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New Holland Agriculture presents to the public the first "all-electric with autonomous features" utility tractor: the T4 Electric Power. According to the company, this tractor launches a new class on the market, the "utility electric", focused on offering solutions for more efficient field operations. A Cultivar Magazine published an article about the T4 Electric Power tractor on 12/12/2022: “New Holland presents electric tractor: T4 Electric Power".
The T4 Electric Power tractor will make its public debut at the 2023 Farm Progress Show, August 29-31, 2023, in Decatur, Illinois, United States.
The development of T4 Electric Power considers current agricultural challenges such as increasing total cost of ownership and labor shortages.
According to a statement from New Holland, T4 Electric Power is suitable for multiple applications, such as mixed farms, hay and forage, dairy, livestock, municipalities, greenhouses and specialty crops (vegetables and orchards).
Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the T4 Electric Power provides gradual power and continuous torque, “ensuring a completely new driving experience and continuous operation during the loader duty cycle and daily agricultural routines”.
“This tractor is a significant advance for producers. T4 Electric Power addresses a number of challenges they face daily in their operations,” he states Lena Bioni (pictured), product marketing manager for New Holland Agriculture North America.
The T4 Electric Power battery system features a maximum energy storage capacity of 110 kWh on a 400 V nominal high voltage circuit, provides a nominal power of 74 hp (55 kW) and a PTO power of 65 hp (48 kW). ).
Compared to its diesel-powered counterparts, the T4 Electric Power “delivers superior performance,” the company reports. It offers 4-wheel drive, a proven 12x12 transmission, clutchless electronic power inverter and all the regular power output of a traditional diesel utility vehicle. This includes rear electro-hydraulic power take-off, drawbar, multiple rear remotes, mid-mount valves and a robust and complete 725LU mechanical self-leveling front loader with 3rd function and 84'' bucket included. Due to greater control, greater precision and greater responsiveness, the tractor increases field capacity by reducing application cycle time.
The tractor's electrified transmission promotes silent power with high torque and quick response achieved at lower speeds. The intrinsic characteristics of these two electric motors, combined with the Power Shuttle 12x12 electronic transmission, mean that even an inexperienced operator can operate the implements during applications without the need for precise gear selection and throttle control. Meanwhile, experienced operators will have infinite speed adjustments just by controlling the engine RPM. Smooth, gradual power delivery at low speeds and steady delivery at high speeds increase control and precision during field operations.
“The silent electric motor of the T4 Electric Power is definitely a big advantage and an important tool in noise-sensitive areas,” explains Bioni.
The T4 Electric Power was designed by CNH Industrial engineering in the United States (Burr Ridge, Illinois, Detroit) and Italy (Modena). According to the company, in general, considering light, medium and heavy applications in its daily task routines, "it is estimated that the tractor can provide 4 hours of average autonomy". However, this can be "easily extended up to 8 working hours for low power demand applications".
In fact, its extended run time allows operators to perform a variety of jobs without the need for frequent recharges, further increasing overall productivity and reducing operational downtime. The tractor can be powered by multiple energy sources, such as regular grids, solar panels, biodigesters and wind energy in alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Operating on DC, it takes just one hour to reach 100% power when using commercially available fast charging systems.
Additionally, T4 Electric Power can provide power availability wherever and whenever the customer needs it. This is the main purpose of the practical and convenient Exportable Power feature. Equipped with common 110V and 220V sockets used in workshops and electrical installations in corrals, the tractor can serve as a power source for electrical tools such as welding, drilling and cutting machines.
Intelligent autonomous features and creative driver assistance modes are part of the T4 Electric Power tractor to improve daily agricultural operations with precision and telematics (PS&T), safety, diagnostics and service solutions. With the design focused on addressing today's agricultural challenges such as increasing total cost of ownership, these exceptional features make the T4 Electric Power even more unique on the market.
The driver-assisted features – Follow Me Mode, Invisible Bucket and 360 Degree Awareness – are complemented by other fully digital and connected functions, such as Over the Air updates, Live View and Map Maker. The tractor uses cameras and sensors in the Smart Roof, while modes are activated via a modern touchscreen.
The new Clean Blue paint scheme "denotes a New Holland tractor powered by an alternative fuel source." First debuted on the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG tractor, this eye-catching shade of blue complements the gray CNH decals, while a fresh design boasts powerful LED headlights and work lights with illuminated details.
“You’re looking at sustainability style. Along with the eye-catching paint scheme, customers can expect the T4 Electric Power tractor to redefine operating comfort with in-cab ergonomics, a new digital instrument cluster and an additional color touchscreen,” adds Bioni.
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