I recently read an article about vineyards electric tractors and wanted to learn more about this new innovation. Electric cars have been around for a while, but I never heard of a electric tractor but, of course, it makes sense.
So, apparently, if you are visiting some vineyards in California, you might see a driverless tractor going about its programmed chores through the rows of vines. Because the tractors are powered by electricity, you will not hear them as they pass by. Apparently, electric powered tractors are very quiet not like diesel powered tractors.
Driving a Tractor
Yes, Farmhouse Magic Blog has driven an old diesel tractor but only once. That was enough to tell me that being a tractor driver was not in the cards for me. Even with ear protection, the tractor seemed very loud. I actually had to take some time to recover from the experience.
What scared me the most is the tractor has very large heavy tires and it will not stop on a dime. The driver has to pay extreme attention to everyone and everything around them so as to not run someone over who isn’t paying attention. Perhaps this isn’t much of a concern for experienced tractor drivers but for me it was.
Please note, the tractor I drove is not on today’s blog nor is the Ford Tractor a 100% electric tractor. Actually, I’m not sure if the blue Ford Tractor is even operational. Sometimes vintage tractors are used for display.
Vineyards Electric Tractors the New Future?
Apparently, the electric tractor I researched, is 100% electric, has smart controls and is easy-to-use.
It can be used with or without a driver and has 360-degree cameras to see all around. It will also automatically stop the tractor if a human comes within five feet of it.
When it is difficult to find employees to work on farms, the farmer can program his tractor to do the job without a driver. With fewer labor costs, this should help the farmer’s bottom profitability line.
It would seem that electric tractors elevates the common farm operations to a higher level of efficiency with less carbon, and more of a do it yourself attitude.
Ending Notes
So, have we come full circle working the farm? Earlier in this country, the famer alone toiled making his crops grow and then harvesting the bounty. Now, is he back to again working alone in the vineyards.
I would love to see this. Perhaps a trip to the vineyards of California is in order?
Resource Sites: ww.monarchtractor.com and The Washington Post, May 3, 2023, A new Model of Electric Tractor helps Winemakers Cut the Carbon-and the Costs by Dave McIntyre.