The new new Super E cultivator from Tilmor isn’t just another pice of compact farm equipment – it’s a purpose-built electric cultivator that trades loud diesel clatter for quiet confidence and precision control. Made in the USA and ready to work, it’s proof that electric farming may be closer (and more practical) than you think.
There have been a few electric tractor startups aimed at hobby farmers in recent years, from Solectrac to Seederal to the Volkswagen-backed GenFarm project. Depending on who you believe, these have all been too small, too big, or too far away from production to really make an impact (at least, in North America). The new Super E from Tilmor, however, seems like it might be different.
For starters, the made in the USA Tilmor Super E isn’t looking to replace a traditional ICE tractor and its myriad implements. Instead, it’s a precision tool for cultivating and weeding that offers a superior view of the work being done, low-cost operation, reduced maintenance, and smooth, quiet running.
In other words, the Tilmor delivers a better farming experience for its operators. “A lot of times when we’re cultivating, it’s later in the day and there’s birds and it’s just nice to be able to hear the sounds on the farm rather than the roar of an engine,” Sam Zurofsky, co-owner of Long Season Farm in Kerhonkson, NY told Morning AgClips.
Others seem to agree, as evidenced by the already wide (and growing) range of attachments and implements available for the Super E on the Tilmore website.
Dimensions
The Super E itself is powered by a single 48V 50AH LiFePo4 battery standard, but can carry up to four such batteries for up to eight hours of continuous operating time or for additional weight, according to the needs of the farmer. The Tilmor’s batteries can be charged in about 3 hours on a 12A charger (standard) or under 1.5 hours with an optional 25A charger. Power flows from the batteries to a CFR- 3.5kW AC brushless electric motor and on through a Schafer transaxle – a design that will probably be familiar to any of my fellow Club Car nerds, while hydraulic-assisted steering makes precision operation a breeze.
Super E pricing starts at $19,500. And, as is true with most commercial equipment, you should contact a Tilmor dealer to help spec yours out for maximum success.
Electrek’s Take
To my eyes, farms are a lot like terminal tractors or airport ground support equipment. They operate at low speeds, under heavy loads, close to charging, and in environments that are close to people and animals. It’s just a matter of time before small-scale farmers figure that out.
Unfortunately, small farmers typically keep their tractors a very, very long time – so even if their next tractor is absolutely, 100% going to be electric, my kids might have kids of their own by the time that purchase happens!
SOURCE | IMAGES: Tilmor.
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