Innovative electric compact tractor heads to trade show

At the largest green/grey trade fair in the Netherlands, the innovation of the electric compact tractor should of course not be missing. Therefore, Knegt Quality Tractors Europe will be at the trade fair AgroTechniek Holland for the third time. An event that takes place simultaneously with the adjacent event GroenTechniek Holland. In a short time, the demand for Knegt's electric compact tractors took off. On the one hand, the popularity is explained by the unique price of this green tractor. On the other hand, it meets the increasing demand for sustainable machines that are low-noise, low-vibration and do not emit harmful gases. 

Knegt produces two electric models: tractors with 45hp or 55hp. A 65hp version is in the works. There is also a choice of cab and/or front loader. Add to that a wide range of implements and accessories, and there is an electric tractor for every job. The option of an additional battery pack extends working time by up to nine hours. A whole day's work is therefore no problem at all.

Hans Heijmans, director and co-owner of Knegt Quality Tractors: "Actually, you can't find an electric tractor for this price anywhere in the world. Our price level is at or even below the level of comparable diesel tractors from other brands. This is because the major tractor manufacturers focus primarily on the heavier tractors with 100hp and above or have not yet reached this point with their technology. We want to scale up to a threefold increase in the next few years, both in total numbers and share of electric tractors."

"The visitors to these two trade shows are from exactly those target groups for whom we see that the electric compact tractor is an excellent fit for their needs and daily practice. The quiet operation makes the vehicle extremely suitable for work in residential areas or other noise-sensitive environments. This has been part of the reason that, for example, garden and landscape architect VIC Landscapes works with our electric tractor."

But the horticultural sector is also responding enthusiastically. On the one hand because they like to protect crops from air pollutants, and on the other because of regulations. After all, due to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no personnel are allowed to be present in greenhouses at the times when a diesel tractor is being used. "In many greenhouses, for example, the soil has to be milled daily. By working with an electrically powered tractor, this kind of work does not have to be carried out outside working hours, because employees are allowed to be present in the greenhouse."

More and more amusement and vacation parks have sustainability high on the agenda. They also want to disturb their guests as little as possible with noise or odor nuisance. This is why the Efteling already has two electric tractors from Knegt in use. At their request, there is even a personalized watering arm attached to these tractors so that all trees and plants can be watered from high to low.

"The quietness and absence of unhealthy air is also exactly why we see an increasing demand from sports facilities and firms that lay artificial turf or perform maintenance. Or that horse riding schools are increasingly reporting to us. Several riding stables have already informed us that their horses are coughing less in the trough since they have been using the electric tractor."

Various subsidies and tax benefits can be claimed. "If people want to know more about this, or have other questions, be sure to stop by our booth. We will bring our two electric models, as well as the diesel variant," concludes Heijmans, who is looking forward to the event in Biddinghuizen. The booth number is 2.15, field A.