New Holland Agriculture has carved out a new class of tractor with the launch of the T4 Electric Power, the agricultural industry’s first all-electric utility tractor with autonomous features.
The T4 Electric Power tractor is ideal for lower horsepower field operations and is suitable for multiple applications, such as mixed farm, hay and forage, dairy, livestock, municipality, greenhouse and specialty crops.
It will make its public debut at the 2023 Farm Progress Show, taking place Aug. 29 to 31 in Decatur, Illinois. That machine, which features a “Clean Blue” paint scheme, will be on display at the New Holland booth No. 967 in the northwest quadrant of the show grounds. The tractor is anticipated to be commercially available in North America with select dealers in early 2024.
This machine is the latest development in New Holland’s strategic plan for electrification and the newest addition to the brand’s lineup of alternative energy sources powered equipment, like the T7 Methane Power LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) and the T6.180 Methane Power. Equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack, New Holland says the T4 Electric Power delivers gradual power and continuous torque achieved at the lowest speeds, ensuring a completely new driving experience and seamless operation during loader work cycle and daily farm routines.
Technology drives productivity
Smart autonomous features and creative driver assistance modes are part of the T4 Electric Power tractor’s innovative character to improve daily farming operations with Precision Solutions & Telematics (PS&T), safety, diagnostics and service. With the design focused on addressing current farming challenges, such as increased total cost ownership, these outstanding features make the T4 Electric Power stand out even more in the market.
Driver-assisted features — Follow Me Mode, the Invisible Bucket, and 360 Degree Awareness — are complemented by other fully digital and connected functions like Over the Air Updates, Live View and Map Maker, which make this tractor the first of its kind in the world. The tractor utilizes cameras and sensors in the Smart Roof, while modes are activated via a modern touchscreen display. The result is improved performance and safety both inside and outside of the cab full-time.
“This tractor is a significant step forward for growers, producers and municipalities. The T4 Electric Power addresses a number of challenges they are facing everyday on their operations,” states Lena Bioni, product marketing manager for New Holland Agriculture North America. “What New Holland is bringing to our farmers is a convergence of technology – electric propulsion, autonomous features, better performance — in the body of a utility tractor that’s setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable and resilient future our customers are striving for.”
Redefining performance and battery technology
Under the hood of the T4 Electric Power lies a state-of-the-art battery system partnered with a fully electrified drivetrain that’s proven to deliver relentless power and productivity. Featuring a 110-kWh maximum energy storage capacity in a 400V nominal high-voltage circuit, it provides 74 hp (55 kW) rated power and 65 hp (48 kW) PTO power. Using an efficient high voltage powertrain with integrated cooling features in the single devices from established mass production vendors, as well as material currently in production, makes this tractor a pioneering and revolutionary solution.
Compared to its diesel-powered counterparts, the T4 Electric Power delivers superior performance. It offers 4-wheel drive, a proven 12×12 transmission, clutch-less electronic power shuttle reverser and all the regular power outputs of a traditional diesel utility. This includes rear electro-hydraulic PTO, drawbar, multiple rear remotes, mid-mount valves and a robust, and complete, 725LU mechanical self-leveling front loader with 3rdfunction and 84’’ bucket included. Due to the greater control, enhanced precision and faster responsiveness, the tractor boosts the field capacity by reducing the applications cycle time.
The tractor’s electrified drivetrain promotes silent power with high torque and fast response achieved at the lowest speeds. These two intrinsic electric motor’s characteristics, combined with the 12×12 electronic power shuttle transmission, means that even an inexperienced operator can run the implements during the applications without the need for precise gear selection and throttle control. Meanwhile, experienced operators will have infinite speed adjustments just by controlling motor RPM. Smooth and gradual delivery of power at low speeds and constant delivery in high speeds increase control and precision during field operations.
“The T4 Electric Power’s quiet electric motor is definitely a big advantage and important tool in noise sensitive areas,” Bioni explains. “Outside, the tractor omits less noise and vibrations compared to diesel ones. Take for example, operating within equestrian barns or on college campuses running mowers and plowing snow alongside dorms.”
In general, considering light, medium and heavy-duty applications over its daily task routines, it’s estimated the tractor can provide 4 hours of average runtime. However, this can easily be extended up to 8 working hours for low energy demand applications. In fact, its extended runtime empowers operators to tackle a variety of jobs without the need for frequent recharging, enhancing even more the overall productivity and reducing operational downtime. The tractor can be recharged by multiple energy sources such as regular grids, solar panels, biodigesters and wind power in both Alternate Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). Operating in DC, it takes just one hour to reach 100 percent power when using commercially available fast charging systems.
In addition, the T4 Electric Power can provide power availability wherever and whenever a customer needs it. This is the main goal of the practical and convenient Exportable Power feature. Equipped with common 110V and 220V outlets used in workshops and farmyard electrical installations, the tractor can serve as a power source for electric power tools such as welding, drilling and cutting machines.
Industry partnership
In 2020, another brand, Monarch Tractor revealed the MK-V, the world’s first fully electric, driver optional, smart tractor integrated on a single platform — one that would combine automation, machine learning, and data analysis with the hope of increasing labor productivity and safety while also maximizing yields. This machine is targeted toward use in orchards and was made commercially available last year.
In May, Monarch announced a new financial services agreement with CNH Industrial Capital America — the financial provider for the CNH Industrial family of brands, including New Holland — to help Monarch’s technology reach new farmers in expansive geographies across the country.
The relationship between Monarch Tractor and CNH Industrial highlights the growing appetite for innovation in the ag tech space. Further to this, and in an effort to rapidly expand with the growing demand for the MK-V, Monarch Tractor recently announced the start of production of the Monarch MK-V from Foxconn’s facility in Ohio. This comes following a contract manufacturing agreement the two entities signed in June 2022 to build Monarch Tractor’s next-generation agricultural equipment and battery packs. This production will fuel support to Monarch Tractor’s growing dealer network and demand to fill current backlogs.
