Hybrid tractor on the horizon

Work is continuing apace on the development of what is said to be the world's first hybrid tractor.

The Multi Tool Trac is designed and built by Dutch machinery manufacturer Boessenkool in partnership with Bills Technology, the Paul van Ham consultancy firm and several other European organisations.

It was developed with input from Dutch farmers and features four electric wheel motors along with a 210hp, six-cylinder diesel engine as a range extender.

The engine powers an electric generator that is capable of providing 22kW to each wheel motor, or a maximum of 44kW in tougher conditions.

A first prototype was built and tested in 2015. It made its way to several leading agricultural machinery shows in Europe including Agro Techniek Holland (ATH) and Agritechnica, where it received a huge amount of interest.

Designed specifically for controlled traffic farming (CTF), the Multi Tool Trac has a standard track width of 3m that is adjustable on the go to 2.25m for road transport.

It has multiple implement mounting positions thanks to its long 5.5m wheelbase.

Another unique feature of the Multi Tool Trac is the cab, which slides back and forth to allow operators a clear view of the tasks at hand.

It has a rated payload of five tonnes.

Following field tests and feedback on its first prototype, a second prototype was developed in early 2016. That machine began testing in June.

Later this year, Boessenkool plans to completely redesign the prototype based on further test results, which will be followed by more practical trials in the field. The company says the results of that test will lead to a final design for a marketable product, which it hopes to release commercially by 2019.