Monarch electric tractor: A mixed bag of innovation and teething troubles

The Monarch tractor was not just a random choice for Mike’s farming needs; it was a deliberate decision driven by his quest for a versatile and eco-friendly solution to enhance the profitability and sustainability of Forest Lodge Orchard. Mike’s commitment to this cause led him to travel to California, where he personally convinced the manufacturer that he was the ideal candidate to pilot the first unit shipped outside of California.

A versatile electric tractor, the solution Mike was looking for

What attracted Mike most to the Monarch was its blend of traditional tractor functionalities—such as a conventional rear hitch with a hydraulic clutch, 3 points hitch, hook, and PTO—and modern enhancements including an ergonomic touch screen at the front and cameras for enhanced operational safety and data collection on orchard conditions. This combination of classic utility and innovative technology made the Monarch an irresistible choice for advancing his agricultural operations.

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Navigating the initial challenges, the 6 first months

The Monarch tractor comes with a three-phase charger, capable of fully recharging its battery from empty in approximately 5 hours. Mike tries to charge it during cheaper off-peak electricity rates. Mike told us that each battery lasts between 8 and 10 hours, depending on the terrain and the nature of the work being performed. During our visit, Mike showcased the ease of operating the tractor and charging it, which is designed to be user-friendly, allowing operators to manage its functions efficiently without extensive training.

The Monarch tractor that Mike operates is among the first 66 units produced by the manufacturer. As an early iteration, the tractor experienced several significant issues, such as noisy hydraulic with problem with pipes and valves, and a PTO spacer break that led to overheating problems. Aware of the potential problems associated with prototype technologies, Mike remained patient and collaborative, mentioning that the issues encountered were not due to the tractor’s electric nature, but from mechanical robustness.

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Challenges with after-sales service and support

As a key partner in the deployment of the first machine outside California and a showcase for their electric tractor, Monarch actively engaged with Mike, providing extensive on-site support, testing, and training. A crucial repair patch was implemented, including the installation of a hydraulic buffer tank, which significantly alleviated the initial problems. 9 months and 350h later, Mike believes the tractor now delivers the quiet, efficient performance he envisioned. However, perfection is a journey, and Mike stays in continuous communication with Monarch via a dedicated Slack channel, contributing to ongoing improvements of the tractor through regular automatic updates.

While Monarch tractors represent a significant advancement in agricultural technology, the experience with their after-sales service has not always met customer expectations. A notable example comes from one of the largest operators of Monarch tractors, a company that faced significant challenges due to initial service shortcomings. After the tractors were delivered, support from Monarch was perceived as inadequate, leading to operational difficulties.

This situation necessitated a concerted effort to restore confidence among the operators, who needed to fulfill expected operational. This season, proactive efforts by the company have led to crucial software updates and the recall of several units for part replacements. Additionally, regular operator training sessions have been established to rectify previous misuse caused by insufficient initial guidance. These experiences highlight the importance of robust, ongoing support and training from manufacturers to ensure that innovative technologies achieve their full potential in real-world applications.

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Maximizing profitability: The power of energy savings and automation

Mike emphasizes that the profitability of this machine lies in its ability to significantly reduce fossil fuel costs, which are very high in New Zealand. Thanks to its electrical system and its own power generation, Mike estimates that an hour’s use of the tractor costs him just NZ$2, compared with around NZ$55 for a conventional tractor (NZ$20 for running costs and around NZ$35 for the driver’s salary). For every hour he uses the Monarch Tractor, Mike saves around $53NZ ($18NZ on energy and potentially $35NZ on labor once the tractor is autonomous). Over 500 hours of annual use, Mike expects to save up to NZ$26,500 in energy and labor costs, what could pay back the machine in 5 years.

This year, Mike, his team, and Monarch started work on the tractor’s autonomy, but they didn’t have time to finish preparing the automation before harvest. Given the potential savings, it’s understandable that Mike would like to implement autonomous mode as early as next year. He’s confident that the tasks performed by the Monarch this year will be carried out autonomously next year, including mowing, mulching and canopy treatment, tasks that he believes require no significant human intervention. His aim is not to reduce staff numbers, but to enable his teams to devote more time to agronomic analysis.

Another crucial point for profitability is tractor energy storage. With batteries of over 100 kW, Mike envisages using the tractor as a portable battery when not in operation. By storing energy on the tractor for later use to power other machines, Mike could reduce his energy costs when his own production falls short of his needs or sell this energy on the grid when prices are higher. Of the 8,000 hours a year the machine sits in the shed unused, Mike considers it a waste, knowing what he could do with over 100 kW of energy.

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Future vision for the Monarch tractor

Looking forward, Mike has ambitious plans to further leverage the capabilities of his Monarch tractor to enhance operational efficiency and data acquisition at Forest Lodge Orchard. One key upgrade involves installing cameras on the tractor to create a “street view” of the orchards. This innovative approach will allow for detailed tracking and monitoring of the orchard environment, providing valuable insights that can lead to more informed management decisions.

Additionally, Mike plans to utilize the tractor as a mobile energy storage unit, which could serve as a significant asset for managing energy supply and costs effectively. Another critical focus for the near future is the rapid implementation of the tractor’s full autonomous functions. By advancing these technologies, Mike aims to maximize the tractor’s utility and efficiency, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds the modern demands of precision agriculture.