Top 5 front loader accessories to complete your compact tractor
A front loader makes your compact tractor suitable for a…
Electric versus diesel compact tractors: which is the best choice for your business?
5 Min read.
Make the best choice for your compact tractor
If you are looking for a compact tractor, it is important to choose a model that suits your specific needs and the day-to-day operations of your business.
Diesel tractors have long been valued for their reliability and power in heavy-duty tasks, while electric tractors are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and lower operating costs.
Both types have unique benefits and applications. In this blog, we compare the options so you can make a choice that best suits your situation.
Diesel tractors
Advantages of diesel compact tractors
Diesel tractors are a popular choice due to their proven performance and reliability. The benefits of diesel tractors:
- Known achievements: tractors have a long history of reliability in intensive tasks such as plowing, mowing and heavy transport jobs. The established reputation makes them a trusted choice.
- Long working hours: diesel tractors do not require recharging and can operate for hours at a time. For sites without access to electricity, this remains a major advantage.
- Easy fuel supply: diesel fuel is available worldwide, meaning you can fill up virtually anywhere. This is convenient for businesses with multiple locations, mobile operations or work in remote areas.
Disadvantages of diesel compact tractors
Although diesel models have a strong reputation, they come with some challenges. In particular, the environmental impact and rising cost of fuel make diesel less attractive. The drawbacks:
- High maintenance costs: diesel tractors require regular maintenance, such as changing oil, filters and spark plugs. This can add up to thousands of euros per year.
- Environmental impact: they emit CO₂ and other pollutants, negatively affecting air quality. This can be a problem especially in closed spaces such as greenhouses.
- Stricter emissions rules: governments are introducing increasingly stringent emissions regulations, which means that older diesel models may no longer meet standards and need to be replaced.
- Rising fuel prices: diesel is sensitive to price increases, which can make operating costs unpredictable.
Electric tractors
Advantages of electric compact tractors
Electric tractors are rapidly gaining popularity. Electric driving not only offers sustainable benefits, but also reduces your operating costs. The quiet and emission-free operation makes electric tractors ideal for use in sectors with strict environmental requirements, such as nurseries or recreational parks.
- Emission-free working: electric tractors produce no harmful emissions, which is essential for a healthier work environment and maintaining air quality. This is especially valuable in greenhouses and other enclosed spaces.
- Lower operating costs: electricity is significantly cheaper than diesel. An electric tractor costs on average €1.50 per hour in energy costs, while a diesel model can easily cost €5 per hour.
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly: electric models reduce your company’s carbon footprint and are a step forward toward sustainable business practices.
- Lower noise production: with electric tractors you can work without disturbing noises. This is a great advantage in stress-sensitive environments, such as with horses or visitors in recreational parks.
- Grants available: Thanks to schemes such as the Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA) and Energy Investment Allowance (EIA), companies can recover up to 36% of the purchase cost. These schemes make the switch to electric more financially attractive by reducing the initial cost.
- Flexible battery options: Knegt offers options such as additional battery packs, which can extend working time up to 10 hours. This is ideal for companies with intensive work cycles.
Disadvantages of electric compact tractors
While electric tractors offer many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Especially for businesses without charging facilities, these tractors can present challenges.
- Higher initial cost: electric tractors have a higher purchase price, on average 20-30% more expensive than a comparable diesel variant. Subsidies help, but the higher investment can be a barrier for some companies.
- Charging infrastructure required: charging tractors requires a charging station. This may require additional investment in both time and money, especially in remote locations.
- Limited battery life: without additional battery pack, working time is limited to 3-5 hours. A quick charge function allows you to charge the battery to 80% in 2.5 hours, but without an additional battery pack, you cannot work uninterrupted.
Similarities between diesel and electric tractors
Although diesel and electric tractors differ in many ways, they also share important similarities. Both types are designed to perform versatile tasks such as plowing, mowing, hauling heavy loads and earth moving.
They both offer powerful performance and reliable endurance, making them suitable for a wide range of industries, from livestock farms and nurseries to recreational parks and wildlife management. In addition, both diesel and electric tractors can be equipped with a variety of accessories and implements, keeping them broadly usable regardless of the drive system chosen.
Which compact tractor suits your business?
The choice between a diesel or electric tractor depends entirely on your company’s needs and priorities. Electric models are distinguished by their lower emissions and lower total cost of ownership (TCO), making them ideal for companies looking to both cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
Diesel models, on the other hand, remain a practical choice for companies with long working hours or operations in areas without charging infrastructure. Both types offer reliable performance and powerful solutions for a variety of tasks.
Consider your long-term goals and use this blog as a guide to make the best choice.
Want to learn more about Knegt’s tractors? Check out our diesel models and our electric models.
Keep Reading
Top 5 accessories for compact tractors to increase your work convenience
With the right accessories, you can make your compact tractor…
Subsidies and benefits for electric tractors in the Netherlands
Maintaining an electric compact tractor is essential to extend its…
