The all-electric agria 9700e remote-control tool carrier is essentially a 48 V DC lithium-ion battery pack, mounted on caterpillar-style tracks which can work on slopes to 50deg.
The PTO drive (540 rpm to 1,000 rpm) is both variable and bi-directional giving operators full scope to maximise efficiency and work in tight spaces.
It has two hydraulic spool valves and lifting capacity of 350 kg, together with a Cat1 hook.
The tool carrier is powered by a 24.8 kWh lithium-ion battery with protective extra-low voltage and uses stepless and brushless electric drive.
Andy Kerr, lead demonstrator for both Agria and Wiedenmann UK, says: “You can put implements on the front or the back. With a flail mower attachment like a Muthing flail, unkempt areas can be tamed; unsightly vegetation can be shredded into fragments for faster decomposition.”
The unit can be used to attach rotary decks, blowers, rakes, seeders, spiker tools, snow ploughs, gritters and winch mechanisms for use across the calendar.
“In Germany, I’ve seen it with a pressure washer on the front and a trailer that pulls a 100 litre IBC storage tank on the back,” he adds
The 9700e is operated via a remote-control pad with joystick and 7cm colour display, allowing the operator to stand up to 100 metres away.
Tilt and vibration sensors are built into the remote-control pad in case the operator accidentally trips or falls. When these sensors are triggered, the machine shuts down completely.
Each full charge of the lithium-ion battery gives up to eight hours of machine time. An optional fast charger is available that charges the battery from 15% to 100% in just one hour.
Electric drive means quiet operation for sites such as outside schools and residential areas. It also meets the needs of estate managers, facility managers and environmentalists, working in protected areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest or with important habitat considerations for conservation, flora and woodland.
