Molly Ayala
John Deere has been at the forefront of electric farm equipment innovation for decades, starting with the release of the electric Gator TM TE. The company is now expanding its electric offerings beyond turf equipment, with the development of the E-Power tractor and electric zero-turn mowers. Despite this, John Deere's CTO, Jahmy Hindman, has denied rumors that the company is pushing larger farmer operators to go all-electric, citing the current limitations of electric technology in high-power applications. However, he acknowledges that electrification has a place in agriculture, particularly for lower horsepower equipment. John Deere's Electric Variable Transmission for its largest 8 and 9 series tractors and its collaboration with Spudnik on electric harvesters demonstrate its ongoing commitment to electric farm equipment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric farm equipment | Electric Gator TE 4x2, Z370R and Z380R Electric ZTrak zero-turn mowers, 185 and 225 E-Cut walk-behind greens mowers, GS and TS Electric Gator Utility Vehicles, E-Power tractor |
| Power output | 130-horsepower output for E-Power tractor, 400 horsepower for GridCON tractor, 300 kilowatts for GridCON |
| Battery | 6-hour charge for Z370R, 12-hour charge for Z380R |
| Weight | 8.5 tonnes for GridCON |
| Cost | 50% lower machine and operating costs for GridCON |
| Other features | Noiseless, emission-free, gearless, car-like driving experience, smooth, easy to operate, increased comfort |
| John Deere's stance on electric tractors | John Deere is not pushing larger farmer operators to go all-electric. Electrification for larger, higher horsepower equipment is not feasible. |
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What You'll Learn
John Deere's GridCON electric tractor
John Deere is indeed pushing electric farm equipment, including the GridCON electric tractor.
The GridCON is a cable-powered electric tractor that offers up to 400 horsepower. It is based on a John Deere 6210R tractor chassis and uses a cable connection from a field’s border to the machine, transferring power continuously at more than 300 kilowatts. The cable is 1 kilometre long and is reeled in and out by a drum while being guided by a robot arm to prevent the tractor from running into it. The tractor can also operate autonomously, following preset rows at operating speeds of up to slightly over 12 mph.
The GridCON tractor uses a 700 volts DC bus for electric power distribution and has a total efficiency of around 85%. The working prototype weighs about 8.5 tonnes, which is similar to a conventional John Deere 6195R tractor but with twice the power. John Deere aims to reduce the weight of the GridCON by at least one tonne. The tractor is also noiseless and emission-free, with 50% lower machine and operating costs compared to battery-powered tractors.
The GridCON project is funded by the German economic affairs and energy ministry and managed by the German Aerospace Centre eV in Cologne. It is a joint project between John Deere, the University of Kaiserslautern, and BAUM Consult GmbH. John Deere presented the GridCON as the next evolution of its first fully electric tractor, the SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery), which was introduced in 2016.
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Electric Variable Transmission (EVT)
John Deere, a trusted manufacturer of diesel and gasoline-powered agricultural machinery, is pushing electric farm equipment. The company presented its first fully electric tractor, the SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery), in 2016. John Deere is also developing a new electric tractor, the GridCON, which will offer farmers the opportunity to supply and use their own energy for fieldwork. The GridCON tractor is funded by the German economic affairs and energy ministry and managed by the German Aerospace Centre eV in Cologne. It is a joint project of John Deere, the University of Kaiserslautern, and BAUM Consult GmbH.
John Deere is also working on an E-Power tractor, which will have zero operating emissions, reduced noise, and easy maintenance. In addition to tractors, John Deere offers a range of battery-powered equipment, including the Gator G5 XUV, which delivers a smooth, gearless, car-like driving experience. The company also offers electric golf equipment, such as the 185 and 225 E-Cut walk-behind greens mowers, and the GS and TS Electric Gator Utility Vehicles.
Now, moving on to the Electric Variable Transmission (EVT), it is an innovative transmission concept that provides several advantages over traditional transmissions. An EVT is a smaller and lighter variation of the continuously variable transmission (CVT). It replaces several standard motor vehicle parts, such as the clutch, gearbox, generator, and starter motor, and combines their functionalities into a single compact device. This makes the EVT more efficient and easier to maintain, as there are fewer parts that require lubrication, sealing, or valves.
One of the key benefits of an EVT is its compatibility with hybrid vehicles. It can be considered a hybrid transmission itself, as it converts the mechanical power from the engine into electricity, which is then split between powering the wheels and charging the battery. This allows the vehicle to utilise the battery's energy instead of the internal combustion engine when the battery is sufficiently charged. The EVT also provides inherent overload protection and can actively damp vibrations, improving the driveability and comfort of the vehicle.
The EVT consists of two concentric electrical machines, which means there are only two moving parts. It has two mechanical ports and one electrical port, with the possibility of being hybridized when using the electrical port. This makes the EVT a fully scalable system that can be used in a range of applications, from light-duty to very heavy-duty. The EVT also offers reduced fuel consumption and emission reduction due to enhanced start-stop technology, avoiding fast engine transients, and electrical after-treatment.
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John Deere's electrification goals
John Deere is electrifying its farm equipment, with a focus on electric tractors and utility vehicles. The company has been working on electric innovation for decades, with the release of the first-of-its-kind electric Gator™ TE utility vehicle. Now, John Deere is expanding its electric offerings, including the development of an E-Power tractor.
The E-Power tractor is expected to offer a continuous 130-horsepower output, suitable for various tasks such as spraying, mowing, loader work, and working around animals. It will provide a smooth, gearless, car-like driving experience with reduced maintenance and increased operator comfort due to less noise and vibration. The company is also working on the GridCON tractor, a cable-powered electric tractor that can deliver up to 400 horsepower. This tractor uses a cable connection from a field's border to transfer power at more than 300 kilowatts, with additional outlets for implements powered by up to a 200 kW electric motor.
However, John Deere's Chief Technology Officer, Jahmy Hindman, has stated that electrification for larger, higher-horsepower equipment is not currently feasible due to the weight, size, and cost of lithium-ion batteries. Instead, the company is focusing on electrification for lower-horsepower equipment, such as the E-Power tractor. Additionally, John Deere has introduced the Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) for its largest 8 and 9 series tractors, which uses a diesel generator to produce electricity for powering the drivetrain and off-board equipment.
John Deere is committed to unlocking more innovation and value for its customers through electrification, providing a range of electric options in mowing, landscaping, and beyond. The company's electric equipment offers zero operating emissions, smooth performance, and easy maintenance, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future for agriculture.
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Electric Gator TE 4x2
John Deere is indeed pushing electric farm equipment, with the Electric Gator TE 4x2 being the first of its kind when it launched. The vehicle is powered by a 48-V electrical system, which provides ample power for tasks such as carrying loads and climbing hills. The electric Gator TE 4x2 offers zero operating emissions and a notable 600-lb towing capacity.
The onboard charger is a notable feature, allowing users to charge the vehicle from any location with a wall receptacle. This is possible due to the wide input voltage range of 85-265 VAC. The charger also features advanced temperature sensor technology, improving the information flow and allowing for fuller charges, which can increase runtime by up to 75%. The multicolor LED indicator provides updates on the charge level, and the heavy-duty design ensures strength and manufacturing tolerance control.
The Electric Gator TE 4x2 also has a unique braking system. When stopped on a grade, the vehicle is prevented from freewheeling in the opposite direction of the original travel direction. Additionally, when the vehicle exceeds the set maximum speed, energy is transformed back into the batteries, with an estimated 3-5% regenerative energy return.
The vehicle offers side-by-side seating for the operator and one passenger, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The deluxe cargo box can be easily converted to a flatbed, allowing for larger cargo loads.
John Deere is also developing other electric farm equipment, including the E-Power tractor, which will offer zero emissions, reduced noise, and easy maintenance. The company has also introduced an electric cable-powered tractor, GridCON, capable of delivering up to 400 horsepower. John Deere is committed to electric innovation and unlocking more value for its customers.
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Electric ZTrak zero-turn mowers
John Deere is indeed pushing electric farm equipment, with the company offering several electric options for mowing, landscaping, and golf equipment. Among these electric offerings are the Z370R and Z380R Electric ZTrak zero-turn mowers, which provide user-friendly operation, reduced maintenance, and increased operator comfort.
The Z370R and Z380R Electric ZTrak zero-turn mowers offer several benefits over traditional gas-powered mowers. Firstly, they are easy to operate, featuring a simple push-button start, eliminating the need for fumbling with ignition keys or choke levers. Secondly, they deliver a smooth, gearless, car-like driving experience, allowing for easy manoeuvring and precise cuts. Thirdly, they offer reduced noise levels, with only a faint whir of the motors when the blades aren't in use, and even when the blades are engaged, they are still quieter than their gas-powered counterparts.
The Z370R and Z380R models also come with sealed batteries that have an IP66 dust and liquid resistance rating. This means that these mowers can withstand adverse conditions, be washed with a hose, and be stored outdoors. The batteries for these models have different charging times, with the Z370R taking approximately 6 hours to charge and the Z380R taking approximately 12 hours. Additionally, these mowers come with a five-year battery warranty and a three-year machine warranty, with an optional ten-year PowerGard™ battery warranty available.
The Z370R Electric ZTrak zero-turn mower has received positive reviews, with users finding it easy and fun to use. It offers a quiet and smooth operating experience, providing professional-quality cuts with speed and comfort. The Z370R is particularly well-suited for large, flat lawns, and its superior manoeuvrability makes it a popular choice for those seeking efficiency and enjoyment in lawn care.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, John Deere is pushing electric farm equipment. The company has developed the GridCON tractor, which is powered by an electric cable, and the E-Power tractor, which is battery-powered. John Deere has also expanded its electric offerings beyond farm equipment, including electric golf course equipment and electric turf equipment.
The GridCON tractor is an electric cable-powered tractor that can deliver up to 400 horsepower. It uses a cable connection from a field's border to transfer power at more than 300 kilowatts. The tractor carries up to 1,000 meters of cable, which can be extended as required, making it applicable to various farming types.
The GridCON tractor offers farmers the opportunity to supply and use their own energy for fieldwork. It also provides the twin benefits of noiseless and emission-free operation, as well as reduced machine and operating costs compared to battery-powered tractors.
The E-Power tractor is a battery-powered tractor that offers a continuous 130-horsepower output. It is suitable for various tasks, including spraying, mowing, loader work, and working around animals. The tractor features reduced maintenance and increased operator comfort with less noise and vibration.
John Deere's CTO, Jahmy Hindman, has stated that electrification for larger, higher-horsepower equipment is not currently feasible due to the weight and cost of lithium-ion batteries. However, he acknowledges that electrification has a place in agriculture, particularly for lower-horsepower equipment.
