increase font size
The Monarch-made MK-V tractor is now in production with the first of the 100% electrically powered tractors – which can be manned or autonomous – heading out to market.
The Monarch-made MK-V tractor is now in production with the first of the 100% electrically powered tractors – which can be manned or autonomous – heading out to customers.
The electric drivetrain delivers 40hp (30kW) of continuous power and short duration peak up to 70hp (52kW). Depending on operating conditions, maximum battery runtime is claimed to be more than 14 hours.
However, an optional battery pack is available for those customers seeking to extend the operating range.
Monarch Tractor suggests one person can swap the batteries in less than 10 minutes. The recharge times from 0 to 100% is said to be 5 to 6 hours using an 80-amp charger unit, or out to around 12 hours with a 40-amp charger. Batteries are covered by a 10-year (10,000hr) warranty.
The MK-V is packed with safety features including roll and collision prevention, vision-based PTO (540rpm) safety and 360° cameras. The tractor will stop moving if it detects a human within 2m, and the PTO automatically shuts off if the system detects a hand or a leg within 30cm.
Offering customisable, additional packages to use the latest autonomous hardware and software technology for driver-assist and driver-optional operations, the tractor can perform pre-programmed tasks without the need for the operator.
An interactive automation feature allows the tractor to follow another in the same field. Meanwhile, it is also possible for one operator to manage up to eight MK-Vs at a time.
Said to be well suited to orchards, vineyards, or areas where noise might be an issue, the electric tractor weighs in at 2.3 tonnes and offers a turning radius of 2.7 metres.
Currently, the tractor is only available in North America, with 4-wheel drive, a Cat I/II rear linkage, 750kg lift capacity, and 75l/min hydraulics flow at prices starting at US$89,000 (NZ$141,000).
CNH Industrial recently secured a minority stake in Monarch Tractor, and the California-based start-up (founded in 2018) played a role in the development of the recently showcased New Holland T4 Electric Power tractor.
Having already hit the headlines for recycling broken 2.4 metre vineyard posts into 1.8 and 1.6 metre, half and quarter posts for agriculture, Repost recently hit the milestone of one million posts recycled, diverting the CCA treated posts from landfill.
New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor to form Yamaha Agriculture.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Silage making is both a science and an art, but Claas says it offers onboard technology featured in its Claas Perfect Partners to help farmers make silage more efficiently and effectively.
Since Donald Trump’s import tariff announcement, the world has been on a wild economic ride.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.
The New Zealand hemp industry is hoping for quick and comprehensive reform of its legislative framework after a recent "historic" visit to sites in Canterbury by a big group of politicians, officials and industry stakeholders.
Resolving rural sector disputes constructively, fairly and with long-term outcomes in mind will top the agenda at a gathering of experts in Hamilton next month.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
