John Deere has announced that it has launched the eAutoPower system which is available on the 8R410 model. This means that belts and shafts are replaced with electric motors powered from a socket on the tractor. This in turn replaced the mechanical power take-off (PTO).
The electric motors are much lighter and require less reinforcement to the frame of the machine. Being cheaper to build, John Deere confirms that this has resulted in a lower priced machine that is better for the soil and more economically viable.
The electric power reduces costs, and the design focuses on the optimisation of the machine rather than the function being compromised by the need for a belt or shaft to drive it. Tractors usually lose energy through friction as belts, bearings, chains and shafts have inertia which is considered a power drain on the machine. However, with the newly developed electrical system which includes electric cables preserves power on the tractor.
John Deere has partnered with Joskin in building a slurry tanker with power provided to two of the three axles. The JD 8R 410 has two alternators being driven off the rear of the transmission, which supplies up to 100kW of power to two sockets at the rear. According to the company the electrical system replaces the hydraulic components with an electric power path.
LSL News.