"John Deere" presented the first driverless electric tractor

The American company "John Deere" presented the first, as the manufacturer says, a fully electric and driverless tractor.

This was reported by the website Profi.

According to the provided information, the GridCON tractor can operate autonomously, if the cable is connected to the power network. The prototype does not have a cabin, and under the hood, there are no heavy and expensive batteries. Tractor cable connection allows farmers to use renewable electric energy.

According to current information, an electric motor with a power of 100 kW (134 hp) is enough to put in motion the wheels, while it has a stock of up to 200 kW (268 hp) for the operation of electrical devices.

A drum with a cable, which is up to 1000 m long, is attached to the machine, but its length can be increased, if it is necessary. In the field, the cable is delivered over the ground and is taken up automatically. Guidance intelligence system checks that the tractor does not run over the cable or is not above it.

The tractor is based on the 6120R IVT model and automatically follows a predetermined route at a working speed up to 20 km/h.

According to the data of the company "John Deere", the GridCON can be controlled by using of the remote control device. It is very handy when the tractor starts operating on the return lane or on a trailer for transportation.

The tractor requires 2.5 kV of alternate current from the power supply. It uses a 700 V direct current bus to distribute electricity for the tractor, as well as to operate the instruments. The transmission efficiency is about 85%.

The overall weight of the working prototype is about 8.5 tons. At the same time, research engineers strive to reduce its weight by at least one tone.

The company offers a tractor that is noiseless and safe for the environment. In comparison with tractors, which are equipped with batteries, the prototype reduces engine and operating costs by 50%.

It is not known when exactly the company will begin to produce new equipment for sale.