Sepp Knüsel, the brains behind the Rigitrac tractors, showed the SKE 50, a 100% electrically-powered 50kW (68hp) prototype at Agritechnica.
Developed jointly with the Swiss University of Applied Sciences, the 80kW (400v) lithium ion battery powers five electric motors, one in each axle, two for the front and rear ptos and one for the hydraulics.
Lift capacity is 1.6t (front) and 1.8t (rear), and the battery is claimed to provide enough power for up to six hours of operation. While initially aimed at local authorities, dairy farms have expressed an interest in the quiet and zero emissions tractor. The plan is to make a second 2.8t prototype for more tests and have the finished tractor in the price lists in two years.
This is not the first time the Swiss company has had a stab at making an electric tractor. The diesel-electric EWD 120 won an innovation award silver medal at the 2011 Agritechnica.
