ELECTRIC Tractor FIRST MOWING! Serious PTO Limitation!

Solectrac Electric 25 HP tractor mowing large yard! The PTO doesn’t perform normally. We’ll explain why.
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[@snoriverrc3842]

No PTO in reverse would be a deal killer, as I use mine more for brush clearing than field mowing. It seems like a constant starting and stopping of a PTO would do terrible wear and tear to all attachments, and the tractor.

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

Thank you.

[@letsdothis9063]

My John Deere 1023 has a no reverse PTO safety. It's terrible. You can disable it, but we are probably going to trade up, so I'm not going to monkey with it. But yeah, the no PTO in reverse is stupid. I get it. These little tractors are made for people that don't know what they are doing. But, man, it makes mowing the steep slopes a very time consuming operation. I'm not a huge fan of JD to begin with. I didn't have anything to do with buying the tractor. I definitely would have gone a different direction.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Silly to get bent out of shape over the Deere reverse switch. Just disable it by holding it down with a zip tie. It is under the floorboard.

[@coveredbridgehomestead1634]

I really appreciate that you are testing this machine, maybe they will bring you the hydrostatic version when it’s available. For all those saying it’s useless, try to remember how far we’ve come, the tractor is barely over 100 years old from its inception. As someone who’s tractors are a TO20 and MF 202, I get an awful lot of work done with what many would consider useless from these comments. The TO20 with a rear finish mower is my primary yard mower btw and then I trim with a JD riding mower.

[@bobdunstan5457]

It would be very interesting to see a comparison between the runtime of this tractor versus the hydrostatic version doin teh same job. I suspect there will be a noticeable penalty in runtime for the hydrostatic version.

[@everydayliving1975]

Where are all these resources going to come from to supply all the electric vehicles? Not to mention that all the waste of the Batteries. This is in the long run is not a good idea at all. We will all pay for stupid.

[@matthewmcallister8845]

The no live PTO is a complete deal breaker for me . I need better speed adjustment while still having full PTO speed and need it in reverse as well for snowblower . Also a little nitpicking but there are internal combustion engines that run backwards for reverse, 2 stroke snowmobiles do that.

[@sirgermaine]

It's really frustrating that the one tractor design you'd think could easily have totally independent pto inexplicably doesn't

[@TractorTimewithTim]

It is NOT inexplicable. I thought I did a good job of explaining it. There is a reason. …and they now have a design which has independent PTO.

[@sirgermaine]

​@@TractorTimewithTim I don't mean that it is poorly explained but the decision to go with such a problematic transmission style for a first release, but either way I do hope you get hands on the next version.

[@bucklinoutdoorpowerequipme3846]

I agree. I remember my Mitsubishi 1500D 2 cylinder diesel. I was mowing along and pushed in on the clutch and missed 1 of the brake pedals. Next thing I knew was hanging on while spinning around while the mower hit the pickup. And nearly knocking me off the tractor. That mower takes over till it stops spinning. I'll never mow with a direct drive PTO again. Grandpa used an old 40 John Deere with a 5 ft brushhog hit trees all the time trying to stop. Brakes were not good on the old Johnny Popper anyway.

[@Bill-sp8kb]

Some large marine diesel engines are of the direct - reversing type. Has nothing to do with tractors, but interesting nonetheless. Cheers 🍻

[@TyrelHaveman]

I really appreciate your level of detail in this discussion and your understanding that this is a first generation product. I had a first generation electric car and there were similar types of concerns which have definitely been resolved in more recent electric cars. Now I work on a first-generation electric airplane, and we have to make similar compromises so we can get it out into the market and make it better later.

[@TyrelHaveman]

I should add that I think a lot of the oddities of a first generation product like this are the result of cost-cutting measures to try to make it more competitive to the market.

[@mattadams9577]

Looking forward to seeing the 2nd and 3rd generation of these tractors. I had doubts about what a 1025 could do. You proved it is an awesome lil tractor. Can't wait to see you test these electric tractors fully.

[@golfy808]

Wouldn't it be great to have an independent electric motor for the PTO .. maybe that's what the Gen 2 has

[@court2379]

The gear transmission is more efficient and a better match to electric the motor. Speed can be controlled via motor speed. I agree an independent motor would be better for the PTO, but then you end up with two similar size motors as more power will be needed for higher travel speeds and towing under one use, and full power to the PTO for other uses. The reversing gear with a single larger motor is probably the less costly solution, but does keep the drive speed coupled to the PTO speed (just like ICE driven tractors).

[@KI4HOK]

No live pto would be a deal breaker for me.

[@josiahR125]

Wouldn't it be better to have a plug in spot for a fully independent pto and attach the motor directly to the implement? Would make it easy to swap out should a motor die or even open up the possibility for every implement to have its own dedicated motor.

[@golfy808]

@@josiahR125 I wouldn't think so because then you would need dedicated implements for that machine or a retrofit cost for the end user etc

[@vincentrose9060]

There are many implements out there that require the PTO to be running even when the tractor is stationary. I happen to have two, a post hole digger and a wood chipper. In these situations this tractor wold be useless to me. Kinda hard to dig a hole when you can't stay still while doing it...same thing for chipping wood...lol

[@TractorTimewithTim]

PTO can operate stationary. I failed to mention that…as it wasn’t relevant to a mower. Anyway, would work well on your chipper.

[@scottedwards7866]

Excellent review as always. Love to see you put new equipment thru its paces. I worked 27 years in the automatic transmission repair industry and it is fascinating to me to see the same evolution in the agricultural industry that I witnessed (and am still witnessing) in the automotive industry. People do not like change, I am seeing the complaints and pushback now that I did in the automotive industry. Change will come and, like you, I am fascinated to see and be a part of those changes. Thanks, I will keep watching, and keep up the good work.

[@jonnylowkon]

Thanks Tim for keeping up with the new technologies with the new tractors. Keeps me appreciative and grateful for my 90 955 on how easy it is to work on, operate, and the reliability of mechanicals vs new tractors. With 407 hours it’s still in like new condition and will probably out live me.

[@henrycarlson7514]

I agree , I like my 855 . It does have a couple of weakneses

[@justinauman5438]

I’m glad you are showing the tractor and not the politics of it in my opinion it’s a decent tractor and perfect fit for some operations but definitely not all operations

[@dbkonkle]

While this particular unit has shortcomings, it does seem like they’re working on making it better. Electric tractors won’t make sense in many applications, but will be the perfect choice in some specific cases. If the batteries and motors are modular, just think of the possibilities. Instead of adding ballast weights you could add extra batteries that allow extra runtime.

[@luckyluciano8590]

cool idea but extra batteries are INFINITELY more expensive than ballast weights

[@HankeyMountainGarage]

@@luckyluciano8590 True, but weights are useless except as weights. At least batteries add runtime.....

[@NukePooch1]

Tim, your closing statements were spot on. I am excited to see the technology come in, there's a LOT about a battery-electric tractor that appeals to me. I also agree that this is an early gen-1, looking forward to seeing what they come up with next. Keep up the good work Tim and Christy!

[@Mike-Wisconsin]

I’m excited to see what the future hold for electric cars, trucks, tractor, mowers, all of it. I now a lot a people are against change. But it’s a exciting time to be alive an see what the future holds for all of us.

[@MrRoboto57]

It makes me chuckle. You talked about future innovations where we don't even have a PTO driving the mower, but electric motors turning the blades directly. That's exactly what I mowed with in the early 1970's. My dad had a General Electric Elec-Trak tractor. Maybe some day we'll be able to achieve 1970's technology. Ha ha.

[@danielrapoza8468]

Tim, Thank you for doing an honest review of this new type of equipment. With your testing better improvements can be developed. I agree with you, no PTO in reverse is a No Go for me too. Dan

[@leroywilson6681]

I have watched your channel for years and like the way you tell it like it is ! I really like learning about the electric tractor too . God bless and keep the videos coming .

[@AndrooH]

As you say, an electric-drive 3pl implement would be ideal. They could also overcome the PTO issues by having a dedicated PTO electric motor to drive it at the correct speed regardless of what the tractor is doing otherwise. Naysayers couldn't see the tractor replacing horses...

[@lcee6592]

Impressive low noise level! That means the mower is well designed too. I can see this being great for municipal applications where noise could be an issue or also where zero turn mower’s are used around hospitals and nursing homes.

[@AdirondackDomestead]

As a compact tractor owner, I really appreciate your informed observations. I, too, see potential with this new platform. It's interesting to watch the development of this tech into practice applications.

[@Kcolby47]

I really appreciate your observations, and the explanations of the “whys” behind the negative and positive aspects from a user standpoint. I like to know the reasons “why” something is the way it is. Thanks again for you candid observations, and continuing journey of the technology. Blessings.

[@Alanschmalzried]

Fascinating machine. Thanks for showcasing it. The honest review and thoughtful discussion of the mechanics are great.

[@carpeinferi]

I love your idea of a diesel-electric setup on a compact/subcompact size tractor; I've argued for such a setup in trucks (particularly heavy duty models) for years.

[@richardrich3445]

Thank you for showing this off I really appreciate it I'm very interested in the machine I hope they improve it

[@mymorristribe]

I'm so glad you have a tech background and aren't afraid of new tech. This is a very interesting series. Keep it up!

[@eosjoe565]

What is there to fear when you are given some new piece of tech to test? You have nothing to lose. I don't mean this as a slam against Tim at all. But all the folks saying this is a "Good first try" for Solectrac would be singing a completely different story if they had just spent $25K of their own money on this abomination only to then find out about the short comings.

[@PEI_Guy]

Lots of good ideas about how to use new tech. Like you I enjoy new ideas and ways to do things and choice about how I do things.

[@kavemanthewoodbutcher]

Love every episode! This one was quite interesting. Diesel electric tractors actually make a lot of sense, in some cases. Electric tractors have been a thing in certain applications for ages, I can see certain applications for electric compact tractors. Inherently lower maintenance, a huge plus to those not mechanically inclined.

[@SkylineAcresVA]

The PTO would be a deal breaker for me BUT I believe it will get sorted out in future generations. Have no issues with the 'electric' tractor at all

[@jimconnor8274]

Your insight is always appreciated. Looks like a learning curve from the ground up. The kinks will gwt worked out. Thanks for the video.

[@RCPSU4]

This was a decent test for the Solectrac. Interesting notes for what happens with the PTO when the tractor is put in reverse or stops completely. Before I saw today's episode, I happened to catch Josh (Stoney Ridge Farmer) run a 5ft brush cutter on his. I'm still interested in seeing how Solectrac does with their new hydrostatic transmission tractor (listed on their website along with a four point mounted backhoe).

[@peacefieldfarm_mn]

Thanks Tim, I really enjoy your honesty about the tractor. There are always nay sayers when it comes to any change. Some people just do not handle it well. Remember the change from horse drawn farming to tractor farming? I am not old enough to have witnessed it, but it was real at the time. If the advantages show themselves, progress will happen. Thanks for doing what you do with an open mind. Cheers!

[@ericlaker1983]

Curious tiller application! As I'm looking at doing garden and I see yours there. The development through you on this is pretty good idea. They are getting the info out. I agree with on making things better.

[@royscarbrough3589]

I appreciate what they are trying. Definitely not filling my needs but I can see it being helpful for some.

[@halsnyder296]

WOW... I was thinking one of those tractors would be a good fit for us... That PTO is totally unacceptable and it would actually be useless. Thank you for this video!

[@56historybuff]

Your comment about an electric mower attachment (that plugs into the tractor via an electric cord) is genius! That is thinking outside the box.

[@Skynet-1]

I love the smell of diesel in the morning!

[@FelipeColby]

Tough but fair, seems like a good deal for everyone involved, and more helpful as well. Fascinating

[@On_The_Farm]

Well Tim, it appears whoever designed this tractor did not understand how tractors need to work. The limitations on the PTO and transmission would not work for me at all. I understand they are learning, but customers are paying for this tractor so they can learn. That part I don't like at all. Glad you pointed this stuff out.

[@barelystablefarm7151]

I agree, the customers are the Beta testers. These are NOT cheap tractors either

[@1ltlbrnc]

Unless it's based on old technology we are all beta testers for new technology. From our cars and trucks down to our phones nothing is really tested until they put it out in the real world. Not fun to pay for that for sure, but it's the truth.. I had to deal with lots of things in the fueling industry that they tested for years in the lab only to find many issues and deficiencies once installed and in use in the real world. My only hope with this tractor is they are fully supporting anyone who actually bought it with upgrades and improvements as they learn them. And have lots of TTWT style testers out there!

[@On_The_Farm]

@@1ltlbrnc That is true, but it appears the customers are paying for these guys to figure out how a tractor should operate. A little different situation. They seem to be focused on the power plant performance.

[@barelystablefarm7151]

R & D is one of most expensive investments of any company. In this case, they marketed a tractor with a PTO of a 1940's tractor. If Apple came out with a new Iphone that had a 1 megapixel camera, 6 gig of storage and only ran on 4G people probably wouldn't buy it. There needs to be a baseline for R & D and this tractor IMO falls a little bit short. Perhaps it was a hurry to get it to market.

[@ips7125]

I think its mint. People that are upset are trying to do something with this that it is not made for. You are not supposed to moe in reverse anyway. John deere shuts down unless you press the override everytime. You can back up over what you need cut, put it in forward and it will cut what you backed over. I think it will really ahine as a light duty front end loader, grader, and plowing.

[@tripflycfi]

The distributor and the viewers of your channel are fortunate to have you work with these new machines. As one of my main uses is brush hogging, I will need a PTO that works in reverse. Our 1025R Is going strong now and we can wait for options that will work for us. Electric could be ideal because we are putting up a lot of solar for our barn, home and cars. I would love for them to swap out this unit for the hydrostatic model so that we can see if that might be a good option. Thanks again for your work on our behalf

[@ryanclawson9275]

Tim, I appreciate your detail and open mindedness on the new things. I’m a die hard ICE guy and will probably be one of the last adopters. That said I like the innovations and I definitely see a lot of potential electric powertrains in the SCUT/CUT world. Especially for indoor applications and smaller suburban/homeowner application. The ICE/Electric Drive is something I have thought about a lot recently and I’m really surprised it isn’t talked about more in some applications. I know it has been used for years in large mining equipment (big haul trucks and loaders), so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the tech trickle down to smaller stuff. Also, one last note, I’d definitely love to see your friend come on for some in depth technology discussion. This Rose alum would appreciate it. 😀

[@watershedoverlook]

Really enjoying this content, and the objective presentation. Thanks. Also, Christie is an amazing drone pilot...really impressive tracking and stability, and I know full well that's a lot harder than it looks! (FYI, I was already typing the above comment when Tim raised the subject of Christie's flying. 👍)

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@scotthurst1776]

Christie did a great job flying the drone!!!

[@stromxtc2033]

We take drone footage for granted now in all yt videos.

[@chuckfisher2106]

In the mid 70s I bought a used electric lawn tractor. It had a mowing deck, a roto-tiller and a hand trimmer like a Mantis. All plugged into the tractor for their power as each had it's own electric motor or in the case of the deck, three motors. It was powered by a half dozen 6 volt batteries just like a golf cart. It was made by GE and was called an Elec-trak and mine was a 15 horse. It was silent in running except for the whir of the blades when mowing. Some of your suggestions for improvement had been addressed by GE in the same fashion you suggested. There is still an active users group online and they might be a source of further info for the Solectrac people.

[@EagleTalons1]

Fascinating video on the Solectrac, I didn't realize the PTO was direct drive with the transmission just like the John Deere 3D series of sub tractors. I'm ready to see it bush hog, I'll keep an eye on my hay field, when it's time to cut then I'll start looking for that bush hogging video 😁

[@adambrewer4400]

I will say I was skeptical before of this new tech, but I will say after watching your cold weather winter videos and the pto performance videos like this, I like the results, and to be honest I understand most people with alot of daily work or a ground work business may still need to see more runtime to be viable, honestly for the normal guy with a yard and having a smaller compact tractor with a few hours of work at a time is going to be sufficient. I'm impressed so far with the Solectrac.

[@alisonm3621]

I would like you to do a video with the Professor you mentioned. The more technical the discussion, the better!

[@talanpomeroy4475]

Definitely has potential though. Glad they gave you the chance to test it.

[@randysavage8963]

Let’s get started thanks Tim

[@frankhartmeyer9841]

Great video but I'm not sold on it, with all the disadvantages . Thank you Tim for all the great infoe.👍

[@ericreinoehl4350]

Being open minded makes your review interesting, thoughts of what is to come. Thanks for sharing. It's not all bad

[@timraber6575]

A few years back, Lowes carried a small lawn tractor that included a generator built in. The mower deck was electric. Cost was around $5,000. Each store had a demo machine. After a few of them were purchased, they disappeared due to electrical problems. Almost a year later, they came back with a new and improved model. They too lasted just a short time. Now every brand is trying to perfect that elusive all electric equipment and shame us into buying them. They are getting better each year, but still have a long way to go. Keep trying them out. They will get there.

[@promethius357]

The Raven MPV. That was a really interesting unit. Like a plug-in hybrid car, it could drive in electric mode, but needed to run the generator to mow. It could also be used as a portable generator. I looked at them before picking up an old GE Elec-Trak. Another oddity was the atv-like coil suspension that's almost unheard of on mowers. The price was the killer though, as much as full battery electrics that soon followed it without offering enough capability over a low end riding mower.

[@timraber6575]

@@promethius357 I couldn’t remember the name and I didn’t take time to google it. I watched several videos and was considering buying one. Then suddenly they disappeared. After looking around, they had all been recalled. The next year they came back, but even quicker they disappeared again never to appear again. It was a great idea, but just too soon. Now you can buy a generator to hook up to your small tractor for power outages. Maybe some company will build and electric truck and it will run your home……….. I will never be able to buy the Ford Lighting. Too bad

[@terrygroce1594]

Tim, I enjoy you telling us all the parts and conditions as well as the positive features and the negative aspects. This tractor's future generations make the tractor more capable of what our diesel tractors out there. Hopefully the hydostat transmission make help.

[@Shane_O.5158]

Tim, i'm soo glad your being honest about this electric tractor, i can't see why they didn't make the PTO 540, like everybody else. i hear what your saying, but i would of studied the standards of other tractors and never have released the bad PTO set up. and your right drive wheels seperate motor to the hydraulic pump motor. so you can stop the hydraulic pump while just travelling.

[@stevensievert8375]

I use US Topo Maps when I mow to track the distance I cover. I got the app for hiking, but I like the tracking in miles for mowing on my tractor. I mowed about 2.5-3 acres the other day covering 10.56 miles, avg 2mph, 2h 54m 38s. I was mowing around a lot of items which slowed the mowing. and I did move a mulch pile from 2 piles next to each other into a single pile as part of the mowing

[@richpicone7788]

Well.... it's a pretty tractor. Like you said.... it's out for use, and honest reviews like yours will help them evolve it into something hopefully better.

[@dcidci1012]

Can not say thank you enough for the information that you supply.

[@jeffmayeux1692]

Totally agree with you Tim about the PTO obsolescence not elimination for tractors. It may take a few years but replacing PTO-driven implements and/or attachments with electric-driven ones is probably the future. Look at skid steer or track loaders with hydraulic attachments for example.

[@ibwaldo]

I think you’re doing a great job covering what the real world strengthens and weaknesses are on this platform. I’m just happy that I still have a choice as a consumer to purchase what I want, I’ll take issue if it ever becomes forced through regulation or law.

[@JohnJohnDu4]

Thanks Tim for the good video!

[@sethcollins3313]

Thanks for your honesty!!!!!! I didn't realize where this company is at in its development of a electric tractor. I too like the idea of an electric tractor but, for me, I would want to connect it with a tiller. A direct drive PTO would be beyond frustrating in that application. It will be interesting how they will address this PTO issues in the future.

[@JonsDailyHustle]

Enjoying the electric tractor showcasing alot

[@davidcoblentz7468]

Wow that pto is 1950s tech needs an independent pto. Figured it would drain the battery in pto especially since your running wide need an independent throttle. Thank you for test an electric tractor your answering lots of my questions

[@jkholley1118]

Thanks for an honest review, to many others only show the good stuff. I am sure this tractor is a perfect fit for some people and they will enjoy having it. I think I could do 70% of what I need to with it. But that means I would have to have a diesel around anyways to do the rest. Kinda pointless.

[@grahamhenley2951]

Cool new concept! Going to watch this technology evolve.

[@tripflycfi]

Thanks!

[@jamesmiller2148]

Thankyou for breaking down how this tractor works. While I am not a big fan of this whole push that everything needs be electrified in x years I am very interested to see how different companies are going about achieving that.

[@rodbagley1686]

Just wondering how the electric tractor would work pulling a small hay baler or even just a hay wagon. My guess is they have the torque to fo the job but the speed might be a problem. Interesting to watch you experiment with it. Thanks.

[@glenncollins1417]

Going to have to work on runtime with a load it takes me like between 3-4 hours to mow my grass with a 72" deck

[@raymondrobinson5251]

You touched on several truthful insights.

[@marlondeere3039R]

Done excellent job explaining change that everyone is uncomfortable with 👍

[@robertjames5659]

Hi Tim Like you said it’s the first generation electric tractor that being said what you show were they are changing the transmission to hydrostatic will make a big improvement where they can run the electric motor at a constant speed to drive a hydraulic pump to do all the speed changes for ground work and keep the Pto going will just have wait and see what they come up with. Christi. Is doing good for not flown for 3 months Keep up the good work Robert

[@mcd5082]

You made some very good points regarding innovation tim! Great video look forward to a technical deep dive.

[@billycan8852]

Lovely Tractor 👍

[@brandtkile3696]

Awesome! I like it. Thanks for the informative video. They are just going to keep getting better. I’m all about less hassle. People use to frown on Ego tools and now those same people are buying them.

[@benagain7617]

I'm looking forward to electric loader mounted attachments like a snowblower for a 1025r! Wouldn't that be cool! Really interesting thoughts on a hybrid of electric over diesel. I think it's been around quite a while (trains), but it would be awesome to see this in a compact tractor environment.

[@waltermattson1730]

I think this was a great video. The first airplane built isn’t what is flying now and the tractors have to start somewhere too. I do like how quiet it is and for the right job it will work better. For loader work or grading a driveway it might excel over a loud diesel.

[@GregBrown-ei4lf]

If nobody had "wasted" their time on the early tractors we'd still be stuck with horses. Your farm can feed horses and it can make electricity. Good job.

[@fyrman9092]

On the JD 1025, when running the mid PTO mount mower, the RIO kicks in on reverse and easily can stall the machine.

[@tacticalrabbit308]

They need a second motor just to spin the pto so the mower works when you need it to work

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Thanks for giving this type of tractor some visibility. We have lots of electric forklifts at our factory, and they're PERFECT for that role. I'm really looking forward to their V2 and V3. How about an E-Vinny? ;-)

[@justinwright6611]

It does seem odd that some fundamentals are not working as should. Tractors have been around a few years they have countless templates to work from. It’s almost like they never operated a conventional tractor and built an electric one from scratch including all functionality. I’m in no way against electric tractors and hope this is just a first generation issue, although I still feel that the fundamentals should have been right from day one. It would be very interesting to know what limitations might have been in place that they couldn’t solve so the first generation has some fundamental compromises. I still look forward to these electric tractor videos!

[@ras4230]

Christi does a fantastic job considering how Tim is wandering around in the field!

[@bearkatljl]

The other review of this tractorI watched on a different channel failed to mention the "back up" limitation. i'm not ready to take the plundge on one of these. I have too much mowing to do although I would be interested in a test with a "ground engaging implement" like a plow or even a pto drien tiller.

[@mrelectron6220]

Enjoyed watching this episode Tim and being fair about its capability at this time. I have to use a rear finish mower due to my tractors configuration. I find it has some advantages such as I can track the mower more to right or left for getting tight up against things and that I can back the deck under low hanging branches ect. This electric tractor would not work for me if I can not run my mower deck while backing up to trim under low objects. As time goes by these tractors will get better I'm sure.

[@ohiofarmer254]

My take on this is the technology isn’t there. I could see the benefits of an electric tractor in certain applications like working in a building or a subdivision neighborhood. I could also see the frustration of trying to beat the weather to get a job done and the battery running out whereas a diesel can have more fuel added and keep it running

[@jefffarm2944]

Did he say something about being forced to go electric ??? I think he might be right

[@cameronchisholm1066]

Great video Tim - nicely balanced between the pros and cons of this particular machine without having a political bias either way. I've been following Solectrac for a couple of years and came very close to purchasing an e25G last fall. I didn't like the switch on the dash to shuttle between forward/reverse, but it was the lack of live PTO that really stopped me. I don't plan to do a lot that requires a PTO driven implement, but it was just too limiting for me to take the plunge. I noticed a week ago that the e25H is now available for pre-order and immediately got in line. Sounds like I still have about 2 months to wait before they start shipping, but I can't wait to put it through its paces. In the meantime I look forward to more videos featuring Sparky :)

[@mdh7812]

Great video on the tractor, a lot of details. You didn't say if there is any kind of indicator to tell you the speed of the PTO. Is there a way to tell if it is at 540 RPMs?

[@ourkentuckyvalleylife2333]

Although I'm definitely not sold on electric at the moment these are very informative on the progress. I have John Deere so have you done any on the one you mentioned or will you do any? Thanks Tim and your wife is a fine drone pilot.😊

[@mrpips000]

How would you run a stump grinder with a PTO that operates like that?

[@JM-hp7fc]

Awesome video Tim. You do such a wonderful job at pointing out the big picture behind your presentations. There is always struggles with bringing new products to market. Even Deere failed many times getting into the tractor market at first. It wasn’t until they purchased the Waterloo Tractor Works and built on their platform they started becoming a solid contender in the market. If your not learning and growing in your business even if you’re not in total agreement with things then you will be left behind. Just ask Block Busters or Kodak

[@buckhorncortez]

Kodak's problem was they underestimated the time period to transition from chemical photography to electronic. Kodak developed the first solid-state imaging sensor cameras (1975) and is responsible for the Bayer filter (Bryce Bayer worked for Kodak) used on solid-state sensors. Kodak management was convinced in the mid-80s that it would take at least 30 years to transition from chemical photography to electronic. Kodak experimented with a variety of electronic camera systems in the 1990s and had the first electronic single-lens reflex camera (DCS 315, 1998).

[@williamhaynes7089]

How about using a post hole digger with this direct PTO?

[@Lackieestatesfarm]

Another thought when you brought up having attachments like an electric driven mower. We’re at the stage in development similar to the early tractors in the 1930s. They were built to accommodate horse drawn plows etc because that was the norm at the time. We’re in a similar stage now where we’ll start to see electric attachments phased in over time as electric tractors become more prevalent

[@EOTG_AK]

Fun fact. Modern 2 stroke Snowmobiles actually do spin the motor in reverse to go backwards. Push a button and the engine briefly dies and immediately restarts in the other direction.

[@Dale37]

I think it is a great start, and even with the shortcomings, it will serve someone well. I wouldn't choose it over a diesel tractor, but I can see it being the perfect option for some people.

[@yayinternets]

Hi Tim, I absolutely love how pragmatic you are in approaching what is essentially the first version of a cutting edge product. Especially thinking about how the electric powetrain works and what design changes and compromises have to be made. I recently rented a Tesla for a long road trip to visit my parents (whom are farmers in a very rural area) and ended-up really liking it and didn't run into any charging issues. I was pleasantly impressed; the tech it has makes it really great and much safer than other modern cars for long trips like that. Just as you were saying, once they have more experience in having these tractors in the field and learning from them being used, it will really push this technology along. The Tesla is a better car than a lot of the regular gas cars on the market and hopefully further development will get tractors there too. I think you are right on the money about working on an eCVT that could be used across both diesel and electric power. It would be mechanically much simpler and make it easier for manufacturers to invest in both power plants at the same time. Bring on your professor friend, would be a great episode!

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Great video. I enjoyed it. The transmission pto, as I call it, operates the same as my 1951 tea20 Ferguson tractor. So that’s going back in time a ways. But my Ferguson pto does operate going in reverse. That’s a difference to your electric tractor. So with my rear 6’ rear discharge mower I can mow in reverse. If I want to. The people that make the electric power plant, also makes the tractor ? Have a great day.

[@fullers1966]

Could have used that mower yesterday did a three-acre Hayfield there was nothing in the way

[@marlinguidegun1657]

The full speed on and off would break shear pins on my snowblower and I'm sure many other implements as well. I hope that they work a "soft start" into the torque curve, or make it variable in some way (soft start/hard start option) - that wouldn't be hard to do.

[@michaelogilvy4400]

Tim as always great stuff would love to hear from your professor Feind on electrics

[@Shane_O.5158]

i'm all for an electric tractor, but it has to work, for instance: if i run out of diesel i can carry a 5 gallon drum and top it up, if i run out of battery how big and heavy and slow are those battery's to swap ?

[@chadbinette3201]

I can see some applications for this tractor, campgrounds, golf courses and neighborhoods yes but for me I'ld feel like I was on my nephew's power wheels . Not to mention finding someone knowledgeable about these tractors when you need it.

[@harmab2]

Great video, great information, love ❤️ the color of the tractor 🚜