Bonjour à tous
The multinational company Valtra, which markets agricultural tractors in 75 countries, celebrates its 60th anniversary. On this occasion, it has just presented its concept of the tractor of tomorrow. Denis Arcand presented it to us on February 4, 2011 in his article from monvolant.cyberpresse.ca at
http://monvolant.cyberpresse.ca/dossier ... =retention
Thanks to Alain Labonté for sending me the information.
It is an electric wheel-drive hybrid tractor that will be equipped with a combustion engine powered by biogas produced on the farm, or diesel / biodiesel. Traction / propulsion is fully electric and the internal combustion engine powers a generator that recharges the batteries or powers wheel motors while the tractor is at work.
The use of wheel motors makes the tractor particularly flexible. It can vary its height, and the spacing of its wheels, and even operate on sloping ground, since the height of each of the wheels can be adjusted independently.
The modular concept is very versatile. You can attach a variety of accessories to it, and there is even a robotic unit (by GPS) that can operate independently or be connected to the main tractor so as to increase the power available for large jobs. See the site: http://www.valtra60.com/fr/#ANTS
And don't forget to watch the video, which can also be found on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOFNjKUbOgg
Sincerely
Pierre Langlois, Ph.D.
ps: it's not just a virtual concept, there is a very tangible version (at least for salons) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frh_YNntDN0