At the 2009 Agritechnica Belarus previewed the 3023, a 295hp tractor that not only generated enough electricity to propel the wheels, but also power an optional electric front PTO. It all went ominously quiet on the electric front at subsequent shows, and even at Agritechnica last November the company was keener to talk about the 466hp Cat-powered 4522 prototype.
Behind the scenes though the Minsk Tractor Works has worked hard to complete the electric project, and MTZ Equipment Ltd, the US and Canadian Belarus distributor, plans to launch its first diesel-electric tractor in September this year. Previewed last week at a press event in Minsk, the immediate focus is with the MTZ 3623, the 270kW electric generator of which can be mated to two Stage IV engines – 360hp QSL9 Cummins or 373hp OM470 Mercedes.
The electric ‘CVT’ provides infinite speed selection in two ranges (field 0-15km/hr and on the road 0-50km/hr), and the company is talking about a 15% reduction in diesel use in the field, and up to 30% on road. Optional equipment includes a 55kW (73hp) electric front 1000rpm-speed PTO and a Windows based diagnostic software is part of the standard package.
When it goes on sale, the MTZ 3623 is expected to retail for around US$330,000 (includes electric front PTO). Looking ahead, the company says it will soon be followed by two other diesel-electric tractors; the 450hp MTZ/Belarus ET-450МK and a 455hp articulated Kirovets. We hope to have more details on all three tractors sometime soon.
