Steyr's hybrid tractor to debut at November's Agritechnica
The Steyr Hybrid CVT tractor has been awarded the Silver Medal in the Agritechnica Innovation Awards. Picture: Steyr
The Steyr Hybrid CVT tractor, making its debut at Agritechnica 2023 in November, has been awarded the Silver Medal in the Agritechnica Innovation Awards.
This fully-operational tractor, close to production-ready, incorporates many features seen on the Austrian company's Konzept and Hybrid Drivetrain Konzept prototypes. The design allows for higher power in a lighter package, 41% faster maneuvering at low engine speeds, and a 15% reduction in fuel use.
Electric tractors are seen as essential for sustainable farming into the future. The Steyr Hybrid CVT uses electric drive systems to power a lightweight, high-horsepower tractor. The diesel engine, a generator, and several electric motors enable new and improved tractor functions.
A more comfortable ride, additional flexibility and options, and unparalleled performance in the fields and on the roads are claimed by Steyr. The company says the driver will experience a 25% faster return to the top travel speed, compared to a conventional transmission.
The tractor is also much more efficient at retaining as much as possible of its maximum travel speed, when driving uphill. This mainly comes from super capacitor technology, which boosts the tractor’s power when there is greater demand. The same is true with field implements, with a boost to cover peak draught load.
Compared to a conventional tractor with the same wheelbase and tyres, the turning radius is cut by around 1.5 metres, especially beneficial during headland turns.
Differential front and rear torque vectoring directs torque to the front or rear as required, enabling both axles to work at their optimum (variable, on-demand four-wheel-drive). This minimises the usual front axle slippage seen with a conventional tractor working with a soil-engaging implement.
It reduces fuel consumption and soil damage. A lower centre of gravity improves stability.
Transferring electrical power to implement wheels can help the tractor-implement combination to gain additional traction, potentially allowing a bigger implement to be used.
A brake retarder enables the tractor to maintain a constant speed when travelling downhill. It can significantly reduce the need for braking, even with a heavy load on a trailer. Benefits include reduced brake wear and enhanced safety. Furthermore, the brake retarder is used to recharge the super capacitors.
Mechanical transmission and hydraulic components in the powertrain are not needed, so the Steyr Hybrid CVT has fewer moving parts, optimum energy flow, and less loss of power and energy.
Tractor hydraulics and PTO are electrically driven, with the latter allowing variable engine speeds, as well as reversing. The tractor has connections of 700 volts and 48 volts available for electrical implements.
In purely electric mode, the tractor enables zero-emissions driving, an ideal fit for environmentally sensitive areas. Lower noise adds to driver comfort, along with sprung independent wheel suspension.
Announcing the Steyr Hybrid CVT's silver medal for innovation, judges at Agritechnica said the prototype is based on the Austrian company's six-cylinder entry-level class (the Steyr 6175 Impuls CVT), with an output of 132 kW (180 hp) and a wheelbase of 2.79 metres.
The stepless hydrostatic-mechanical gearbox is retained, but the diesel engine outputs 191 kW (260 hp) and is fitted in a completely new front end, with sprung independent wheel suspension, and two integrated electric motors.
A generator driven by the diesel engine transmits electrical power of up to 75 kW (102 hp). Or the front axle can still be driven mechanically, using a classic multi-plate clutch.
Judges were impressed by features such as the electric steering and the electric boost function for quick acceleration during transport. An E-Eco mode permits diesel-electric driving at low engine speeds.
The Hybrid CVT tractor’s diesel-electric drive joins the recently launched all-electric 75 hp utility tractors from New Holland and Case, proving that the parent company of all three, CNH Industrial, is well-prepared for lower emissions agriculture.
Agritechnica is the world's leading exhibition for agricultural machinery and equipment which will run between November 12 and 18 in Hannover, Germany.
