Carraro develops diesel + electric orchard tractor

Outwardly, the Carraro ‘Ibrido’ (hybrid) gives few clues to its novel powertrain, not least because it has the same layout, typical dimensions and mechanical 24 x 24 transmission as existing tractors from the Italian manufacturer.

Down-sized diesel engine

“Even the controls and user interface in the cab are traditional,” points out Massimiliano Franz of Carraro Group. “But the concept tractor has a down-sized diesel engine and a 105hp electric motor that can be used in different ways with the aim of making rational use of the available power depending on the working requirements.”

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The prototype ‘Ibrido’ tractor Italy in November, aims to reduce fuel consumption, service requirements and emissions, mainly by using the diesel engine less frequently. – Photo: Carraro

The Agritalia division of Carraro Group manufactures a range of conventionally-powered tractors supplied under contract to larger concerns such as Claas, John Deere and Massey Ferguson, as well as under the Carraro brand through independent distributors.

In 2017, the operation based in Rovigo, an hour south-west of Venice in northern Italy, produced 4,670 such tractors, a 15 per cent increase over the year before.

This is a core business alongside the group’s operations manufacturing off-highway driveline components, axles and complete transaxles for agricultural tractors, telescopic handlers and wheeled loaders, and for compact construction equipment such as backhoe-loaders.

Prototype ‘Ibrido’ tractor unveiled at EIMA

The prototype ‘Ibrido’ tractor, which will be unveiled at the EIMA international farm equipment show in Bologna, Italy in November, aims to reduce fuel consumption, service requirements and emissions, mainly by using the diesel engine less frequently.

“The user can decide whether to proceed in pure electric mode – in greenhouses and livestock buildings, for example, or in diesel-only mode on the road,” explains Massimiliano Franz. “All the available power could be exploited in hybrid mode, when towing or for heavy pto work.”

FederUnacoma, the EIMA show organiser, has selected the concept for technical innovation and environment awards.