Affordable electric hoe from De blije tuinder: simplicity over high-tech
Not every innovation in agriculture needs to be autonomous or laser-guided. Sometimes a smart, practical solution is exactly what is required. Anne van Roekel proves this with his Donk-e: an electric implement carrier developed specifically for hoeing tasks on smaller arable and horticultural farms. The lightweight machine offers an unobstructed view of the crop and is developed based on user feedback.
Anne van Roekel devises machines for growers and small arable farms. “With these, we hope to make growers happy,” says Van Roekel. He is the owner of Ingenias Engineering in Ede and machine developer for De blije tuinder. The electrically driven implement carrier is designed as a hoe tractor, with the main aim of enabling effective hoeing. In 2023, Van Roekel started with some sketches and last year the machine was further developed. In 2024, the first prototypes were ready and tested, and in April 2025 the first four machines were delivered to growers. “The big advantage is that you are seated close to the work on this machine, giving you an excellent view of the weeds. You see instantly what is happening and can pull out a clump of weeds by hand if necessary. Donk-e steers precisely and, at 455 kg, is very light.”
Main task: hoeing
De blije tuinder will begin serial production of the machine from 2026. “We are also considering expanding the machine so growers can use it for more tasks. The main task remains hoeing. This demanding job must simply be possible, and anything extra is a bonus.” Users would also like to use the Donk-e for other purposes, such as attaching a small trailer for harvesting, or mounting weeding beds at the rear for hand weeding.
How the Donk-e works
The machine has electric drive on the rear wheels, with a wheel motor for each wheel. “Combined with mechanical steering on the front axle, this ensures precise and calm operation. The extreme manoeuvrability of the Donk-e saves time on the headland.”
There is a mid-mounted lift for the hoe beam, featuring an electric lifting system. At the rear is a battery that allows up to four hours of hoeing. With the addition of a small solar panel, the operator can sit comfortably in the shade. The panel also helps to top up the battery and charges the machine for free when not in use. Charging takes about eight hours if the battery is fully depleted. “As an option, we offer lithium batteries. These are lighter and have greater capacity. You can also easily expand the battery pack to be able to hoe for a whole working day.” A lithium battery costs more to purchase but also lasts longer. The machine’s low weight prevents soil structure damage.
Affordable machine
The base machine costs €17,000. With extra options, the price rises above €20,000. Optional features include lithium batteries for 7 to 8 hours of continuous hoeing, a solar panel, power steering, a rear lift (150 kg) for light implements, track cleaners, towbar, front weights, and/or adjustable track width from 1.5 to 1.8 metres. GPS guidance is also an option, as is a trailer for crates (planting/harvesting) or a trailer for weeding beds. According to Van Roekel, the Donk-e is especially suitable and interesting for small arable and horticultural businesses. “Anyone can operate it, the machine is very manoeuvrable, and very affordable.”
Van Roekel sees the rise of robotics in agriculture and horticulture as a positive development. “But before it becomes affordable and practically applicable for smaller farms, we still have a way to go. Until then, our machine is certainly relevant and I believe there will always be work for the Donk-e. Even if it is just as an additional machine.”
Technical specifications
Electrically driven hoe:
- Speed: up to 7 km per hour (continuously variable).
- Track width: 1.50 metres.
- Ground clearance: 60 cm.
- Weight: 455 kg.
- Drive: lead-acid battery pack for 4 to 5 hours of continuous hoeing.
- Mid-mount lift for hoe beam.
- Capacity: 0.75 ha per hour.
- Purchase price for base machine €17,000 (excluding VAT).
