Are electric tractors good?

Question

is anything on this page true?

http://renewables.com/Permaculture/ElectricTractor.htm

Answer 1

they could be good at certain things like not haveing to put fuel in them but they leave allot to compromise it seems

You'll never get an electric tractor to do the same work as an ICE internal combustion engine tractor because the bigger the tractor the bigger the motor the more batteries

all this equals less work the vehicle can do

That site doesn't mention any of its cons

such as batteries can and do explode they release hydrogen gas.

I wouldn't use that tractor

Answer 2

Sure it's true.  Why so doubtful?

The electric tractor has a lot to recommend it, but it's for niche markets, with the following exception:

GE - and later Wheel Horse when they bought the rights and tooling - had quite a reputation with their electric tractors, building sturdy machines that did yeoman work on even large yards and gardens.  The larger machines could be outfitted with front end loaders and tillers; they were very versatile and powerful, but otherwise resembled your typical heavy-duty yard tractor.  Since then there hasn't been much call for or supply of electric tractors in the general market (Electric Ox is about the only consistent builder), but there have been many conversions in the private sector.  Mostly they are done by enthusiasts, so their reviews of their own handiwork cannot be taken as objective, but many of their arguments are still worth a look.  For up to (just a guess) two acres of yard, an electic tractor can do the job every bit as effectively as any gas-powered mower, and set aside a lot of the expense and maintenance that a gas machine would demand.

Now, as regards agriculture, the electric won't bring the all-day stamina that a diesel engine will.  When your batteries are flat, you have to stop and recharge, or else keep an expensive spare set of batteries for quick replacement.  No alternative there.  With a diesel, you refuel and go on.

For the smaller farm or someone with a large vegetable patch, the electric can do just about anything a typical Cat. 1 tractor could do, and quietly, assuming the battery pack has the stored power to do the job.  If you've got a solar panel then recharging it between uses could mean simply leaving the tractor in the sun until it's time to go again.

In a car, heavy batteries are a liability.  In a tractor, not so much.  Usually more weight = more traction, and lots of IC tractors have mounting points for extra weights.  It'd be pretty cool to have extra weights that also meant extra power.

Your question is kind of broad.  Is there a more specific question you have regarding electric tractors?