Monarch Tractor has just introduced the world’s first fully-electric, smart tractor integrated on a single platform. Plus, this autonomous tractor is driver optional. With farmers facing numerous challenges including labour shortages, effects of climate change, safety concerns, increased customer scrutiny for sustainability demand and government regulations the Monarch Tractor addresses all these issues.
The Monarch Tractor combines electrification, automation, machine learning and data analysis to enhance farmers’ existing operations. It also helps to increase labour productivity and safety, maximise yields to cut overhead costs and reduce emissions. The company has already secured several hundred working farms as preliminary customers.
This forward-thinking tractor features an electric drivetrain that’s capable of providing 40-horsepower (30kW) of continuous power. The 55kW peak power motor can deliver up to 70 horsepower to offer twice the torque of a similarly diesel-powered tractor.
The zero-emissions Monarch can be driven like a regular tractor but can also operate completely autonomously. It can be used as a standalone or work as part of a fleet of tractors to get the job done. The Monarch Tractor can also be used as an all-terrain farm vehicle, as well as an electrical generator for tasks out in the field such as vehicle repairs and welding.
This tractor is packed with safety features including roll and collision prevention. It also features vision-based power take-off safety and 360-degree cameras to keep operations running smoothly and employees safe whether it’s day or night.
The Monarch Tractor has a starting price of $50,000 (£37,669/ €41,373) and can be reserved now. Production models are expected to be delivered in the autumn of 2021.
Praveen Penmetsa, co-founder and CEO, Monarch Tractor, said: “Monarch Tractor is ushering in the digital transformation of farming with unprecedented intelligence, technology and safety features. We have assembled a world-class team of farmers, engineers and scientists to meet today’s farming demands.
“We are empowering farmers by giving them intelligent tools to collect more predictive data to implement sustainable practices, better share their story and make more money. Hundreds of farmers have signed on to receive a Monarch Tractor and we look forward to delivering a new level of sustainability and efficiency to their existing farm operations.”
Aly Wente, director of marketing at Wente Vineyards, said: “Adopting sustainable farming practices is core to our family and company values. We are pleased to partner with Monarch Tractor to further reduce our carbon footprint in 2021 by adding two new Monarch Tractors to our vineyard operations. We look forward to learning how Monarch can continue to help us create a more sustainable future, while also providing an efficient and safe environment for our teams.”
Carlo Mondavi, chief farming officer, Monarch Tractor, said: “As a fourth-generation farmer, I’ve seen first-hand the hazards that farming presents not just to workers, but to the environment as well. Monarch Tractor is moving farming toward a safer and sustainable future by eliminating harmful emissions, reducing the need for herbicides and keeping workers out of harm’s way with its driver-optional capabilities.”
