The first EOX-175, a diesel-electric tractor, has left the workshop and is about to start field tests.

Developed by Dutch company H2Trac, the machine is born out of a 210hp (160kW) diesel-electric tool carrier known as the Multi Tool Trac (MTT), which featured in our October 2017 issue.

Scrutinised by an international audience at Agritechnica that same year, the feedback was that the electric powertrain was great, but the 10.0t tool carrier was too heavy, long and high. It was back to the drawing board to ponder ways to lower the weight and reduce the length and height.

It was decided that the EOX-175 (Electric ox) was the best fit for an arable farm for cultivating, drilling and spraying duties.

Built in a workshop at Arnhem in the east of the country, and finished in the same bright green paintwork as the MTT, ditching the mid-mounted linkage/PTO has shortened the wheelbase to 3.5m (was 5.5m on the MTT) and reduced the weight to around 7.0t.

There are six double-acting spools at the rear and three at the front. Rear lift capacity is around 6.0t. (3.5t front).

Packaged in the rear half of the main frame, the only function of the four-pot 175hp FPT diesel block is to power a high-speed generator (below the cab). Electricity passes to a high voltage distribution box to the six motors; one in each wheel, one for the hydraulic pump and one for the PTO (possible electric option for front). A 35kW lithium-ion battery is tucked into the front half of the frame.

The hydraulic pump is connected to 100-litre oil tank (200 bar pressure). This powers the sliding axles, steering cylinders, lift/lower of the front and rear linkage arms and provides hydraulic flow for implements.

The standard size of the four equal size Mitas BF tyres is 380/90R46. The vehicle provides 4ws.

Track width can be altered from a push button in the cab from 2.25-3.20m, and while the EOX-175 is made for 3.0m systems, it can also be used with wider machines. The top speed is currently 25km/hr (forward and reverse). A 40km/hr option will be available in the future.

H2Trac is currently talking to a couple of potential Dutch and German customers and is confident of quickly finding buyers for the first machines. The plan is to make a small batch of machines before the end of this year.

Each one is expected to cost around €280,000, although the company could lease the first batch of machines for around €60-€70/hr, to include all service, maintenance and software updates.