Introduction
The Traktorarvid Drever 120 represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology, offering an innovative autonomous and all-electric solution for modern farming. Developed by Traktorarvid AB, this agricultural machine is designed to perform heavy field work efficiently while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs. Its core benefits revolve around reducing soil compaction, enhancing farm energy independence, and freeing up farmer's time through automated operations.
Targeting progressive farmers who seek to optimize their operations with sustainable and precision agriculture methods, the Drever 120 is suitable for a range of tasks from soil cultivation to general field work. Its unique selling proposition lies in its lightweight, autonomous, and electric design coupled with a swappable battery system. This combination not only addresses critical challenges like soil health and fossil fuel reliance but also introduces a new level of operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness in agricultural practices.
The Drever 120 is built to be an effective drawer, capable of handling simpler soil cultivation tasks such as harrowing and cultivating, and is considered equivalent to a 120-horsepower conventional tractor in terms of capacity, with the added benefit of prolonged autonomous operation.
Key Features
The Traktorarvid Drever 120 integrates several cutting-edge features designed to revolutionize field operations:
- Autonomous Operation: The machine is equipped with an in-house developed navigation system that utilizes two RTK antennas for high-precision guidance. Controlled via a web portal and a dedicated mobile app, it executes tasks autonomously, allowing farmers to monitor progress and receive notifications remotely, thereby enhancing flexibility during peak seasons.
- Electric Drivetrain with Swappable Batteries: At the heart of the Drever 120 is its fully electric propulsion system, which contributes to zero direct emissions and supports the use of farm-generated renewable energy. It features two 250 kWh batteries, one of which powers the machine for 5-12 hours depending on work intensity, while the other charges. These batteries can be easily swapped in the field using a loader, minimizing downtime. When not in use, the batteries can also store solar energy or act as backup power for the farm, offering dual utility.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing around 6000 kg including its battery, the Drever 120 is significantly lighter than large conventional tractors, which can weigh up to three times more. This reduced weight dramatically lessens soil compaction, preserving soil structure, improving fertility, and allowing earlier access to fields in spring.
- Articulated Chassis and All-Wheel Electric Drive: The machine boasts an articulated chassis for superior maneuverability. Power is delivered through four independent 50 kW electric wheel motors, providing up to 4,000 Nm of torque at each wheel. This allows for precise control over wheel speeds, enhancing traction in challenging conditions and incorporating failsafe hydraulic steering to prevent excessive slippage.
- Advanced Safety and Monitoring: Safety is paramount, with the Drever 120 featuring Lidar sensors, a 360-degree camera system, and mechanical bumpers. These systems enable automatic obstacle detection; the machine slows down upon detection and stops completely if an object remains in its path, ensuring safe operation in the field.
- Designed for Heavy Trailed Implements: While a front PTO is a future possibility, the Drever 120 is specifically designed for pulling heavy trailed implements. It features a rear lift with a capacity of 3000 kg, controlled by electric actuators, and provides electric connectors for powering rear implements, making it suitable for a range of demanding tasks.
- Easy Field-to-Field Transport: A practical solution for moving between plots, the Drever 120 can be towed as a non-braked trailer by a conventional tractor. Its steering is designed to disengage during transport, allowing it to behave like an articulated trailer, which negates the need for specialized transport vehicles or trailers.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Class (Electric Equivalent) | 120 hp |
| Weight (including battery) | Approximately 6000 kg |
| Battery Capacity | 2 x 250 kWh |
| Operating Time (per battery) | 5-12 hours (5 hours at max load) |
| Charging Time (20-80%) | 5 hours (on 63A, 400V three-phase) |
| In-field Speed (Max) | 12 km/h |
| Road Speed (Towed) | Up to 45 km/h |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm |
| Width | 2350 mm |
| Tires | VF520/60 R28 |
| Rear Lift Capacity | 3000 kg |
| Hydraulic Flow | 40 liters/min to 4 electronic valves |
| Wheel Motors | 4 x 50 kW |
| Torque (at each wheel) | Up to 4000 Nm |
| Transmission Efficiency (at 10kph) | 94% |
| Navigation System | In-house developed, web portal controlled, 2 RTK antennas |
| Safety Sensors | Lidar, 360-degree cameras, mechanical bumpers |
Use Cases & Applications
The Traktorarvid Drever 120 is primarily designed for continuous heavy field work with trailed implements, making it an ideal solution for a variety of demanding agricultural tasks. Its capabilities are particularly beneficial in scenarios where precision, efficiency, and minimized soil impact are crucial.
- Soil Preparation: The Drever 120 excels at various soil cultivation activities, including harrowing and cultivating. Its steady and precise autonomous operation ensures uniform treatment across the field, which is vital for optimal seedbed preparation.
- Reduced Soil Compaction Areas: For farms prioritizing soil health and long-term fertility, the Drever 120's significantly lighter weight compared to conventional tractors makes it a superior choice. It allows farmers to access fields earlier in the season without causing detrimental compaction, thus extending the operational window.
- Monotonous and Time-Consuming Tasks: The autonomous nature of the Drever 120 is particularly advantageous for repetitive and monotonous field operations, such as long stretches of cultivation or spraying. This frees up the farmer's time to focus on other critical management activities.
- Sustainable Farming Practices: By offering an all-electric, zero-emission solution, the Drever 120 supports environmentally conscious farming. Its ability to utilize farm-generated electricity and serve as an energy storage unit further integrates it into a sustainable farm ecosystem.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Significantly reduced soil compaction | Currently in prototype/pre-series phase |
| Lower operational costs (fuel & labor) | Reliance on external charging infrastructure |
| Zero direct emissions, environmental benefits | Battery weight (one battery around 2 tons) |
| Increased operational window due to autonomy | Limited to trailed implements (no front PTO yet) |
| On-farm energy storage capabilities with swappable batteries | Potential for significant initial investment (though not specified) |
| Autonomous operation frees farmer's time | Requires field mapping and programming for autonomous tasks |
| Precise navigation and optimal path planning | Production not expected until 2027 |
| Easy transport between fields by towing |
Benefits for Farmers
The Traktorarvid Drever 120 offers a compelling suite of benefits for modern agricultural operations, primarily focusing on economic returns, efficiency gains, and environmental sustainability.
From an ROI and economics perspective, the Drever 120 is designed to deliver substantial cost savings. Calculations suggest a 20-30 percent lower total cost compared to large conventional tractors on an 800-hectare grain farm. This reduction stems primarily from eliminating diesel fuel costs and significantly decreasing labor expenses due to autonomous operation. The swappable battery system also allows for potential income generation or savings by using the batteries for on-farm energy storage, enabling farmers to utilize their own renewable energy sources or provide grid balancing services when the tractor is not in the field.
Time savings and efficiency are core advantages. The autonomous capabilities of the Drever 120 mean it can operate for extended periods (6-12 hours per battery charge) without a driver, freeing up farmers for other crucial management tasks during intense work periods. Its ability to go out into fields earlier in the spring due to its lighter weight extends the working window, optimizing timeliness for critical operations. The precision of its in-house navigation system ensures efficient path planning and execution, maximizing field coverage and reducing overlaps.
In terms of sustainability and environmental aspects, the Drever 120 sets a new standard. As an all-electric machine, it produces zero direct emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment and reducing the carbon footprint of farming operations. Critically, its lightweight design drastically minimizes soil compaction, which is a major concern in modern agriculture. Reduced compaction improves soil structure, enhances water infiltration and root development, and ultimately leads to increased crop yields and long-term soil fertility. This focus on soil health is a significant environmental benefit, ensuring more sustainable land use for future generations.
