ELECTRIC TRACTORS

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Optional 900-watt or 1,500-watt inverters enable the Electric Ox to act as a silent, standalone power source for 120-volt power tools, pumps, lighting and motors at remote sites.

The 36-volt Electric Ox ($7,350, U.S. dollars) and the 48-volt unit ($8,250) include horn, gauge, hour meter, lights, onboard charger and suspension seat. Inverters are $795 (900 watts) and $995 (1,500 watts). Attachments include a 44-inch mower deck ($1,495), sweeper blade/brush ($1,150) and 48inch dozer blade ($475).

Electric Tractor Specifications

· Two 10-horsepower, variable speed wheel motors for 60 horsepower of traction
·Separate 500 to 1,000 rpm power takeoff (PTO) motor will run all standard PTO and three-point hitch implements
· Onboard five kilowatt-hour battery pack for all day light-duty applications, such as planting and harvesting.
· Standard Category 1 front and rear three-point hitches, Each use two linear actuators (1,500-pound capacity)
· Adjustable seat with controls on arm rests
· Total weight under 2,000 pounds
· 11x24-inch traction wheels
· 5 1/2 x 16-inch steering wheels
· Overall dimensions: 110-inch to 12-inch adjustable length, 87-inch height, 48-inch to 72-inch adjustable width
· Zero turning radius steering
· 20-inch ground clearance

The Heckeroth Handmade Solar Tractor

Steve Heckeroth has been building and testing solar tractor prototypes since 1992. His latest design, shown at left and below, includes the specifications in the box below and features a multiposition seat that allows the tractor to perform a multitude of operations, which otherwise only could be accomplished with several conventional machines. All the controls are mounted on the arm rests, connected only by small flexible wires to radio control transmitters.

Multiple Seat Positions Forward high position: The same as on conventional tractors but allows unobstructed visibility for operations like precision cultivation. Reverse seat position: Here the solar electric tractor can replace several other conventional machines. Loaders and forklifts are designed to put weight on the traction wheels and take weight off the steering wheels for optimum performance. High-end commercial mowers are configured to put the implement out front for visibility and maneuverability. The operation of other implements, like post-hole diggers and backhoes, can also benefit from the reverse seat operation.

Planting and harvesting: The seat can be mounted on the mid or rear three point-hitch and raised or lowered for planting and harvesting operations.

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