iTarra introduces multifunctional robot tractor

iTarra is a fully autonomous and electrically driven crawler tractor, suitable for various applications, including in agriculture. The prototype is equipped with a diesel generator, which supplies a maximum of 110 kW of electrical power for powering implements.

Hydrostatic drive

The 2 rubber tracks are driven by a hydrostatic drive, with a maximum towing capacity of 12 tons. The next version, however, will have a stronger diesel generator from Caterpillar, with a capacity of around 250 kW with electric drive for the crawler chassis.

Autonomous navigation system

The autonomous navigation system has been developed together with TopCon, and works with GPS and camera systems, among other things. According to the maker, the vehicle is thus able to steer accurately with up to 20 millimeter accuracy, both on the farm yard and in the field.

iTarra can also be controlled via remote control. The machine is compact and lightweight – the 4.5-tonne vehicle rests on 2 rubber tracks with a total contact area of ​​almost 2 square meters.

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With iTarra, David Doran wants to offer a ready-made platform for all implement manufacturers who want to offer their customers an autonomous concept. – Photo: Mark Pasveer

The prototype was developed with the Irish feed mixer manufacturer Keenan. The latter has converted its standard feed mixer in order to combine it with the iTarra robot tractor, with an electric drive for the mixing paddle system in stead of a PTO drive and electric servomotors for operation instead of hydraulic cylinders.

Quick coupling system on the drawbar

The standard towbar has also been replaced by a quick coupling system on the drawbar, which works with powerful electromagnets in a catch jaw, so that iTarra can mount completely independently. Only the plugs for the electric drive and control still have to be connected manually, although the maker thinks he can also automate this in the long term.

iTarra was developed by the Irish inventor David Doran, it is built by the Acres company in the Irish town of Acres House.

Ready-made platform for autonomous concept

With iTarra, David Doran wants to offer a ready-made platform for all implement manufacturers who want to offer their customers an autonomous concept. A standard equipped robot with front linkage costs around 150,000 euros.

Doran hopes to soon collaborate with other manufacturers, in particular those who make soil tillage machines, seeders and planting machines.