Electric utility tractor featured at FPS

DECATUR, Ill. — New Holland added another alternative energy-powered tractor to its lineup.

The T4 Electric Power utility tractor was rolled out at this year’s Farm Progress Show, joining New Holland’s T7 Methane Power and T6.180 Methane Power tractors.

Production of the first all-electric utility tractor with autonomous features begins this month with late March as the delivery goal.

Touted as an ideal solution for lower horsepower field operations, the T4 is suitable for multiple applications, such as mixed farm, hay and forage, dairy, livestock, municipality, greenhouse and vegetable and orchard specialty crops.

“We were probably sustainable before it was cool.”

—  Mark Lowery, director of network development, New Holland Agriculture North America

Equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack, the T4 delivers gradual power and continuous torque achieved at the lowest speeds, ensuring a completely new driving experience and seamless operation during loader work cycle and daily farm routines.

“The T4 Electric Power is being presented here for the first time in the U.S., and the T6 Methane Power tractor with its dual class transmission, a new transmission that we launched. The T4 and the T6 really show how were are investing in sustainability, sustainability in the environment, but sustainability for our farm, as well,” said Carlo Lambro, New Holland brand president.

“This tractor is a significant step forward for growers, producers and municipalities. The T4 Electric Power addresses a number of challenges they are facing every day on their operations,” said Lena Bioni, New Holland Agriculture North America product marketing manager.

“What New Holland is bringing to our farmers is a convergence of technology — electric propulsion, autonomous features, better performance — in the body of a utility tractor that’s setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable and resilient future our customers are striving for.”

The T4 Electric Power is rated for 74 hp (55 kW) and 65 hp (48 kW) PTO power and can achieve a top speed of 25 mph.

This is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a 110-kWh maximum energy storage capacity in a 400V nominal high-voltage circuit.

This model features four-wheel drive, a 12x12 transmission and clutch-less electronic power shuttle reverser.

It also includes a rear PTO, drawbar, three-point hitch, rear remotes and mid-mount valves — all comparable to the T4′s diesel-powered counterparts.

It’s compatible with New Holland’s 725LU mechanical self-leveling front loader with an 84-inch bucket.

New Holland estimates the tractor will have a four-hour runtime while completing tasks over the average workday, with an upward of eight hours while working on low energy demand applications.

Equipped with 110V and 220V outlets, the T4 can also serve as a power source for electric power tools when needed.

The tractor can be recharged by multiple energy sources in both alternating current and direct current. With DC charging, it can be fully charged in just one hour with fast charging systems.

Autonomous Features

The T4 makes use of New Holland’s Precision Solutions and Telematics package. The tractor uses cameras and sensors in its roof to enable features like a “follow me” mode, which allows farmers to sync machines to work together.

The invisible bucket feature and 360-degree awareness provides a full view around the cab, even through the attached loader.

These come together to support other connected functions like over-the-air updates, live view and map marker. All of this is controlled by a touch-screen display in the cab.

Also New

Other new portfolio additions that were on display included:

• The IntelliView 12 Guidance Kit — This transformative aftermarket kit installation is designed to enhance or install fundamental precision and connectivity features. This kit is tailored for New Holland customers seeking to elevate their existing machines’ performance with auto guidance, implement control and other precision capabilities.

• CR series combine harvester upgrades — 2024 CR series combine models are receiving a number of updates, including upgrades to New Holland signature styling, improvements to the technological capabilities of IntelliSense and IntelliCruise sensors and additions to the cab with new seat options and a second display offering. All CR series combine harvesters will come equipped with stone trap door sensors, new tow hitches and standardized dynamic feed roll systems.

• T9 with PLM Intelligence tractor enhancements — New models for 2024 will feature updates that touch all facets of the T9 tractor, from horsepower and operator ergonomics to technological advances like dual IntelliView displays. All new T9 tractors will boast a FPT Cursor 13L engine to increase rated and peak power with single-stage and two-stage turbos.

• Addition of Smart Loader on the T6.180 Methane Power tractor — The Smart Loader will allow operators to have proper load weighing, full control of the position monitor with gauges showing implement height and angle reference, options between 30 implements in the display and auto reminders of when it’s time to conduct maintenance on the loader.

“You’ve heard a lot about sustainability. I’d like to say we were probably sustainable before it was cool. You’ve heard it from a lot of brands in the past couple of years in particular. But as we’ve launched concepts we now have proof in production on those items,” said Mark Lowery, New Holland Agriculture North America director of network development.

“You heard us also use the word evolution and I think that’s important even as we start to dive into our products that are here on the lot because you see a lot of production evolution represented here at Farm Progress this year.”