Monarch tractors, based in the US, is a name not widely known here in Ireland, but has recently unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first fully electric autonomous tractor that is driver optional.

Delving right into the current specs that most can relate to, the tractor is capable of providing 40hp (30kW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70hp (55kW).

Range, according to Monarch, is 10-plus hours, while charging takes between four and five hours.

Rear lift capacity is 997kg, while hydraulic capacity is 45.4l/min.

Reported to have zero tailpipe emissions, the Monarch tractor is said to serve as a three-in-one tool, operating not only as a tractor but as an ATV too, while also having the capabilities of a generator out in the field.

The tractor can be worked with or without a driver, where it can be pre-programmed to carry out tasks using the latest autonomous technology.

Interestingly, the tractor is fitted not only with a roll and collision prevention system, but a vision-based PTO too.

The 360° cameras constantly monitor operations to ensure they are running smoothly both day and night.

As well as being able to analyse over 240GB of crop data daily, the tractor can be used with existing farm implements, as well as next-generation smart implements, according to the manufacturer.

Utilising machine learning, Monarch says its tractor is able to digest all field data and provide long-term analysis of field health, improving accuracy the longer it runs.

This data collected is stored in a Monarch cloud facility.

Users will be connected via smartphone or similar devices to receive tractor alerts and weather updates, as well as detailed operation reports, data collection and analysis information.

Monarch has recently received 2020 Tractor of the Year in the AgTech Breakthrough Awards, as well as being named one of the World Ag Expo’s top 10 best new products.

The California-based company says that the tractor will have a starting price of $50,000 (€40,750), with shipping expected to begin in autumn 2021.