E-Tractor Designed For Market Gardeners

E-Tractor Designed For Market Gardeners The Super E from Tilmor is a perfect fit for market gardeners and even large-garden hobbyists. Like the Tilmor 520 diesel introduced in 2019, the Super E is modeled after the classic Allis-Chalmers G. It provides the operator with full visibility while planting, side-dressing, hilling and cultivating. “The Super E can handle anything after tillage,” says Lydell Steiner of Tilmor. “It fits the company goal we set to focus on commercial vegetable market gardeners.” Tilmor is the latest iteration of the family-owned company that celebrated its 50th anniversary this past year. Over the years, the company’s products have included Steiner tractors, Ventrac tractors and now the Super E. Along the way, the company also introduced non-tractor products. Many, such as the novel dual-fan snow blower (Vol. 2, No. 6) and the tumble-action feed mixer (Vol. 5, No. 3), were highlighted in FARM SHOW over its past 50 years. The Super E may target the same market as the 520, but it offers a significantly lower price. Its simple design and many components that have long since proven their durability also make it stand out. “The Super E comes in at $19,500, compared to $36,000 for the 520,” says Steiner. “The diesel engine, mechanical gearbox, and transmission make the 520 expensive to build.” Steiner notes that his uncle, Roy Steiner, was heavily involved in the process, as he was in projects throughout the past 50 years. “It was the last project Roy had his thumbprint on before retiring at the age of 80,” he says. The company didn’t set out to build an electric tractor, explains Steiner. “We wanted to refine our cultivation tractor to be more bare-bones, simple and lower-cost,” he says. “We started working on it three years ago and introduced it this past October.” The design uses proven components, many of which come from the golf cart industry. One new feature of the Super E is the frame. It’s completely different from the 520 diesel, notes Steiner. The Super E has a higher platform and fixed wheel spacing. It also doesn’t have a toolbar on the belly or the back, nor does it have a 3-pt. on the back. “If the goal is post-tillage, it doesn’t need those things,” says Steiner. “The 520 has adjustable wheel spacing, but when you add that, you add cost. Besides, our research suggested that about 80% of our target customers fit the Super E tire spacing.” What the Super E does have is 48-volt, 50Ah batteries, with space for up to four. Battery storage is designed for easy swapping to extend run time. Estimated run time per battery is 1 to 2 hrs., depending on the tool and operating conditions. The batteries come with a 10-year warranty. “With four batteries, you get 4 to 5 hrs. of steady work,” says Steiner. “That’s what most of our customers are looking for. You can always add batteries to swap out for an even longer day. Our quick-plug connectors make that easy and fast.” The tractor has a maximum ground speed of 4.5 mph and a maximum transit speed of 8.4 mph. The Super E features 22 in. of ground clearance and 50 in. of space between the tires, measured inside-to-inside. The frame offers 48 in. of underbelly tool space and a 2-in. receiver tube at the front. Steiner notes that the Super E has a tight turning radius and is easy to maneuver and operate. “Our core customers are operating from one to 50 acres,” says Steiner. “Many of them are using an Allis-Chalmers G or a Cub and are looking to replace it. With the 520 diesel and the Super E, we have two great options.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tilmor, 295 Kurzen Rd. N., Dalton, Ohio 44618 (ph 330-985-0002 or toll-free 844-255-5864; info@tilmor.com; www.tilmor.com).

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