The E-Horse maintenance tractor is a new design from the Netherlands. This electric tractor, equipped with solar panels on its roof, features four-wheel steering and is lightweight. It is particularly suitable for crop care tasks.
Dutch arable farmer and plant grower Bastian van der Veen sought a vehicle to maintain his crops. He conceptualized the machine, which was then manufactured by Boessenkool. Key design points included minimal weight and fully electric operation, aiming for essentially emission-free work. In 2023, the E-Horse was first used on a considerable scale for hoeing as a trial. Combined with the solar panels, the vehicle proved to have enough energy onboard for six to eight hours of work. The design focused on minimizing energy requirements.
All electric, no hydraulic power
Everything on the E-Horse operates electrically. The drive is infinitely variable and controlled with a small joystick. Both the lifting and steering systems are electrically operated. The only oil in the vehicle is in the gear reduction of the wheel motors. All four wheels are permanently driven. Up to a certain steering angle, only the front wheels are steered. Thus, during hoeing, the vehicle operates like a conventional tractor. For larger steering angles, four-wheel steering automatically engages for tight turns on the headland. Steering can be fully automated via GPS. The vehicle weighs 1,880 kg (4,145 lbs) without implements.
Future development powered by a fuel cell
The E-Horse has performed well to date and will be further developed based on these experiences. The next version will be equipped with not one, but three lifting devices. This version will be powered by a fuel cell. The frame will be narrower, allowing the successor to work with implements up to six meters (19.7 feet) wide. The current frame cannot accommodate this because it lacks the space to fold an implement for transport.
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