Is the Electric Tractor Industry Failing? Real Farmer Shares the Truth!

[@gckshea]

Electric = pure political garbage. End of story.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

only political if we make it a political issue my friend. Without FOX, CNN and MSNBC it would just be another tool. Just because the "tools" in Washington are pushing the technology doesn't make it a political decision in my opinion. I don't watch the mainstream news media and I see it as a tool to get the job done. We've made it political...but in reality it's just a tool...no different than a cordless drill or leaf blower

[@gckshea]

@StoneyRidgeFarmer Agreed, Josh. It's just that the trend to eliminate fossil fuels in deference to ekectric products to somehow save our planet...that is political. So when I have experienced lack of choice in the dinosaur juice products I want, only to find battery powered as an only choice, I'm not happy. Soletrac is victim of this, sadly for the consumer who only wants 4 hours of run time and wants to pay more for it. Go for it, folks. As for me and my house, electric tools are hand tools (drills, saes, impacts, screwdrivers, etc.), not cars, tractors, trucks, or planes!

[@bdb1052]

​@@StoneyRidgeFarmernot sure how you can say this when these are being shoved down our throats as the tools that will save the world at the cost of efficiency and price. It is 100% political as in these companies wouldn't be making these electric vehicles if they weren't being subsidized by the government

[@dabernathy215]

Sooo you don’t use anything electric?

[@bdb1052]

@@dabernathy215 galaxy brain take here. Can we not have criticisms if we use the thing we are criticizing? I don't like some brands of water does that mean I hate water or don't drink it? Stop trying to stifle conversation that needs to take place

[@jasonbrowne7525]

Best tools are ones that work for Your use case and can be maintained at a reasonable cost. Don’t care what pollution’s say so I am happy to see this tractor in use and to find out what you think of it over time.

[@brianmills4891]

sounds like some good deals on the Soletrac tractors are coming. I'd buy one for the right price. probably 25% of original would cover the uncertainty and lack of future support

[@xblackbart6922]

Damn man, I want that. I hope there's other manufacturers coming out with affordable electric solutions for yard tractors.

[@chrishoward9134]

Keep Using it, it is simply a tool. I Use a Diesel Tractor for all my work, however, if I had a Electric Tractor to handle my "Smaller" Jobs on the Homestead, I would use it. It's a no brainer. I am curious on what the Maintenace would be like (other than the Battery). Getting Parts for the Electronics, (Boards, Rectifiers, Capacitors, Computer) may become difficult and Troubleshooting would be a Curve Ball.

[@kevinb3605]

Agreed. If it works why not use it? Battery powered equipment isn't perfect but typically has less maintenance than gas/diesel powered equipment. Reminds me of the difference between a electric and gas powered weed trimmer. The gas one has more power for sure and makes sense for heavy removal but for smaller jobs the battery version is really convenient. I press the button and it just works (assuming I remember to charge the battery)

[@Neoprenesiren]

Electrical vehicles are pretty maintaince free. Combustion engines have tons of moving parts and generate lots of waste heat. You simply have less things to wear down on an electrical car or tractor ergo not much to maintain. You could say the push pistons in the hydrostatic transmission or the battery quality but those are 5-10 year concerns. Also gas and diesel continue to raise in price and lower in quality so it’s not necessarily a flaw to electrical vehicles (battery swaps) when you would pay 100-500% more in fuel price alone. (You can get electrical power reallllllyyyyy cheap and it’s especially easy to figure out ways to generate it yourself now days.)

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

You can abandon that tractor at my farm lol.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

😯

[@GadgeteerFarm]

Would love to have one! Would love even more to have one PTO and hydraulic features improved.

[@keylargo2001]

When I looked it up. It said that the company went OOB April 2024 and that dealers abandoned them. So looks like you got yourself a free tractor.

[@radolfkalis4041]

You would think, but I do believe he should send an email asking what they want him to do with it. Paper trail y'know.

[@jankotze1959]

@@radolfkalis4041 I agree, obvious there will be an audit and stock take initiated by lawyers on the crippled company to close the books, they might come and take it on order to sell for scrap to off-set some costs, so I would rather keep it untouched for time being, if nothing happens in 5 years Mr Stoney will have a piece of treasure for the future in "rare" tractors of the past

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

Shipping would negate any scrap price the could get.

[@Catfish5577]

I agree with you about electric equipment. I think it's a good idea, but I don't like government mandating anything. I would like to have one at my place, but if you can't get support that's not going to work. Thanks for the information, be safe

[@Neoprenesiren]

While it’s not necessarily ideal to comply with a mandate it’s not a good idea to blindly oppose it either. Simply use their motive against them. Embrace it so readily they end up hurting. For example in some countries the average citizens swapping to solar panels have overloaded the cities with power and also plummeted the cost of energy to basically nothing hurting utility companies (which deserve no sympathy as corrupt and greedy as they are at times.)

[@StephenBoulis]

You know, I agree with this in principle, but don't cut your nose off to spite your face. There are environmental laws that would prevent you from dumping PCB's on your pasture, but why would you want to? Opposing unreasonable mandates is one thing (and fine in my book), but when the rules make sense, I fail to see why anyone would need to be forced to do the thing that is actually in their best interest. Personally, I would just like to see the rules make sense, and be flexible enough to cover unusual circumstances with zero corruption in the enforcement. People call me a "dreamer" when I say government should not be necessary for people to do the smart or "right" thing, but for some it apparently is, so we have to figure out some way to make it work.

[@stephenrussell1766]

I certainly do not like to see ANY company have troubles like these. However, with what little contact I have had with electric vehicles (of any kind), I am not confident in their ability to sustain over time. This tractor does what it is supposed to, but as you said, it's not designed for row cropping or for mowing large acreage in a single charge. Thanks for the video! Keep up the good work.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I agree!

[@Neoprenesiren]

It’s not a flaw with it being electric it’s just its weight and size. It’s like expecting a go kart to compete with a f150 in a rowing bricks contest.

[@taurota1554]

Awesome content as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@robotman105]

I have gotten rid of all of my gas tools and i have no complaints. I love just being able to plug up my tools and get to work with no fuss, and very little maintenance. I don't care what other people use, they can use what they want. But i found i am more productive not having to maintain or work on my equipment anymore. I love these tools and want to see where they go in the years to come. If they become the new reliable tool as battery tech gets better, so be it. If we upgrade batteries to the point of their limit and can't keep up so be it. But we will never know how far new technology goes if we don't try it. Any tool i ever buy i beat the snot out of the first one than try something else, if it lasted longer than my other tools I go for the better tool, The same rule applies here. Politics don't get work done, our tools do. Thank you @StoneyRidgeFarmer Josh for being level headed and wanting to see how the future goes and your willingness to give things a try like i love to do.

[@brianmills4891]

been driving electric cars for the last 5 years, over 200,000 miles. Still have my 91 OBS ford for heavy work but that's a fraction of the miles my family drives. We save thousands every year in fuel expense, drive the safest cars on the road, and just purchased a new one for under the average new car price in the US, so I totally believe in the future of EV. I can't wait to have a viable electric tractor to use also, but not sure the tech is in the farm industry yet. People making it political is a personal choice. We don't have to make every topic a hill to die on. People need to stop acting like their opinions and choices should be adopted and supported by everyone else. Make your own decisions people. Thanks for the reviews, Josh

[@JJE2010MO]

Congrats on the FREE Tractor!

[@MickSupper]

The only good electric vehicle is a free electric vehicle. Since I heard from a gas station worker that people sit around for an hour charging their cars, I will never ever buy electric even if I could afford it! (Not at this exact stage.) BTW, wind turbines are run off petroleum, so electric is no more than a scam. I'm for electric (kinda), but not until prices come down and it's an actual viable option.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

not really "free"....more to come on this at some point

[@cliffblackburn8102]

I agree with you it's a tool.. and a great idea to have them around along with proper disposal of batteries

[@johnwudarcki9315]

There’s the operative word. Try finding information on battery recycling. All I found was like a paragraph stating that they do. No information on exactly what, where, how. What % is recycled, disposal of waste

[@cliffblackburn8102]

Maybe they go to the normal recycling center I'm not sure really .. I like the idea of battery powered vehicles but I'm not in favor of how they resource the material to make the battery 🔋 I read somewhere the guys are standing in a pit barefoot and digging it up!?!? Crazy people for like 30 cents and hour..

[@delta_glider4362]

@@johnwudarcki9315 >All I found was like a paragraph stating that they do. Don't know about tractors batteries but some time ago I've read about e-cigarettes recycling "US struggles to discard hazardous materials from e-cigarettes that cannot be trashed, reused, or recycled With the growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, communities across the U.S." That mentinion that they just BURN lithium batteries. 😮 ""Ideally we don’t want to incinerate them because it has to be done very, very slowly. But if have to, we will," said Bob Cappadona, who leads the company’s environmental services division. "

[@bohammarberg4072]

Good morning!!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@radolfkalis4041]

Just my opinion here. I can agree with Josh, it seems like it is a reasonable tool for small scale mowing, moving some bales here and there, light work you do not need a full sized tractor for. I don't really have a problem with electric cars, trucks, tractors, whatever, if you want one, you do you. I DO have a problem with government mandates saying "We are going to take away your gasoline/diesel powered vehicle and MAKE YOU buy an electric one".

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Very interesting.

[@kj6jfx]

I have no issues with electric tools. I also don’t agree that we are forced to only use them.

[@1kooley]

WHO'S FORCING US TO USE ELECTRIC VEHICLES OR TOOLS,I HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY LEGISLATION THAT SAYS WE MUST USE ELECTRIC VEHICLES OR TOOLS ,A SUGGESTION THAT ELECTRIC VEHICLES OR TOOLS IS BETTER ON THE ENVIRONMENT IS NOT A MADATE.ULTIMATELY THE USE OF ANY NEW TECHNOLOGIE IS UP TO THE CONSUMER.

[@jimc9581]

@@1kooley Maybe Biden saying that they can't sell ice vehicles after like 2035 could be considered shoving it down ones throat. Or making diesels so unreliable with ridiculous environmental junk.

[@royreynolds108]

@@1kooley I contend the government, state or federal, is mandating the use of electrically powered vehicles if "they" say "the use of liquid fuels will not be used passed or after a certain date". I don't know how to interpret that any other way. I agree that battery-powered tools or vehicles should be available to those who want, can, and need to use them. I also agree that I do NOT want anything MANDATED to me for my personal use by anyone or any organization including the government. I have some corded tools as well as some battery-powered tools, my choice.

[@billnorblat4047]

Tell that to the European Farmers

[@CriticalThinker27]

Just wait. It's coming. It's so obvious, you can read in right on the world economic forum's website. All thanks to your slave master Klaus Schwab.

[@Lowzone73]

I bought my TYM 2515 based on your and Tony’s review and love it. GREAT MACHINE!!! I have many dewalt 20v tools and work great but I have a dozen extra 4 or 6 ah packs. So my chainsaw I have a few packs that last the day. I can’t see electric tractors anytime soon as the grid and battery tech isn’t there yet. 3 minutes to refuel my TYM not 8 hours. revisit this in 5 years. I’ll be here watching your channel then too…

[@rickster9993]

You don't let your TYM set idle at night. You could probably get a 80% recharge from a 220 Volt circuit located on one or more spread out utility poles. Add a few solar cells modules and a high capacity battery pack and you get, all but free fuel.

[@waikanaebeach]

Good comment Josh. Electric, in its current state, has some good points and so downsides. I know one farmer that is using it for the feedlots and in the sheds. The noise levels and fumes are much less and not disturbing the stock so much. Pity about the company, hopefully they can work through it.

[@GM6.7]

If the people(government) can't subsidize the product when they are forcing people to accept, then the market will let these things die because the market decides. Free market solutions is what we should be able to use.

[@nates2526]

I think they have their place. I’ve never used my little 20hp tractor more than 3 hours in a row, so I would probably be a good use case for that kind of machine.

[@plagueofbadgers]

Not 100% sure on "farm equipment" but.... (In NC) After seven days of an unclaimed vehicle sitting on your property, it is considered abandoned. After 30 days, it becomes the land onwers property, and the land owner may file for an abandoned vehicle title of said vehicle. 🚜-Woooo!!

[@Rumblestrip]

Im open to the idea, although it has issues. As for, "use it?" If its been abandoned, put a lean on it for storage fees, and make it yours... Use it all you like. Id say its yours now.

[@davidmiller2719]

In October, the Northern California factory is up for auction. West Auctions. If you have a Solectrac and need implements or parts.... I bet they go cheap! They have machines in all phases of manufacture and backhoes, buckets, etc. Might be OK. for an occasional use. (low daily hours) Hey Stoney.... My son in law in Tennessee could use one. Thanks for what you do

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

interesting

[@CQBlindHams]

I think you should give that tractor to a small flower farm in South Carolina. We can have someone to pick it up.

[@peterfadden4418]

Electric tractors have a place in the small tractor market, mostly to the hobby farmer and municipal markets. At this time, electric tractors don't have the guts it takes to farm on the mega acre farms.

[@mattstarr5975]

I could see it's use on our property. We currently have one main deisel tractor that we use for everything, and there are many times that I wish we had a second tractor with a bucket to load lyme, fertilizer, logs, onto the second without having to disconnect the trailer/implement every time. Would never be the only farm tractor, but electric with solar charge, less moving parts, no oil to change, is a big plus for small jobs. Plug it back in when not in use. It won't cut hay for very long, but could be support, or cleaning out barn stalls while the bigger tractor is engaged in other activities. Price would need to be competitive with a diesel 25 HP tractor, and good dealer network critical. I would take a Selectrac for free and use till dead, but would not spend any serious money with the company in question. It is still a machine and stuff will break.

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

Use it till it doesn't work. Then give it away.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Or...should we just see how long it lasts and replace the battery...ya never know how it might do

[@KITDFOHS]

Or......put a gas/diesel motor in it for the lulz

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer true enough . If battery pack isn't too much.

[@mkshffr4936]

​@@StoneyRidgeFarmerIf it is anything like electric cars the battery would cost more than the value of the tractor.

[@ninefingers5480]

Good luck when the bat goes but there are people like electrified garage that can retrofit if you want. Avoid overheating them and don't fully discharge and the should last at least a decade. A lot of lion batteries die early from discharge and overheating. This can include recharge when hot. I hope they are water cooled.

[@danwilkening888]

Run it till it wont run anymore. Thats the best test it can get. I believe it could be a good fit for some people. Options are always good.

[@wvprepared]

I would love to see the battery tech get much better. I feel that in the near future the workable time will double the charge time. That will be an awesome time get into it in my opinion. I do my mowing with a 25 horse power diesel right now. Would I love to not have to haul diesel, change the engine oil, and listen to that thing run while mowing? 100% yes. Just need a little longer work time on that battery.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Totally agree

[@RieckFamilyEnterprises]

Josh, I have recently seen these tractors locally at a "Runnings" store. They showed up just out of the blue one day.

[@HurairahHomestead]

I used to be VERY distrustful of battery electric tools. Nowadays, I have battery electric tools. The technology has gotten a lot better than it used to be. As far as my farm, my tractor is an Armstrong.

[@watcherofwatchers]

We will be in the market for a tractor this size soon, and we would absolutely have considered this tractor if it was just a little more competitively priced.

[@jamieebersole6755]

I'm not apposed to an electric tractors for certain applications but I'm not gonna be the first in line to buy one. I'm the kind of guy who would rather wait until they get the buggs worked out of them and we can get an idea what companies will stay around.

[@edwaldron9204]

Use it till it fails. Not my cup of tea. Don’t force it on me or anyone else

[@rmd9032]

Electric tractor a big YES but ONLY if charged off -grid

[@darrenh5665]

My buddy bought an all electric Lexus recently and he was told by the sales guy that they have huge stockpiles of cars that they cannot sell. This is applying to other major vehicle manufacturers, so it’s no surprise that the tractors aren’t selling. Me personally I don’t think electric motors will ever surpass gas/diesel power. It’s ok in something small like a drill or saw but not for automotive products. Just my opinion folks, have a good one! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

An electric motor will run countless hours with less moving parts than any petroleum based engine. I think in 50 years we'll be making fun of petro engines just like the steam engines of the 1800s and early 1900s. Petrol engines will be antiquated at some point. That's my guess

[@MickSupper]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I'm wondering why electric is being pushed so much today when they already had electric cars back in the 1800s. Did you know the ones pushing electric are the same ones that pushed petrol back in the day? It's all about control.

[@queenslandfarmer]

Josh, as a farmer in Queensland Australia with 300 acres, I don’t think electric would work for me at all.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

why?

[@queenslandfarmer]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Josh, the grass gets so long and thick, my 60 hp turbo charged Mahindra has issues getting through paddocks. To slash that 1 paddock down would take me over 6 hours with diesel power plus drive time to get there. Come for a visit, I’ll show you what I mean and we can do a colab video 😊Chris. Ps - I enjoy your channel.

[@amsoiladam]

I think the idea of an electric tractor is great. I don’t think that it could replace all Diesel tractors in all applications, but I think that it could have its place and do specific jobs. I Think until they come get it from you, you should continue using it and if it breaks, then you can set it to the side and let them come pick up a broken tractor someday maybe

[@WideCutSawmill]

If there is a future in electric tractors it would be for small yard tractors for hobbyists. It doesn’t look promising imo. It has a small small small piece of the pie maybe.

[@kenedmonds7599]

I'm open minded since I have a small homestead that takes 2.5 hrs to mow with a 60in zero turn. I could definitely use the bucket here.

[@backwoodsboy8355]

I totally agree with you, I believe there is a place for them but shouldn’t be shoved down our throats or mandated. To each their own as they say, leave it up to the individual which way they want to go.

[@tomchristensen8619]

I'm certain there is a future for electric tractors. This company likely is gone, but the concept is good. And just like with cordless handheld power tools, they are great for certain things, and you need a corded tool for others. It''s really not a political issue! People hated the gasoline driven horseless carriage to begin with too.

[@daleraines220]

The way I look at it is. I’m against mandates to. However I believe in the free market system. If you build a better tractor that’s electric you won’t have to mandate it. People will buy it. I’d buy whatever is the most dependent and economical. Weather it be diesel or electric. Bottom line is the main issue not politics.

[@Itsme-xg8vv]

As shown "on other Channels" Companies like Volvo start to develop, offer and sell electric excavators for example... As you mentioned, you could plug your tractor to your better getting solar sources and have no cost besides initial investments for fuel as infrastructure... Maintainance cost for electrical appliance over time, surely much lower... Love to hear opinions on that, all regarding, that you don't have mecanical/fuel equippmen already in use... ..or even the benefit not to to ake about because of less use components in that way...

[@DavidRose-m8s]

In NZ an ocean away from fossil fuel sources in a supply crisis it could will be a thing. Price point would indicate that large operators would be needed for economies of scale.

[@donCesc19]

I love the idea of electric tractor but the technology is not there yet. It still has a lot of way to go, but there has to be a beginning to have some middle. Charging has to be a lot faster or swaping batteries as an option, just like cordless power tools (or in some asian countris with scooters). Price has to be better, more competitive with diesels and if you, like you, use solar power to charge it, cost will be better in the long run, plus it will be better for enviroment. But, we all know how the lore for batteries are harvested and, more importantly, who the biggest pollutants are...

[@derrekdriskill9331]

I think it has its place especially if it can be charged through solar power but like most changes it takes some time and resistance especially if your forced in to it May GOD be with you Josh !

[@roberthilton9884]

I'd buy one. The Technology is getting better but I would worry about long term service. The economy is going to get worse. A key indicator is corporate Real Estate.

[@drinternatg6391]

If it fits your needs continue with use it I would say. Shame about the company. Looks a good product for what it’s meant for. I hope that comes good in un the end. Competition for Case, New Holland and John Dear can’t. be a bad think,I would think.

[@AldenHayFarmer]

I don't think the bigger manufacturers would have put something as crude as the first Solectrac is on the market.

[@larryfischer1970]

Tractor Time with Tim is saying the same thing!

[@tkskagen]

I was really hoping that "Solectrac" was going to be a good thing for future use and dependable as an AWD Tractor...

[@oklahomachris6298]

Depending on price it wouldn’t make sense to have it. You could say the dowel tractors cost but this is new market if they were pushing them out and making it I may say different but not with new product.

[@ggarden8432]

perfect tool for inside a barn or large greenhouse . no fumes, low noise and good size. Other than that I don't think it's very useful on anything bigger that a large yard.

[@tony8354586]

..use it and when you need parts push it where you need a BIG lawn ornament!

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

If I bought an electric mower for $3000.00 and the manufacturer went out of business and parts support ceases I would be greatly disappointed. If I spent $45,000.00+ for an electric tractor and the manufacturer went out of business and I couldn't get parts support I would be extremely pissy.

[@srbailey7]

I would buy a BEV tractor if they are priced more competitively than they are today. Maintaining ICE engines is a PITA. But, given Solectrac’s financial problems, I wouldn’t buy a Solectrac unless one is available at a liquidation (very cheap) price.

[@ProductiveRecreation]

For my application, electric doesn’t make sense now. As for solectrac, I’d steer clear of any new company just entering the tractor market. Want something established that’s going to be around and provide service for years. That includes the dealer and manufacturer for parts support.

[@Neoprenesiren]

That’s why monoliths like John Deere get away with locking your tracker and refusing to let you fix it yourself. Like some naughty little boy when their mom puts a lock on the pantry.

[@williamfederle5119]

I hope the manufacturer of this tractor can work their way out of their financial problems. Given your experience with the one you have, It seems to fill a need on your farm.

[@denniscleveland669]

Clean it up, tuck it away, in the corner of your shop, with a cover and trickle charger. You may have a collectible.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

lol

[@bulfrog5]

With a solar charging capability I would definitely get an electric tractor. I would also have to take into account the ability to get repair parts and compatibility of implements. Definitely open to electric tractors though.

[@DV-ol7vt]

If a electric tractor company can stay around for 15 to 20 yrs., I might be interested in getting one. There is plenty of broken crap out there with no parts supply.

[@joshbrueggen9537]

I think something like the solectrac is one of the actual good uses for a battery vehicle. It is a machine that is used intermittently and for relatively short time periods, which to me is a great application, much better than an over-the-road car that you might actually want to drive on a long distance trip occasionally. If you are in a situation where you use all the battery in this thing, you are using too small of a tractor for to much and you are probably in the market for a bigger machine anyway.

[@Fjbcaca]

There is nothing greener than a farmer. I don't know of any farmers that willing to destroy their own livelihood by destroying the land.

[@mikeske9777]

I have no real opinion either way with going with a diesel powered small compact tractor for me it does not make economic sense to leave my little John Deere 2305 as it has all the implements to get the maximum use out of it and being 66 years old and retired I don't need a new tractor. The other issue is the fact that it is still in it infancy for the electric tractor. The biggest issue I actually see is the post sales service and maintenance and there still is going to be some maintenance on the electric side and if the support is not there and a issue comes up I see a $30,000 plus paperweight. So if you feel you can take a risk on an electric tractor, have at it but for me I will stick with my 17 year old proven tractor. I can accept the diesel fuel and maintenance on something I can easily work on.

[@critical-thought]

It is a niche product that apparently does not draw enough interested buyers. Me personally, I would still go with a tractor that I can recharge in about 5 minutes.

[@shawnkiller90]

Save the tractor if you can!(within legal rights!!) it is if anything "automotive" a rare prototype.. it may be some years but in time it will be worth a pretty penny to be a original prototype ..and yea its gonna seem to not be worth as much... in the short run. But with investing give it time...!!!! It was a solid thing without the funding and the support... Just like Tecumseh carburetor (started out as a off brand but now its well known)but that's what I would do if I ever had the chance to work this kind of machine! ... as the years pass it will be a rare thing.....by a OBSCURE manufacturer! keep it.. but maintain it!

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

interesting thought

[@ninefingers5480]

My wife had a company she worked with (no for) go bankrupt. She had demo equipment of theirs and she reached out a few times so she waited for a few years until bankruptcy appeared to close and nothing. We still have that equipment and occasional use it. We actually advised we can't get rid of in case some zombie debt outfit asks for them back. Some failed company stuff can go on for decades. My dad had a gas well and the legal for that may have been decades because some investors would not let it go. Not what you wanted to hear or perhaps it is if you like it but I think you are stuck with it. I wouldn't mind being stuck with something that saved me money

[@curtwinkle2010]

Like the concept, but I abhor Li-ion batteries. They are too unstable. If the microchips fail, so do they. Also, they pollute the world more than any petroleum engine. Someone needs to perfect safer storage. Capacitors are a great example of safer storage. Just me repeating myself :-)

[@robbyhiggins]

An electric tractor would be perfect for the type of work I do on my property.

[@JamesCopeland-i1j]

Here's the problem with compact or sub-compact electric tractors: Battery capacity. For anything that doesn't require PTO power, they work great. It's when you start asking them to actually do work (PTO or working ground, plow/etc.) they simply don't have the capacity you need. Fact is, they likely never will. There has yet to be a manufacturer of a sub-compact utility tractor (SCUT) with swappable batteries. Solectrac's battery is a measly 25 kilowatt hour (kwh) pack... about the same as 3gal of diesel in an equally sized tractor. They say "a full day"... but for mowing, plowing, or any power-intensive work, that's just not the case. In order to work a full day or , a electric SCUT needs the following: 1- swappable main battery pack, and a small reserve pack to move the tractor while swapping batteries 2- a trailer with at least 2 additional packs 3- an on-board means of swapping said batteries The biggest reason Solectrac is going under, is bad business practices, and misleading (if not outright FALSE) marketing. 1- They used the wrong design of tractor. Traditional tractor design is horrible for SCUTs... especially electrics, because the extra weight of a reasonable battery pack needs more flotation up front. They should've used a design closer to what is usually referred to as an "alpine tractor" with bigger wheels all around. 2- they never should've advertised the battery pack capacity as having a runtime of "full day operation". It's not. Most SCUT owners use their tractors for mowing or bush hogging. 3- they took the absolute cheapest route of converting a traditional tractor to electric... which basically killed most of the benefits of either. A GOOD electric tractor would have the following: 1- big/wide tires on both ends 2- dedicated motors for drive and PTO 3- main battery packs that can be easily swapped 4- an "extended service trailer" that will hold at least two batteries, a small generator, and bush hog or smaller implement 5- HONEST sales representation 6- a constant mesh variable gear drive (see Toyota Prius eCVT transmission) 7- minimal hydraulics 8- reversible operator's station Yes, all this would cost upwards of $35k... but it would be worth it. The $25k SCUT market just doesn't have the headroom to give customers what they need to succeed... but 35k is enough to let them EXCEED.

[@kdegraa]

Give it a good home.

[@farmhand3724]

I’m seeing tractor & equipment sales plummeting in my area. Dealers all around me are fat with inventory. Seems people are being cautious. Maybe Solectrac is caught in the middle.

[@geoffg5024]

I just know that my batteries in my electric leaf blowers and mowers decline fast and that is what scares me about making a larger battery powered purchase. I love them for convenience and a quick job, but they die so fast.

[@smoothbore4377]

I'm SHOCKED ! ( get the electric pun ? ) Electric tractors ... the solution to a problem that DOES NOT EXIST.

[@TheCritterWindow]

An engine tractor can sit in the weeds for decades and still start up. Long term I don't think the electric is the answer.

[@darolfitch8917]

Hey, I'm with you on this topic. I personally would not want an electric tractor. However, I could see how it could come in handy. Would be perfect for inside a large barn, no exhaust fumes a big plus or a small farm. No one should be forced to buy one product over another. It's a good idea, and we haven't seen the last of this. I hope this company can pull through this, or are they just ahead of their time?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I hope they pull through too!

[@ClickinChicken]

use it unless they said not to until pick up time! Woo!

[@franciscodanconia4324]

EV sales are down across the board. Lordstown is essentially dead. Lucid is losing a quarter million per car they sell. Tesla sales are down. And electric truck sales are way down. Not surprising an electric tractor company would be having problems.

[@rickster9993]

That's propaganda, Tesla sales are up 58%. Tesla can't build them fast enough. Tesla can't build the Semi's fast enough. Sales of EVs are exploding worldwide. Tesla and BYD each will sell more than a million cars in the US this year. Our big three though are sitting on their back side going nowhere. GM is the only one who realizes the move to electric is going on right now and its increasing in adoption radically. Check out Volvo's line of battery powered heavy construction equipment.

[@brianfarrell5240]

@@rickster9993 tesla just fired 6,000 people in california and texas. the only EV market that exists is in china. That's why the industry constantly cites global sales figures and "growth". The US makes up less than 5% of the world EV market. Everything else is China. Chargepoint is going bankrupt. Ford lost $3 billion by pushing EV's. Rivian is selling trucks at a loss. Toyota and Mercedes both backed out of their climate based BS EV initiatives. It is an industry that is failing across the board and only survives on government life support. the only thing dumber than an electric car is an electric tractor. no surprise at all this company didn't last a year. live and learn.

[@Neoprenesiren]

Bro is just straight up lying Tesla is selling ev like crazy. The only time their stock dips is when the whole market crashes.

[@brianfarrell5240]

@@rickster9993 Tesla is the only EV company making money in the US. A lot of that is due to their near monopoly of paid charging stations. The statistics reported on the EV market are always "worldwide", because China, who comprises 95% of all EV production and sales, skews the data to support the narrative. Ford lost $3 billion on EV's in one year. Mercedes and Toyota both retracted their EV initiatives because they were found to be nonprofitable. Chargepoint, Tesla's biggest charging station competitor, is about to be out of business. The american consumer doesn't want EV's because they are an impractical luxury item. Cordless drills are awesome, some of the chainsaws are cool, but vehicles and tractors are still years away from being viable petroleum alternatives.

[@carlfoltz4244]

I believe there is a place, a use, a niche for electric tractors. One must consider the weight, the charging times and the intended use. It might be a good second tractor if you have a diesel powered one already. I am a homeowner with three acres, a garden, and woodworking/home improvement construction projects to do. I can see a. use for one. But I also don't like having to modify my (very rural) electrical system to add a charging station for an electric tractor. Your solar setup might be problemmatic for me. But I think there is a place. But not Solectrac. They are not a viable business as far as I'm concerned.

[@bay9876]

They would work well in non-ventilated barns. No Carcinogenic diesel fumes to breathe in. With solar power, it could be a real money saver. It'll make this machine more desirable and cost-effective, with the Advancing battery technology. Minimal maintenance versus diesel motor. If it just works well and gets the job cheaply done, then it's the farmer's best friend.

[@scott6052]

Use it. I would definitely find uses for an electric tractor.

[@coastalcruiser4317]

Personally I love Electric battery powered anything. I've driven an Electric Truck and 2 Electric cars and have a Battery powered push mower and a Battery Generator. Electric fuel cost much cheaper, maintenance much much less, cost to operate per mile or hour, much lower than gas or diesel all with less noise pollution. What's not to love? I would run that Electric Tractor as much as possible and save on fuel and maintenance while having a quieter ride. And with Solar you can get free energy after up front costs. That's some enjoyable independence.

[@MickSupper]

Might be cheaper now, but when they shut down petroleum expect the price for electric to skyrocket. Nothing is free!

[@chrisreynolds-q5f]

Cool farm toy

[@jimg8218]

So you may own a free electric tractor,, enjoy

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

oh trust me it wasn't free my brotha

[@franciscodanconia4324]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmerdid you have a lease and they just didn’t pick it up when the term was over?

[@MickSupper]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer No way for any of us to come up with answers to your questions without cost.

[@Marcel41021]

There are only so many charges before you need to buy new batteries. My advice is to use it up before someone comes to get it.

[@Tapthatsugershack]

I would drive it but not at the cost of buying one up front. I have a really back back and would help with snowplowing and stuff up in the other end of the Appalachian in the Ontario and Quebec border

[@duck-n-cover477]

There is a future for these electric machines, but it's a niche market. It could work well if you're operating it indoors like arenas/stables/green houses, if you're using it for short durations, not expecting to use a lot of power hungry PTO implements, and can allow for long maintenance charging via your own PVS.

[@MickSupper]

Why pay double or triple for something if you already have or want to buy a far superior piece of equipment? Everyone in the comment section saying they'd want one for small jobs around the house with zero mention of cost for the equipment.

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

I wish it was abandoned on my property. The first entrants usually fail. And tractors are a terrible industry. If major farm retailers can't succeed with traditional rebranded tractors it's going to be almost impossible for a new brand to succeed. I have an electric zero turn and I'm sold on electric for someone like me who is only going to be doing work for an hour or two at a time. I want them to succeed but I expect the future to be an electric option from one of the existing companies. I'd like to see LS or someone else value minded create an electric version.of their machines since they are affordable.

[@offgridliving4128]

I would love one of those. But sadly don’t make enough money to afford one.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I'll say this once if I say it a million times: You choose your station in life, you choose your job/career/home/wife and the things that you own to enjoy your life. If your current station in life doesn't afford you the opportunity to have the things you want and need.....choose something different my friend. You are not "locked in" to a job or lifestyle that you have no choice over. Choose to find a way to be successful and NEVER EVER SAY "I CAN'T" because it closes off the mind and body to the creative process that you actually CAN! Not trying to put you down, just saying there's no better day than today to make a change for the better

[@paulwoodall2377]

I myself don't have a use for a tractor. I'm ok with electric tools, use them myself, what i don't agree with is it being forced down my throat. Let me and me alone make the decision on whether i want it or not.

[@MickSupper]

We don't live in a capitalist free market, if we did, government wouldn't be forcing it upon us like they are. You can't have a free market with taxes anyway.

[@paulwoodall2377]

@@MickSupper it's called free will. I'm free to choose what i want when i want it. It's not for you or anyone else to decide for me.

[@MickSupper]

@@paulwoodall2377 I'm an anarchist so no argument there.

[@johndeeremodelb907]

I'm a gas power tractor guy no electric for me they can keep it

[@kdegraa]

I prefer diesel powered tractors.

[@rickster9993]

Within tens years you won't be able to buy fuel for your gas powered tractor.

[@bigloads3600]

@@rickster9993 lmao they have been saying that forever.. big oil isn't going anywhere

[@Neoprenesiren]

Okay 👍

[@Neoprenesiren]

@@bigloads3600it kind of is bro have you seen gas prices? That’s with half the gas being cut with ethanol to.

[@richardbritton5280]

no ty

[@JohndoLC]

Personally I'd like to know if there was a contract and what did it say about returning. Did you get a title with it? Did you send a letter to the compamy certified? I also think I would inform the Sheriff of the situation so no attempt of theft charge could be levied. Still many unanswered questions in my mind.

[@radolfkalis4041]

Yeah, he really should make a traceable attempt at communication with the company, don't want any theft charges coming in the future, especially if the company goes thru any restructuring where all their assets need to be accounted for.

[@michaelware9090]

Geday Stingermic from down under, I believe electric is the way to go. A system of One in One out battery replacement must be achieved ! One on the charger one in the tool ! Most other battery operated tools would be of little use value without that system ! The fact that the tractor battery system take 8 hours before the tractor can be used again is with out a doubt its major drawback with regards to esteem or use value. I also believe the price point is NOT relative. To generate demand the fore mentioned .values must be paramount. Cheers Stingermic and make it a great day .

[@davidcolantuoni9165]

Electric in general needs to provide a value for the money, not more expensive just cus.. yes there are jobs electric tractors are perfect for, lot of jobs? Enough to justify a market ? But they have to be better at the job and better for the dollar spent.

[@Whiskey61]

The amount of energy contained in a single cup of crude oil is a gift from God. We would be stupid to not use it.

[@scottfoster2487]

We need both battery and diesel tractors. Diesel is for hard day in and out ,Electric is great for landscapers and use in buildings. They abondoned the machine so use it,it aint costing you much to have it on the farm.