After grabbing attention at last year’s Agritechnica, Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion has entered Tractor of the Year with its DV3504 hybrid tractor. The company states that the combination of diesel engines and electric power offers a longer working life of the battery, while retaining the environmental benefits of electric.
The Yuchai six-cylinder engine is linked to a generator, which feeds into the power battery and the independent motors for the transmission and pto. The dual motor set-up is said to increase the peak power (400hp, 1,855Nm) as well as maintain pto and travel speed without one affecting the other.
It also allows the engine to work at a lower speed range, reducing fuel consumption while the 11.5kWh battery fills in any power gaps when under peak load. It is also recharged through the regenerative braking system.
The transmission has three modes: automatic, where the ratios are adjusted based on speed and load; manual for one-touch shifting; and coupling traction, where the pto adds torque when under peak load.
The tractor has an in-house-designed suspended axle, with a load of 11,000kg and a self-adjusting hydraulic system, supplying five electro-hydraulic distributors at the rear with up to 227 litres/min. The rear hitch can lift 9,444kg.
This model is also entered into the Toty Sustainable category.