«Previous    Next»
Eye-Catching Solar-Powered Farmall
“Last year we bought a custom solar-powered Farmall Cub Lo-Boy tractor. It’s a big attraction on our farm where we raise Nigerian dwarf goats and miniature donkeys, and also hand craft wooden bowls in our woodworking studio. We buy and sell Cub tractors as a sideline business,” says Sam Sanderson, East Burke, Vt.
The tractor is equipped with 3 big solar panels mounted on an overhead frame. The original gas engine was replaced with a 10 hp. DC electric motor located under the seat, and six 12-volt batteries.
The tractor’s transmission, differential, gears, and brakes are original. The radiator and other engine parts were removed. “The only engine parts still on the tractor were left for structural integrity,” says Sanderson. “All controls work the same, except that with DC power there’s no need for a clutch. I turn on the ignition key and listen for the system to activate, then move the throttle lever just a fraction of an inch. I wait to hear the electric motor engage and then push the lever forward again, and away I go. The speed is governed by the throttle.
“The electric motor actually has more torque than the tractor’s original 10 hp. gas engine, and because of that the original owner who converted the tractor won several tractor pulling contests.”
The tractor came equipped with a Fast Hitch system, which Sanderson removed. “I plan to install a standard drawbar so I’ll be able to pull a wagon,” he notes.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Sam Sanderson, 2902 Vermont, Route 114, East Burke, Vt. 05832 (ph 802 626-9622; sam@vtbowls.com; www.vtbowls.com).


  Click here to download page story appeared in.



  Click here to read entire issue




To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
2021 - Volume #45, Issue #3