“R4 is an all-new concept — there is no cab,” continues Le Briquer. “It has been designed fresh from the ground up, yet it is built entirely on our in-house foundation and using our expertise in electronics, powertrains, precision tech, and more. It’s the newest member of our product family, joining our lineup alongside tractors, grape harvesters, and other machines.”
The R4 platform leverages New Holland’s existing autonomous tech stack, sharing systems like FieldOps and the same autonomy platform used across cash crop and specialty machines. This ensures scalability, flexibility, and future-proof support.
Two R4 Versions
New Holland developed two versions of the R4 concept to meet different specialty crop needs:
- •R4 Electric Power:
- Fully electric with a 40kWh battery pack o Compact design for narrow vineyards (1.0–1.5m crop spacing)
- Weighs just one tonne with a 500kg lift capacity
- Powers implements electrically for zero-emission operation
- R4 Hybrid Power:
- Designed for orchards and fruit producers
- Combines a 59hp diesel engine (compatible with vegetable oil-based fuels) and electric generator pack
- Offers extended autonomy and double-pass capability for large orchards
- Features both mechanical PTO and e-PTO for future electric implements
Both models use suspended rubber-track drive units for maximum traction and minimal compaction, and an intelligent, continuously-variable electric drivetrain that eliminates hydraulic oil, reducing maintenance and emissions.
While the R4 series is targeted at specialty crops, its technology—particularly in spraying and automation—could soon hopefully benefit grain farmers as well.