. I feel that the batteries will loose run capacity as time goes on. The battery bank cost of replacement is a concern if something goes wrong . Explain the cost of replacing the battery bank verses a small diesel motor.
Diesel engine has hundreds...if not thousands of moving parts...an electric motor has one moving part....so it's hard to speculate on what the cost of a new battery would cost for this machine in 10 years when it needs to be rebuilt
Would really like to have one but I don’t think they are sold in Sweden. Of course they are expensive also especially for me with a small farm. The run time is no issue at all.
It would be great for me and my 5 acres. No lugging fuel. Move hay and mow. Maybe pull a small trailer to pick up firewood? Or some sort of lift type bucket basket to drop a gate remove the firewood. It definitely seems like a go get this or that tractor. ❤
80,000 motor life on the solectrac....but how long does the BATTERY pack last and what is the cost to replace it? MUCH less maintenance on the electric no oil changes still needs grease, no fuel but runtime vs recharge time factors in as well I would wonder what the yearly operating costs would compare for each and what a 10 year comparison would look like
Newer battery technology lasts a lot longer than even 5yrs ago. But it depends on if you run it to empty or leave a buffer,etc. But I'm willing to bet it lasts longer than you think. For instance, you can probably get about 500,000 miles on a Tesla Model 3 long range battery pack. Most people have no idea the advancement in battery technology.
@@coastalcruiser4317 out of the 500000 miles how much time is spent sitting and waiting for a charge or waiting on it to charge. its not a dig at all . im just wondering because I see a lot of people sitting and waiting to get charged on a 110 to 115 degree weather in southern Arizona going to California
@Ricardo Ruiz That must be an Arizona, California thing. I've driven between Florida and NC and I might have had to wait once or twice for 20 minutes or so, since then Tesla limits your charging to 80% and I haven't had to wait since.
No oil changes, no diesel smell, can't wait to replace my Kubota 2200 with all electric. The next gen batteries are amazing. Absolutely require that machines like this have 110VAC and or 240VAC output.
I loved seeing real world examples so I can make up my own mind about how things fit my needs. I like the idea of a small electric tractor but for my needs this one wouldn't work. One thing I'd love to see you cover too is maintenance. There's a lot of information on how to fix small engines, however what happens if you do have a motor or battery issue? Having the ability to fix my own equipment is a must.
I’ve seen a couple different videos on this electric tractor in the last year. The one thing that boggled my mind is that for such a leap forward in technology, they went backwards 50 years by going with ground pto rather than live pto! Live pto has been the standard since the early 70s
I like the "Off grid" charging system....I live in Michigan,that brings up two questions....#1- Cold weather endurance #2 - charging with solar panels under a 1 foot layer of snow and ice ( 3 to 4 months a year) Video was really good and I like the honest approach , you say the 'Motor ' is good for many more thousand hours , but how long is the battery that runs the motor good for ?these are my ' Real world' situations and questions you wanted , what' are your answers ? pc
Not sold yet. I was waiting for you to tell us how it does (or doesn’t) with the backhoe. And how much of the field does the TYM cut with a tank of fuel? 28k w/ bucket and backhoe vs 35k with only a loader, no back hoe.
Like you, Stoney Farmer, I like to see new technology and appreciate the authenticity of your content. This tractor might work for my 10 acres if it lost about $10k in cost. This year I am self installing a solar array on my cargo container (24v 2000w panels 280ah) . When you say 'political' as if folks defending their right to choose for themselves is politics, it rubs me the wrong way. How about telling the latte sipping radical left to stop getting 'political'? In many states, they have dictated a deadline after which non-electric solutions are banned by law. Usually the target is by 2030 to 2035. THIS IS WHY WE REACT SO VISCERALLY.
how bout telling everyone that every decision isn't political....and everything people say does not matter....now...we all know that folks in California are passing laws to make electric machines mandatory....hey...that's the elected officials of California.....I see nothing wrong with electric other than the waste stream that comes with it. Hey, i thought we'd all be in flying cars by now anyway right lol
Nice video, I'd love details on your charging setup, do you share that anywhere? Also super tempted to get one of these... i don't do a lot but this fits my needs. If you get the smaller loader to can save about 3500 or so looks like.
My 1989 John Deere 870 runs like new still. Only part that has ever been changed on the engine (other than normal maintenance) is the Battery. I can brush hog my pastures all summer on a single tank of diesel. I don’t see the point of electric. It could be a battery backup. HOWEVER, my 870 can power a 15Kwh PTO house generator for days and day and days. Way cheaper than an electric tractor.
Yes. No turbo or emission parts to deal with. Just a mechanical fuel pump too. 25HP at the PTO Entire thing was built in Osaka, Japan It has been perfect for me. I only have 8 Acres though. I am the weirdo that can be seen towing horse around in a mid size though. Lol I will be doing that again later today actually! I do think electric is neat though. Lots of potential into the future… if batteries get better and cheaper.
I’m excited about the technology; and think the evolution of electric tools, vehicles, and tractors are pretty cool. Like Josh has continued to say, it’s not for everybody, but he is doing a great job explaining what the Solectrac can and can’t do. The best demo I’ve seen on an electric tractor. Is it for me, no. I’m in northern WI where that battery would likely perform at a 30% battery loss in winter. Although it would likely run and not need a preheat or ether and a prayer at 30 below. Not sure where anyone is getting the idea Josh is trying to be politically motivated in any way, or pushing folks to go get an electric tractor. I greatly appreciate the thorough demo, info, and discussions. If it was at least 70HP at the PTO and it would perform and last in 30 below, it would be a contender. Thanks Josh, keep the new Ag Tech demos coming!!! Keep on Farm’n! 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸
There's a lot of variables to consider if you are thinking about this tractor. Let's say for a completely off grid situation. How often will you use it. There will be days when the charge station will not charge, and if you are going to have to use the next day, then you will have to supplement the sun in order to use this tractor. Mowing in only low gear, well that is needed in a lot of situations, but not all. Being able to mow in a higher gear is something they need to consider. Not being able to mow in reverse, well, anyone who has pasture surrounded by forest the forest will try to take over the pasture so everyone who is mowing a field will do a lot of backing up in order to maintain or reclaim the areas around the edges and that most often requires to do a lot of backing up and pulling forward. Same thing in your situation Josh, where you may want or need to do the same thing with your pond shores. The pluses I see if it's not necessarily an every day tractor, it would be nice to reliably depend on this tractor. The time savings you'd have in fueling up your tractor, going to get fuel for your tractor, and the cost of buying that fuel. If you have a smaller piece of land, and Never plan to buy or need a larger tractor, then yeah, this one would save you in the long run. You also have to consider what all would you want or need to do with this tractor. Do they make smaller implements to suit your needs? If you were relying on solar to run your whole farm, then it wouldn't be as big of a deal when you were needing to run a generator to top off your system. I'd say no to depending on one these tractors if you lived up north where it's a lot colder and the area gets a lot of snow.
They call it a brush hog because you can cut brush. I don't usually drive over the thick brush to do that, but I suppose you could. But for almost twice as much (that backhoe adds 6k so the tym is ~16k) I should be able to do twice as much. Also, if I want to run a hydraulic splitter or firewood processor or several other implements, I guess I'd have to put a sand bag in the seat. I have no issue with high priced options, so long as they bring more value, and large cordless electric machines don't. There is a less value in cordless tech the larger it gets. Phones are great, cordless power tools are pretty awesome, electric chainsaws and mowers are a tossup compares to gas, and electric tractors and vehicles have less value that combustion counterparts.
It's a Farmtrac tractor with an electric motor. I think it's a good in between design to save money and be tough, I'd do the same thing. However it could be quite a bit more efficient and user friendly to get rid of the drive train and put direct drive electric motor. That is quite a bit more expensive though.
I don’t think that electric anything, should be dictated to people, as to what they “have to” have! Electric anything, will sell itself, when it’s ready. I don’t think vehicles, and similar things, are to that point. On the other hand, hand held devices, such as drills, saws, lights and the like have sold themselves to the public, because they’ve gotten effective, reliable and efficient.
Boom! Exactly....folks see an electric vehicle and think it's being shoved down their throats....but they see a DeWalt commercial and think...man that's a cool tool..I gotta have that.....an electric tractor is just another tool for the property
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer They think that EV's are being shoved down their throat...BECAUSE they are. Believe it or not, that's coming.
If I had to mow that slowly I would loose my mind! 😊
I'm a small off-grid grandma so I like my solar, I love electric tools that are tested and found reliable. If new battery technology would make the price of that tractor worth it, maybe.
If you want to get political just look at the Netherlands and how farmers and their people are getting screwed. Net zero by 2030. That's inhumane.
There are net zero farms modeled here in America but it doesn't seem to catch the attention of most people.
You said 80000 bra on the motors what about the battery?
Josh you say it don't cost you anything to charge the tractor but it actually does a solar panels and the battery banks don't come for free so you have that expensed so what is that expense to go along with the 35000 for the tractor I enjoy your videos but this is a little ridiculous. JMO
For small hobby farms under 5 acres in more urban/rural this is great for the reduced noise pollution also. I will be getting one of these for our future homestead as it will serve 99% of my needs with an off-grid system and now. Moving soil, and bags of products for the greenhouses. Love it.
probably about 30% quieter than a deisel...however....in a more urban area...cars are constantly blasting out noise pollution more so than any farm operation ever thought of
Been super great on our 3 1/2 acres!!
The motor is 80,000 hours. How long do the batteries last?
Solectrac claims a 2500 cycle battery life. In this video he claims 4h per single charge. This makes 10 000 hours :)
Last winter I bought a new electric 2-stage snowblower. For the amount of snow I move, it has been a good fit. I had to learn how to economize on the batteries, but once I did the battery duration has not been a problem. I don’t miss the maintenance and repairs on the old used gas blowers I had, and the electric is way quieter. In a proper application electric has its advantages.
Hey Josh, For comparison, can you say how long it took to use the electric tractor to mow that field in 540e vs how long it would take the 25 hp diesel to mow the same area?
Josh? Did you do this comparison?
“Everything’s not political guys. This is a tool!” Well said! It’s unfortunate that the propulsion system has somehow become political. It’s keep so many people from even entertaining electric for use cases where it makes the most sense! (I know it doesn’t work for row crop tractors right now!) Excellent video! I hope more people can be open minded and determine if electric is the best fit for them.
That
What's ironic is electric mining equipment has been around for a century so why isn't it used in commercial agriculture? It's used in the trucking industry all over the world but the USA? Why not there?
Love your charging setup
I generally run my 24hp yanmar that's about the same size anywhere from 8- 10 hours cutting trails and smoothing paths. I still think it's more "environmentally friendly" to just use a diesel tractor than to pollute with lithium batteries and electric motors. But hey you do you Josh.
Really, 1. less polluting, why don't you run your diesel anything in an enclosed building (with you or anyone that breaths in it) and the polluting lithium powered ANYTHING and see which one kills you first... 2. With solar panels and battery storage together the ROI will be cut in half by the time you have bought and "burned" all that diesel and it either needs overhauled or it's just junk, but the electric is just getting started and fueling it is... free. Hummmm, farming I think is all about renewable and sustainable practices, sounds like electric is too. Unless you have an oil field and refinery on your farm...
@@ricksquier7812 maybe you should look into how lithium is mined for that electric tractor.
@@AlfredCataldoI was just fixing to say the same thing.
@@ricksquier7812 Clearly you have no idea how lithium batteries are made, how explosive they are and even the FACT they are harder to cleanly dispose of than nuclear material. And as for your solar panel comment, that's bullshit. We decided on my property, to add solar and wind to supplement our power needs and for any kind of disaster/SHTF moments. Boy, have we learned the truth about it here. They are NOT VIABLE for long term power needs at all unless you plan to spend $50,000 for a enough lithium battery cells to power your home needs for even just a week of power. And how do I know that, because this winter here in Wisconsin, we had TWO blizzard storms. We lost power for days and the solar and wind turbines were USELESS. Now, unless you can explain how to make a solar panel work without sunlight and during the night AND make a wind turbine run without wind OR when wind is too high for it to be used, then I am all ears.
We have enough batteries, I thought, to run for 48 hours straight in a grid down situation. Turns out, not even close. IN fact, the well and other pumps run on 240v, not 110v, and they take a lot of amperage which drains batteries faster than you can imagine. Turns out without sunlight and wind to generate any power to keep those batteries, up, they don't last in cold weather because they lose about 50% of their charge performance.
And as for your "charging it is free" bullshit, LOL that is a full on lie. Unless you plan to send me a check for the $75,000 we spent for the entire system we put in. People like you just ignore the FACTS and the truth. Batteries are MORE contaminating by far to manufacture than any other type of material. And you completely ignore the fact they are extremely hazardous to recycle.. which has to happen every 4-5 YEARS, which is another FACT you conveniently ignored.
The problem is not the EV stuff specifically, it's people like you because not only are you factually clueless on reality, you think FORCING PEOPLE to accept YOUR idea of how we live is going to happen... and on that one, you would be wrong.. utterly and completely wrong.
That is a huge topic about 'blood batteries" and the social and environmental costs for the technology. That wears out and cannot be recycled (yet). They say an electric car takes years) to break even on the carbon footprint of a gasoline car. After 6 years +/- the electric car has a slight advantage due to most power production from fossil fuels power plants which are higher efficiency than a gas engine.
New battery technology will be fully released in a few years. I wouldn’t waste my money on what’s on the market right now. It will be obsolete.
Agreed. Battery tech is advancing exponentially. Electric will be viable soon...
Hemp based carbon supercapacitors far superior to lithium battery. Wont wear out and cheaper stronger faster charge etx
I think Solectrac had to make some compromises when designing this tractor to keep the costs relatively low. I think the "ideal" electric tractor would have independent motors on each axle (or each wheel) and a dedicated PTO motor, in order to be able to deliver the most torque exactly where it's needed at any given time. That would be far superior to any combustion engine tractor. However the development costs and production costs would be higher which would make it less price-competitive.
I drove all kinds of equipment for a living I am retired but if a had a need for a small tractor like that I would definitely buy one
For it not to be political, you sure mentioned it quite a bit. I’m an electrician by trade I know the torque power of electric motor the biggest problem is the fact that the motor can be rated 80,000 hours but what is the life span of the battery is rated 5 -10 years then the cost of new battery plus disposal of old and what do they do with old batteries I think that requires more investigation, before praising the future of electric. I’m not political with it just environmentally thinking.
Hey Josh, what is the life expectancy for the battery and what is an estimate replacement batteries cost? Keep you the good work!
I would also like to know if the batteries could be rebuilt as opposed to recycled. Also if their is a range extender or larger battery.
If they are good quality batteries should last 8-10 years but even after a few years you will start loosing capacity
about the same as regular solar batteries, how hard you work them should also have effect on how they last. a couple years down the road the battery should be able to be upgraded?
cost of the battery likely half the cost of the tractor. Can’t charge it in the winter temperatures, must be warmed before charging can commence. I live in northern BC🇨🇦…so any fuel savings will be nullified by heating costs to keep the battery warm. So I’d have to build another solar array and shed for the tractor, there’s another $8-10 K, to make it work. Getting to be an expensive toy, that can’t do any serious plowing or field work. 3 hrs of working time is ridiculous, what farmer do you know that only works for 3 hrs a day🤣? Farmers must work when the Sun Shines, not wait for the tractor to charge….A little 25 horse diesel tractor only using a cupfull of diesel for that time working, so any comparison in efficiency or value is mute. An electric vehicle contains less moving parts, is simpler to manufacture, yet costs three times more than its engine powered competition. It is a no-brainer.
Solectrac claims a 2500 cycle battery life, so if you charged it once a day and used it once a day, 365 days per year, it would last 2,500 days, or 6 years and 10 months. But you won't use it every day.
I started moving toward electric's around 2016 (That's when I installed a large DIY solar power system). At that time I had 23 gas or diesel engines. I am now down to 12. I don't think I would ever buy another gas or diesel engine for any purpose. Electric is just SO much better! That said, I would guess that the last thing to go will probably be my B2601 diesel tractor and that will be at least 20 years from now...
I think you are right saying it’s another tool, but would say you’re wrong saying it isn’t political. Look at what they’ve doing with emission standards you see they are choking out modern diesel engines. Modern tractors are mostly junk because of it. I’m certainly not against the new technology, but you can’t say the government isn’t pushing electric vehicles/equipment and trying to move away from gas/diesel.
Plus for the electric is no fuel, oil, or similar maintenance. Both have hydraulic. The diesel you add weights for better traction, the electric has the batteries, which is why they made it.
Most insightful presentation on electric tractors that I've seen over the last few years. Many thanks. Would love to get my hands on one for my small-holding in Ireland. Need to get my hands on the small-holding first 🙂
The fact that the ET must be moving to operate the PTO (if I understand your description) is a non-starter for me. We do a LOT of wood chipping on our farm for purposes of forest maintenance and mulch production. This is done with a PTO-driven chipper in combination with a stationary 38 hp diesel tractor. Any farmer will also advise that capital allocation and time management are critical aspects of their operations. Purchasing machines that are 40 - 50% more expensive than traditional alternatives while offering substantially less run-time would be inadvisable.
Great video! Thank you for taking the time emphasize that these initial machines are not intended for big farming or long hours of work. They're targeted at the small property owner like me who doesn't need to be going for 6 to 8 hours at a stretch non-stop. Three hours non-stop with a PTO implement running is the most I'm likely to do and that will be using a snowblower attachment after a major snowstorm. Other than that, maybe 90 minutes tops doing a lawn mulch followed by a leaf vacuuming. The rest of my work will be stop and go with more stops than go.
I'd be curious how the new hydrostatic version they are working on compares. From my understanding, the gear drive system has some quirks like that not being able to run the pto in reverse and also having to mow relatively slowly. Also curious how the backhoe attachment works.
My main concern is still when I have bigger projects that I spend all day on my current 25hp tractor digging and moving materials, etc. The run time and charge time would seriously impact the ability of a weekend warrior to get that kind of work done. For a good 80% of what I do with my tractor though, runtime and charging time wouldn't be a concern. Still a tough pill to swallow with the price difference though.
Own a hydrostatic (diesel) tractor, and it runs the PTO regardless of going forwards or backwards. So must be a design decision. Likely safety?
Great video, Josh. At at one time I considered getting one of the old GE Elec-Trac small tractors (to play with more than anything else). I put about 60 hours per year on my 2005 B7610 Kubota mowing about 3 acres, hauling firewood from the woods, and other assorted tasks. I have 7.5 acres and the price for the electric tractor would be cost prohibitive for me. I just don't use a tractor enough to justify the $35,000 price. If I can get 4,000 hours out of my Kubota, it will outlast me a couple of times over.
My wife and I have a Honda Accord Hybrid (45 to 50 mpg) that we love. I think that the electric idea may work for some, but as with a lot of new technologies, we always seem to come up with the new idea without having a handle on what to do with things like batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels when they have outlived their useful lives. This issue needs to be addressed for all of the new technologies up front to prevent what is deemed to be something good for the climate initially ending up having a disasterous result on the back end.
Keep up the comparisons and thanks!
I have a 50 acre farm and I would love to have an electric 25 hp tractor. I would take one in a heartbeat and use it for small tasks all the time….moving hay bales, grading the road, finish mowing the front pasture, using a side discharge rake to rake hay, etc. I spend most days working on “yesterday’s” equipment b/c I can’t afford the new stuff. (Well , that’s not entirely true as I have 2 newer tractors!!). This would be a dream to have on my farm!!
Great video! I have been wanting a tractor for around the shop at my oyster farm. This would be so cool! I have a ford f-150 lightning that I have been using as a work truck for about 6 months now and I love it! This would be a great addition to the farm! I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
I really like the idea. I have a 22 HP Deere and lots of steep hills on 5 acres. The electric tractor would be very interesting to me.
I agree that the inability to utilize pto while stationary is a problem
I also would like solectrac to include a plug in so the electric tractor can be used as a mobile back up battery bank for use with small tools at far corners of property or running freezers during power outages etc. This imo is a key advantage of electric tractors is the ability to uae them as a mobile battery bank
I don't think the battery system on this machine has enough power to accomplish all that...and the expense is outrageous
Only complaint I have for electric is what happens when your battery runs out? You’re done for the day where as diesel you fill it back up and continue working. Other than that, I have no criticism. I’ve heard that the strip mines that they have to acquire materials for the batteries are horribly destructive but haven’t verified that yet on my part so take that with a grain of salt. If some day the charge time was drastically better and didn’t jeopardize the health or safety of the battery, then sign me up.
I'm hoping we aren't too far off. At a supercharger a Tesla can get to about 80% battery in 40 minutes. That's not "great", but it's not like I haven't realized I didn't have any diesel and have to make my 20 mile round trip to go get some. While that's not 40 minutes, it isn't that far off.
While the mines are definitely not great, oil spills are definitely not great either. I'm under the impression Tesla can recycle a little over 90% of the batteries in their vehicles, unlike diesel which is 0% recyclable.
I don't think we are there yet, but I'm excited at the possibility.
How we ever have clean air with trump heads negetive
I'd be interested to see its range outfitted with turf tires to mow pulling a gang of self-powered (wheel power) reel mowers. Residential golf courses, parks etc. could benefit.
With a 12 hour recharge time the issue becomes that when the battery is low you are basically done for the day. Whether or not the job you were working on is finished, As opposed to simply refiling the diesel's fuel tank in 10 minutes and keep going.
yep...you've gotta plan your day my friend.....however refilling the diesel isn't just a 10 min job. You have to buy the fuel can, take it to the store, keep it full, spill a little while trying to refill and so on, not to mention the cost of diesel. Now do I think battery powered machines will ever replace diesel...heck no...but new technology is coming that might. I'm all for a cleaner world...but I don't think this is the total answer
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I presume you are being facetious or do you count the time spent paying your electric bill as part of recharging the E-tractor.. The fuel cans I own were bought LONG ago and are filled during a normal fuel stop for my truck. At any given moment I have a dozen or so filled and ready to use in my shed.
You stated that the electric motor had a life span of 80,000 hours. What is the life span of the battery? how much does it cost to install a new battery? How much does a solar charging system like yours cost? Those are questions that I think most people want to know. I think that you are correct that it would be great for many people. good video
Not a comment, but a question: I live in the northern Rocky Mountains. We use a small Kubota tractor for everything, including snow removal. My question is, "How well does the electric system work/recharge/hold charge in the cold? How is its performance affected by decreasing cold? It might be interesting to include a test under those conditions.
it honestly doesn't get that cold here...it might be single digits for 1 week per year...so I couldn't tell ya about sub zero
Complimentary stay at the Mariott!! Boom! You can use it to come down and visit the Kapper Farm!!
I recommend looking at Nickel Iron NiFe battery storage for home farm solar. They last 50 to 100 years, run super deep cycle able to to FULLY DISCHARGE, without damaging them. They are quite Bulky and have to have thier cheap easy to get DIY electrolyte topped up every few months IF FULLY discharging often. Very reliable.
As a retired electrician, I am sold on electricity. But until the electric car has more miles per charge in it, I do not want one. Same with the tractor. The cost comparison of the charger and solar make it to expensive for me. I do like electric tools. Battery powered ones are in my tool bag.
I'm currently designing the generator and drive motors for a 500 HP diesel-electric hybrid tractor. Thanks for your video -- I'll be sure to tell the control designers to make sure the PTO system continues to work when the tractor is moving in reverse ! I like the solar panel on top idea too (although it would take a few days to charge the beast I'm working on) . Still - if it's the apocalypse and there is no diesel available ..............
Love this little tractor! Wish it'd been around when I got my diesel tractor. Seems like a diesel tractor requires ongoing maintenance too, that you'll avoid with an electric tractor. Only concern would be winter plowing operation - how long would the battery last?
Per their website battery life is 2500 cycles. That means 2500 times can the battery go from a full charge to as low as it'll go (which often is about 20% in the battery world). So if you only use 50% one day, then that's 1/2 cycle even if you recharge it over night. So a battery might last you 10 years if you use the battery fully 250 times in a year (and if you do, then this tractor is probably too small in the first place). Then you'll need to replace the battery or live with a much lower capacity (life is typically defined as ">80% of original charge"). And 2500 cycles is very low, so that might be a gross underestimation => making it last a lot longer.
But - OH YEAH! I'll take one!
Josh, thanks for the demo! I won't ever be able to afford one, but if I could, the inability to run the PTO while sitting still or in reverse would be a deal killer for sure. To mow next to the water on the edge of our pond, I raise the mower, back up while mowing, then gradually lower it down while still mowing then pull forward and mow the same swath in forward as I did in reverse but much lower. Also, if you can't run the PTO while the tractor is not moving, then that negates one of the most useful things that a compact tractor can do on a farm which is to provide stationary power for augers, etc. So, great concept but a fail at this point, for me.
Yeah I mow in reverse a lot to get under trees and to get in corners. Seems crazy they wouldn’t have thought of stationary implements and mowing in reverse. Would also like to know how it does blowing snow in cold weather. I’m all for new tech but this has a ways to go just in design.
I think mowing at the super slow speed is a major drawback. It made a simple job take 3.5 hours (over an hour an acre). I mow my fields, which are MUCH rougher, at acres per hour.
Tim used the Tractor in Medium speed, more realistic, but burned up the battery faster. He recognized he could use low speed and get longer run time but NOT cover as much acreage. I can't let the machine force me to be less efficient. Even as a hobby farmer on 110 acres.
Thanks for the honest opinion. I have the electric Rivian truck. I don’t understand why people bring in politics. It’s simple math. I don’t have to pay $100 to fill up with gas.
Electric tractors sound interesting but how would they do in are Minnesota winter at -25 moving snow to me that would be a real test.
Don’t leave it around anything important.. I bet the replacement batteries cost close to the purchase price of the initial investment...
Don’t worry if you get stuck out there , just get your trusty diesel generator to charge it up..
Hard Pass..
I think it would be a great tool to have for small jobs, and with the solar charging you have, as a backup if the grid goes down.
I didn't hear any mention of the expected service life of the battery, ... or it's replacement cost.
Me neither, every battery has a service life related to how many charge , discharge cycles it can handle , every charge discharge cycle takes service life out of a battery, how long do they claim it can do this before changing it out and what's the battery cost new?
Or what it takes to dispose of the battery
Nice comp video Josh! Good to see Josh x2 in the Tesla!! Woo! I agree, let's NOT politicize everything!! Keep up the good work buddy! Thanks. Kapper
Josh -- Love your channel -- "Just like the other 25 hp Tractor" -- so cool and creative are your presentations...AWESOME
I was sceptical at first, but your presentation was very eye opening. Your right just another tool!
This is a pretty fair assessment of a neat little tractor. Perfect for a hobby farmer, though im curious hiw much a battery replacement costs, since i am willing to bet it will need atleast one during the 80k hour life expectancy of the motor.
Had a rep stop by the dealership last week with one of those electric units for us to demo. I’m glad you did this video.
I am neither threatened, nor, confused by any electric vehicle. I am however curious about the fairytales made about the environmentally greatness of said vehicles... Mining for the materials to make the batteries, does way more damage to the earth than drawing out the liquid dinosaurs will ever in my great grandchildren's lifetime.!
What I like is the 80000 life of engine,the saving of diesel for other equipment,less noise,and no fumes when working inside a building. What I don’t think I would like the cost of replacing the battery, a job taking longer than expected and running out of power,the backing up no pto,the added cost of tractor vs diesel,the cost of a solar panel setup to power it ( not that you have to have that)and waiting for it to charge t get started on a job. I was wondering have they any plans on adding solar panels to the roof and/or hood to help extend the run time?How many hours is the battery expected to last? I run a 35hp t1520 new holland and 95hp m9540 kabota. I could see this electric tractor being really good for cleaning out barns and the thousands of smaller chores a diesel tractor wast a lot of fuel idling on. On many small farms tractor are not run every day or for all day long. It would be nice if it came with with the ability to be charge from solar panels straight to the battery instead of having to have another battery setup for recharging.
I would try it out
Well I have a Hart mower with a 6 AH battery that is "supposed" to be able to cut 3/4 of an acre of lawn... or cut for 45 minutes per charge. Even not using the self propel option, and throwing the grass out the side (for which I get the best performance)... my under 2/3rds of an acre of grass has ALWAYS required about FIVE full charges to cut it... (the house, driveway and woods in back are about 1/3 of an acre in total - my property is one full acre). Even my front yard, which is the slowest growing, gets cut the most and is usually the driest and thinnest grass, requires 2+ full charges to cut... and the backyard is bigger than the front. Mind you I got it because I have solar panels to install... but have other things I have to do first.
19:41 ya the manufactureing process did.
Manufacturing a diesel engine doesn't affect our grid?
I will not go electric for any equipment whether it be farm equipment or pickup trucks. Just wait until a new battery has to be purchased. Neither do we have proper recycling on them.
your farm equipment has a battery...and you take it in about every 3-5 years to recycle as a core and buy a new one right? This is just a larger battery isn't it? I guess I don't get that one battery is bad...and the other battery is good?
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer It's not that batteries are bad, it's that lithium batteries are 1) expensive, 2) will have to be disposed of at some point (like in a river or whatever), 3) lithium mining is outright exploitation of the third world, and 4) a lithium based infrastructure is going to be an ecological and human disaster in a few decades if smarter minds don't prevail with the whole lifecycle of these materials. And the relentless political drumbeat that productive farmers are "the problem" because they dare to use efficient tractors is getting old. Your video glosses over serious issues relative to the ecosystem for portable electric power.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Josh, you asked for our opinions, thoughts, and impressions. Why are you feeling the need to push back on any topic? Why the debate? Just listen to our comments, and digest. Those who are not for this wave of tech will not be swayed by your rebuttals.
with battery prices dropping I can see them becoming more modular and swappable until capacity grows enough to not need it
Until the company goes broke, and leaves you with an environmental hazard
I think for electric tractors, a hybrid diesel/electric or hybrid gas/electric....like toyota vehicles would be a better solution for the first electric tractors, than full electric. Get more mileage/hours from the fuel. Have the electric torq. Would not leave you in a discharged state. During high fuel prices charge from solar. During low fuel prices use the cheaper more dependable fuel. In an emergency and you're low on fuel, just charge with solar.
That would be a start, but it would still be too expensive for my choice....but hybrid would be a better start for those that want electric. Toyota's hybrid vehicles seem to work very well. Love your sustainable farming Mr. Stoney Ridge!
I have zero problem. I am a big fan of DIY Solar and battery storage.
What is the battery life? What is the battery replacement cost? Not everyone can afford solar charging stations. I like electric change saws and small power tools and I own a saw, blower, and line trimmer all electric. How will all of these large batteries be disposed of?
The selectrack is so cool and futuristic...looks like a DJI drone when you look past the loader attachment...😁 Enjoying the content like always Josh .... watching from Ndola Zambia
...WISE words and GOOD video!!! 😄
Your buddy was mowing with the heavy bucket on.
The reason a lot of people, including myself, have become so bitter towards electric technology is because it's being crammed down everyone's throats as something we have to all switch to now because it'll save the environment and it'll still do everything gas and diesel will do, and it's just not able to do that yet. It's nice to see a more reasonable approach to the technology, but it just isn't on par with diesel and gas yet and I for one am tired of being told it is. When it gets there it gets there, but it needs to do so naturally, not by being crammed down out throats.
Amen
100% correct. Battery technology requires 7.5 times the volume for the BTU equivalent of a gas powered vehicle. Think about that for a moment and then tell me electric is better. It's not.
@@DLTJR1959
Cheaper too
And.....we can fix our gas and diesel equipment. ...go ahead and touch that electric.,. That is an entirely different animal
'muri-kuh...
What it needs is come with 2 quick removable batteries so you get two batteries one battery on charge, one working in the tractor. I love my ego electric power equipment because every battery is interchangeable with a an EGO tool.
yep...but this is about 300 times more energy hungry than the EGO...we're talking about a very very heavy battery system
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Of course, but my point was manufacturers need a way to easily replace even a large battery while the other one is being charged. A slide out battery on wheels maybe?
I’m loving this little electric tractor!!
What was the time mowing with the electric tractor vs your diesel tractor? Time is money.
Good video!
It only a threat if politicians use it to "show" why you don't need a diesel tractor any more. Otherwise its a cool tool
Great video Josh! Thanks! Tractor looks fine. Same comment as last video is the PTO is a dealbreaker. I bet that gets sorted out in future versions.
I may be ignorant, but I am sold on electric. Especially with solar, it seems like a long-term win/win.
I've been a mechanic and have the tools, and I love internal combustion. But the ability to be independent of outside inputs (gas, for example) is invaluable, if you can afford it. The initial cost is high. And batteries are high. Freedom sometimes is high.
Heres the deal. If we don't invest in new technology nothing will ever progress. If people with horses didn't buy cars, we'd still be riding horses. If we didn't plant trees, our kids wouldn't have shade.
Thanks again 🍻
How mutch the battery bank and the solar panel cost…. Do a total cost and longevity video…💪👍 …. Cost off solar vs diesel … maintenance ….
As a farmer Josh you should enjoy getting more CO2 for your plant life. CO2 is the world's friend it's not the enemy.
I'm in south-central VA (not far from you) and I live on a 13 acre farm. I have a 35HP Massey that I cut my fields with and manage the animals with. I have a Cummins pickup that I use for the farm and blows black smoke but I also have a tesla that I drive around everywhere else and am a network engineer by trade as well as have a side business where I do security and networking for small businesses and farms. I think this is great and yet I would never give up my diesel tractor for certain things, just like I won't give up my diesel truck for certain things. Everything has its place, and this is another tool for your toolbox for sure.
I think the tractor did great and I would be interested in on for offsetting certain tasks that I really don't need the cabbed 35HP for. Electric is great. I want a solar array with battery as well but that will come in time. Keep up the great content Josh. Electric isn't for everybody and as long as it never becomes something we are forced to do (stepping on our freedoms in the process) I will welcome it.
How much does a replacement battery cost
Personally I think it's a really cool idea, back in the 70s ge made a little electric garden tractor called the electrak. I would love if one of these company's would come out with an electric garden tractor that was capable of running heavier attachments like snowblowers and such.
The GE Electrak may simply have been ahead of its time. They were pricey and used lead/acid deep discharge golf cart batteries.
Battery will die quick in the cold running a plow or snowblower.
If you are ever thinking of anything electric make sure you look at battery cost and replacement same as the power pack , drive systems etc. This is a common thing to inspect same as dealer help and warranty.
by the time the battery needs replacing we're looking at 5-10 years down the road...who knows what the battery may cost at that point
To each their own, I really don't see the electric one being as durable as the other. I feel that the batteries will loose run capacity as time goes on. The battery bank cost of replacement is a concern if something goes wrong . Explain the cost of replacing the battery bank verses a small diesel motor.
Diesel engine has hundreds...if not thousands of moving parts...an electric motor has one moving part....so it's hard to speculate on what the cost of a new battery would cost for this machine in 10 years when it needs to be rebuilt
I agree. I like technology, especially when it helps on the farm.
Would really like to have one but I don’t think they are sold in Sweden. Of course they are expensive also especially for me with a small farm.
The run time is no issue at all.
It would be great for me and my 5 acres. No lugging fuel. Move hay and mow. Maybe pull a small trailer to pick up firewood? Or some sort of lift type bucket basket to drop a gate remove the firewood. It definitely seems like a go get this or that tractor. ❤
80,000 motor life on the solectrac....but how long does the BATTERY pack last and what is the cost to replace it? MUCH less maintenance on the electric no oil changes still needs grease, no fuel but runtime vs recharge time factors in as well I would wonder what the yearly operating costs would compare for each and what a 10 year comparison would look like
If they let me keep it for 10 years....we'll do the math for sure brother
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Hopefully you'd still be a youtuber millionaire!
Newer battery technology lasts a lot longer than even 5yrs ago. But it depends on if you run it to empty or leave a buffer,etc. But I'm willing to bet it lasts longer than you think. For instance, you can probably get about 500,000 miles on a Tesla Model 3 long range battery pack. Most people have no idea the advancement in battery technology.
@@coastalcruiser4317 out of the 500000 miles how much time is spent sitting and waiting for a charge or waiting on it to charge. its not a dig at all . im just wondering because I see a lot of people sitting and waiting to get charged on a 110 to 115 degree weather in southern Arizona going to California
@Ricardo Ruiz That must be an Arizona, California thing. I've driven between Florida and NC and I might have had to wait once or twice for 20 minutes or so, since then Tesla limits your charging to 80% and I haven't had to wait since.
No oil changes, no diesel smell, can't wait to replace my Kubota 2200 with all electric. The next gen batteries are amazing. Absolutely require that machines like this have 110VAC and or 240VAC output.
Your Kubota will last longer
I loved seeing real world examples so I can make up my own mind about how things fit my needs. I like the idea of a small electric tractor but for my needs this one wouldn't work. One thing I'd love to see you cover too is maintenance. There's a lot of information on how to fix small engines, however what happens if you do have a motor or battery issue? Having the ability to fix my own equipment is a must.
Why would you even bring up POLITICS???? It's been a great implement for getting our farming done.
because everyone sees electric vehicles, tractors and tools as some sort of political choice nowadays...it's just true
Affordable to who ? And 4 to 5 years later is it affordable or replace batéry and charger ? HMMM
Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
I’ve seen a couple different videos on this electric tractor in the last year. The one thing that boggled my mind is that for such a leap forward in technology, they went backwards 50 years by going with ground pto rather than live pto! Live pto has been the standard since the early 70s
Next test would be how well it would do in the upper states with sub freezing winters running a snow blower on the back.
I like the "Off grid" charging system....I live in Michigan,that brings up two questions....#1- Cold weather endurance #2 - charging with solar panels under a 1 foot layer of snow and ice ( 3 to 4 months a year)
Video was really good and I like the honest approach , you say the 'Motor ' is good for many more thousand hours , but how long is the battery that runs the motor good for ?these are my ' Real world' situations and questions you wanted , what' are your answers ?
pc
Not sold yet. I was waiting for you to tell us how it does (or doesn’t) with the backhoe. And how much of the field does the TYM cut with a tank of fuel? 28k w/ bucket and backhoe vs 35k with only a loader, no back hoe.
Like you, Stoney Farmer, I like to see new technology and appreciate the authenticity of your content. This tractor might work for my 10 acres if it lost about $10k in cost. This year I am self installing a solar array on my cargo container (24v 2000w panels 280ah) . When you say 'political' as if folks defending their right to choose for themselves is politics, it rubs me the wrong way. How about telling the latte sipping radical left to stop getting 'political'? In many states, they have dictated a deadline after which non-electric solutions are banned by law. Usually the target is by 2030 to 2035. THIS IS WHY WE REACT SO VISCERALLY.
how bout telling everyone that every decision isn't political....and everything people say does not matter....now...we all know that folks in California are passing laws to make electric machines mandatory....hey...that's the elected officials of California.....I see nothing wrong with electric other than the waste stream that comes with it. Hey, i thought we'd all be in flying cars by now anyway right lol
Nice video, I'd love details on your charging setup, do you share that anywhere?
Also super tempted to get one of these... i don't do a lot but this fits my needs. If you get the smaller loader to can save about 3500 or so looks like.
I've got a few vids that touch on it. Tell ya what, I'll do a comprehensive vid that tells how I charge it via solar soon
Great Demo. What would the cost of the electricity if you are not off the grid.
That’s is absolutely great. We have no time to waste
Here an important question!
How much does it cost to replace the diesel motor versus a battery pack for the electric tractor????
Diesel "engine"- electric "motor"
Nice tractors buddy
My 1989 John Deere 870 runs like new still. Only part that has ever been changed on the engine (other than normal maintenance) is the Battery.
I can brush hog my pastures all summer on a single tank of diesel.
I don’t see the point of electric.
It could be a battery backup. HOWEVER, my 870 can power a 15Kwh PTO house generator for days and day and days. Way cheaper than an electric tractor.
An 870 is a pretty small machine...I had one, still have the little yanmar in that?
Yes. No turbo or emission parts to deal with. Just a mechanical fuel pump too.
25HP at the PTO
Entire thing was built in Osaka, Japan
It has been perfect for me. I only have 8 Acres though.
I am the weirdo that can be seen towing horse around in a mid size though. Lol
I will be doing that again later today actually!
I do think electric is neat though. Lots of potential into the future… if batteries get better and cheaper.
I’m excited about the technology; and think the evolution of electric tools, vehicles, and tractors are pretty cool. Like Josh has continued to say, it’s not for everybody, but he is doing a great job explaining what the Solectrac can and can’t do. The best demo I’ve seen on an electric tractor. Is it for me, no. I’m in northern WI where that battery would likely perform at a 30% battery loss in winter. Although it would likely run and not need a preheat or ether and a prayer at 30 below.
Not sure where anyone is getting the idea Josh is trying to be politically motivated in any way, or pushing folks to go get an electric tractor.
I greatly appreciate the thorough demo, info, and discussions. If it was at least 70HP at the PTO and it would perform and last in 30 below, it would be a contender. Thanks Josh, keep the new Ag Tech demos coming!!! Keep on Farm’n! 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸
There's a lot of variables to consider if you are thinking about this tractor. Let's say for a completely off grid situation. How often will you use it. There will be days when the charge station will not charge, and if you are going to have to use the next day, then you will have to supplement the sun in order to use this tractor. Mowing in only low gear, well that is needed in a lot of situations, but not all. Being able to mow in a higher gear is something they need to consider. Not being able to mow in reverse, well, anyone who has pasture surrounded by forest the forest will try to take over the pasture so everyone who is mowing a field will do a lot of backing up in order to maintain or reclaim the areas around the edges and that most often requires to do a lot of backing up and pulling forward. Same thing in your situation Josh, where you may want or need to do the same thing with your pond shores.
The pluses I see if it's not necessarily an every day tractor, it would be nice to reliably depend on this tractor. The time savings you'd have in fueling up your tractor, going to get fuel for your tractor, and the cost of buying that fuel. If you have a smaller piece of land, and Never plan to buy or need a larger tractor, then yeah, this one would save you in the long run. You also have to consider what all would you want or need to do with this tractor. Do they make smaller implements to suit your needs? If you were relying on solar to run your whole farm, then it wouldn't be as big of a deal when you were needing to run a generator to top off your system. I'd say no to depending on one these tractors if you lived up north where it's a lot colder and the area gets a lot of snow.
They call it a brush hog because you can cut brush. I don't usually drive over the thick brush to do that, but I suppose you could. But for almost twice as much (that backhoe adds 6k so the tym is ~16k) I should be able to do twice as much. Also, if I want to run a hydraulic splitter or firewood processor or several other implements, I guess I'd have to put a sand bag in the seat. I have no issue with high priced options, so long as they bring more value, and large cordless electric machines don't. There is a less value in cordless tech the larger it gets. Phones are great, cordless power tools are pretty awesome, electric chainsaws and mowers are a tossup compares to gas, and electric tractors and vehicles have less value that combustion counterparts.
It's a Farmtrac tractor with an electric motor. I think it's a good in between design to save money and be tough, I'd do the same thing. However it could be quite a bit more efficient and user friendly to get rid of the drive train and put direct drive electric motor. That is quite a bit more expensive though.
ca devrait s ameliorer avec le temps meme si c est quand meme bien
Do you have to to run the battery all the way down, to begin recharging? Or can you recharge overnight regardless?
you can recharge reguadless....run it to 90% and plug it up overnight....run it to 10% and do the same my friend