Agrifac introduces a new drive platform for the current generation of its self-propelled sprayers. This allows the same machine to be supplied in a diesel-electric, hybrid or fully electric configuration.
In every case the basis is the same fully electric drivetrain. What differs is the way the electrical energy is generated and stored. In the diesel-electric configuration, a six-cylinder diesel engine continuously supplies power for the drive via a generator. In the hybrid configuration, the machine runs on a battery pack and a more compact four-cylinder diesel engine acts as a range extender: it recharges the battery when needed, so that operational availability is not limited by battery capacity. The fully electric configuration runs solely on an externally charged battery pack.
Which configuration is the best fit depends on the application and the available infrastructure. The design also leaves room to adopt other energy sources in the future, as soon as these become technically and economically suitable for agricultural machinery.
More power at the wheels
An electric drivetrain is more efficient. Whereas with a conventional drive, a large proportion of the engine power is lost before it reaches the wheels, the efficiency of the electric drivetrain is above 95 per cent. As a result, more power remains available for the drive. The hybrid model can deliver 301 hp continuously, with a peak of up to 447 hp for short periods. For the diesel-electric and fully electric configurations, the power output has not yet been finalized, but in all cases it will be at least equal to that of the conventional machine. Thanks to the high efficiency a considerably larger share of it reaches the wheels.
With the new drive platform, Agrifac responds to changing market demands, stricter emissions regulations and the rapid development of battery and energy technology. The focus is not on one specific energy source, but on an electric drive that can be supplied with energy in various ways.
The diesel-electric configuration is expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 35%. With the hybrid configuration, the saving rises to approximately 50%. In both cases the sprayer remains fully operational. External charging is possible with the hybrid configuration, but not necessary.
The fully electric configuration makes locally emission-free working possible. This variant is particularly of interest for applications where sufficient charging capacity is available and daily operations fall within the battery capacity.
Smooth and comfortable operation
In addition to lower fuel consumption and lower emissions, the electric drivetrain also offers benefits for the operator. The direct and even power delivery ensures smoother machine movements and thereby improves driving and operating comfort. Because the energy supply can be chosen independently of the electric drive, Agrifac can tailor the concept to a wide range of applications,
markets and customer needs.
“The transition to a more sustainable drive does not follow the same path in every market or for every customer. With this platform we are developing a single electric basis onto which different energy supplies can be applied. This means the customer can choose a solution that suits their operations, without us
losing sight of the machine’s operational availability,” says Friso Berkhout, Systems Innovation Engineer at Agrifac.
The drive platform will be further developed, tested and validated over the coming period. Based on the current development schedule, Agrifac aims to deliver a first machine featuring this drive concept in 2027. The exact configuration and the timing of the market launch depend on the results of further
field testing and on the needs of customers and markets.
