Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion has three hybrid tractors and a hybrid combine on its Agritechnica stand.
The most powerful of the three tractors is the DV3504, the 350hp engine driving a generator that powers an electric drivetrain. The on-board battery provides an electric power boost up to a maximum of 300hp.
The battery is recharged when the full power of the engine is not needed. Zoomlion says that the system (similar technology also used on the other two tractors on the 235hp DQ2604 and 160hp DL1604 on the stand) results in a more constant power curve.
Zoomlion is also testing two more powerful models in China – the DV3804 (380hp) and DV4004 (400hp). The electric transaxle in the latter boosts the maximum power to 680hp.
The same diesel-electric technology is also used on the prototype hybrid H7-600E combine (9.2m header). When the going gets tough, it increases the power of the 480hp diesel engine up to a maximum of 600hp.
The combine differs in that electricity from the 11kWh battery powers a number of electric motors. Replacing traditional belt and chain drives, there is one for the header, the feeder house, threshing drum and fan, and one each for the front and rear axles. The concept reduces the number of mechanical linkages by 70% for a claimed 30% energy saving and lower maintenance costs.
The combine is off to North America after the show for tests and the plan is to have a model in European fields next year. The three tractors will remain in Europe and could be homologated and on sale in France and Germany at the end of 2026/early 2027.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save 47%.
