Tractors gain 50% efficiency with new hydraulic tech
Farm tractors are getting a game-changing upgrade, thanks to a collaboration between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Purdue University. Together, they’ve developed a new hydraulic system that boosts tractor efficiency by 50% while saving 10% on fuel.
The multipressure hydraulic system designed by Purdue University supplies three pressure levels tailored to various tractor components. NREL contributed a cutting-edge onboard controller equipped with machine learning to optimize energy use. This allows tractors to achieve maximum hydraulic efficiency while minimizing losses.
“Given the amount of fuel that a typical tractor consumes, this is a massive improvement,” said Andrea Vacca, director of Purdue’s Maha Fluid Power Research Center.
This system reduces environmental impact significantly, offering a practical solution for the agriculture sector, which accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Enhanced tractor efficiency ensures productivity remains high while contributing to sustainability goals.