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Agri-tech company Precision Farming is linking with John Deere’s Operations Centre guidance technology to automate nutrient and spray record-keeping and Nitrogen Cap compliance for farmers.
That might be about to change with Christchurch-based MyFleet Rural Ltd showing the first versions of the Pickman EV. Built in China by Kaiyun Motors, with design and component input from the US, this 100% electric truck is available in two key versions, offering a choice of 2WD, 4WD and 2 or 4 door configurations.
Built around a galvanised ladder chassis and offered in a myriad of colours, the 2WD Classic version has a basic rear wellside body and uses a 5kW AC motor with a choice of 72 volt/100aH, lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, both said to offer a useful 110km range. Recharging from a standard 240-voly socket is said to take 3-4 hours for the lithium-ion version and 8-10 hours for the lead-acid set-up.
Measuring in at around 3,500mm long, a 2,445mm wheelbase, 150mm ground clearance and 710kg kerb-weight, the Classic offers a 600kg bed capacity, a 1,800kg tow capacity and 40kph maximum speed.
Suspension up front is independent McPherson struts, complemented by rear leaf springs, front discs and rear drums and 145-65R12 tyres.
Standard equipment is comprehensive with two seats, three-point seat belts, electrically assisted power steering, Towbar, LED lighting and a rear-view camera.
The higher specification XR versions offer selectable 2 or 4WD with a choice of high/low in 4WD mode. The layout features dual motors, with a 3kW unit in front and a 7.5kw at the rear. Power is provided by a choice of 200aH or 300aH lithium-ion batteries.
Slightly longer at 3,600mm and offering a 200mm ground clearance by way of an upgraded off-road suspension layout, the XR delivers a 600kg bed, 2,700kg towing capacity and 40kph. In 2WD mode the XR is capable of a top speed of 80kph.
Once again, braking is taken care of by forward discs and rear drums, with the vehicle shod on 155-65R15 wheel equipment. Standard equipment over the Classic runs to bumper guards, extended wheel arch flares, side steps, roof racks, a LED lightbar and extensive skid plates.
Obviously offering near silent and emission-free operation, the Pickman EV should prove popular with the likes of vineyards, orchards, packhouses or enclosed environments, as well as out on the farm, without the need to store increasingly expensive and volatile petrol on site.
