AN all-electric tractor, with car-like lithium-ion battery technology, was a wee surprise for show goers at LAMMA, this week.

Electric technology and battery power was the theme for Farmtrac’s FT25G electric model which, said the company, was in response to environmental concerns in agriculture, where there is no electric-only choice.

This all-electric tractor gets its power from a 72V lithium-ion battery supplying a 15kW (20hp) electric motor, making it an ideal size for working in greenhouses, equestrian units and with some livestock farm jobs. Oil-immersed brakes, power steering and position control hydraulic linkage are also part the features on the FT25G.

Charged from a domestic socket to 100% in five hours and able to run for up to six hours. Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink Agriculture, Farmtrac’s UK distributor, commented: “The FT25G electric tractor is compact in size, but has more than enough power to be a useful, reliable and practical alternative to the small compact diesel tractor. The fact that it’s battery powered brings all the benefits you’d expect from choosing electric, such as no fossil fuel costs, with no compromise to productivity and performance.”

Reesink Agriculture is the Farmtrac brand’s new UK distributor and used LAMMA the launch Farmtrac machines in the UK.

The brand's main range is a nine-strong 22-113hp offering which has been 'world proven' according to Mr Haynes.

The most compact tractor, the FT22, is powered by a Mitsubishi engine and offers plenty of choice with turf, agricultural or industrial tyres, mechanical transmission, selectable four-wheel drive and folding ROPS, plus the options of a cab and front loader.

The FT30H has a more powerful engine and comes with an HST transmission, while the FT6075 is a 75hp utility tractor with a 12x12 speed transmission and with a 2500kg lift capacity.

Top machine in the show line-up was the 90hp FT690 model, which has a modern air-conditioned cab, complete, soundproofing and plenty of space.

Farmtrac machines are built in India by the Escorts Group, which is the third-largest manufacturer of tractors in that country, with exports going to most parts of the globe.