increase font size
Pickman EV- 1005 electric truck built in China with deisgn and component input from the US.
While battery or hybrid has become the buzzword in motoring circles, electrification is certainly not high on the radar in rural environments.
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.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Ashburton-based Carrfields has signed an agreement with Manitou to take over the distribution and retail rights for Manitou Agricultural Equipment covering the lower North Island and the South Island, effective August 1, 2025.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Samasz distributor FarmShop has introduced the new XDF Series Front Mowers, said to be refined for local conditions and to improve cutting precision and wear resistance.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
OPINION: Dairy industry players are also falling by the wayside as the economic downturn bites around the country.
OPINION: Methane Science Accord, a farmer-led organisation advocating for zero tax on ruminant methane, will be quietly celebrating its first…
