Friday, 14 March 2025 14:55

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Written by  Mark Daniel
Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event. Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event.

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event, taking away an innovation award.

While the base machine is still mechanical, heavy metal groupies will notice the absence of a PTO shaft, while the gearbox used to drive the interlocking gears across the bed of the machine has also been removed.

Instead, the rotors are powered by five electric motors, one for every two rotors. Currently being tested behind a new hybrid tractor, a 700v DC connection provides the Alysium with 50-60kW of electrical power.

Still in the early stages of development prototype, development is centred around understanding what is possible with electrical propulsion, according to the company.

Challenges so far include safety, but already testers have found that the tractor uses up to 35% less fuel. Further benefits are the possibility of controlling rotor speed electrically, with variable speeds to offer real-time adaption to changing soils. It has not been confirmed when, or if, the concept will make it to production.

More like this

Featured

Farmers Face Change but Opportunity as Sector Evolves

New Zealand's food and fibre sector is entering a period of significant transition and Irricon's refreshed brand reflects how both the business and the sector it supports have evolved, says director Keri Johnston.

National

Machinery & Products

Chinese Tractors Eye Western Europe

Having caused quite a stir at last year’s Agritechnica, Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion is reported to be conducting large-scale field trials…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

What A Choice!

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…

Your Call!

OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter