A content creator has transformed a six-decade-old Massey Ferguson Model 65 tractor into a fully electric vehicle . Far from a straightforward task, this conversion involved ingenious solutions to meet the mechanical and electrical challenges of fitting a modern engine into a classic frame.
No longer an old tractor! The result is one with reduced emissions and optimised performance for light agricultural tasks, marking a major step forward in the evolution of sustainable agricultural machinery.
This was the transformation process
The YouTuber, known as Liam Tronix, started the project as a personal challenge. He had never done an electric vehicle (EV) conversion before and set out to do it on a tractor, a type of vehicle rarely chosen for electric conversions due to its high power and durability requirements. This tractor, in particular, was in very dilapidated condition: the original engine was barely running and the battery was nearly dead.
To overcome these obstacles, the creator began by disassembling the diesel engine , including the exhaust system and several hydraulic pumps that were connected to the tractor’s transmission. In this process, he implemented solutions such as a battery management system (BMS) and a 3D-printed motor adapter to properly align the new electric motor with the transmission.
The creator stated that the goal of the electric tractor would be to perform towing duties for a maximum of 1-2 hours a day , recharging overnight. According to him, converting a tractor to an EV faces significant energy barriers.
There’s a reason electric tractors haven’t caught on like electric cars yet. According to a dyno test, this tractor consumes 11.7 liters of diesel per hour. Now, 11.7 liters of diesel has 125 kWh of energy. A battery that big is almost twice what you’d find in a Tesla Model 3 and that’s just to run for 1 hour.
he commented.
To handle this high power demand, the YouTuber designed a custom battery pack that allows the tractor to operate efficiently during its intended tasks.
After completing the assembly, the creator conducted tests to compare the tractor’s performance before and after the conversion. The maximum speed with the diesel engine was 24 km/h , while with the electric motor it reached 37 km/h , a significant improvement. The battery and management system proved to be effective, although the creator noted that electrical consumption increases considerably when the tractor is operating at maximum speed.
Never underestimate an antique tractor!
Although the tractor is already operational, the developer plans to make some additional improvements: adding a battery charge monitor, installing a solar roof , and developing a fast-charging system . He is also considering incorporating features such as front lights and a display that shows the charging status, with the goal of maximizing the tractor’s efficiency and functionality in the field .
As expected, the project has captured the attention of thousands of followers on social media, who applaud the YouTuber’s effort and creativity. By tackling one of the most complex technical challenges of electrical conversion, this creator has shown that with ingenuity and dedication it is possible to modernize old machinery to make it more ecological and efficient . As he himself suggests, the project could be the first of many other efforts to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural machinery.
Watch the entire transformation process below.
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Source and photos: LiamTronix
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