Small electric tractor: what can a compact e-tractor do?

The short answer

A small electric tractor, or electric compact tractor, is a compact four-wheel-drive tractor that runs on a battery instead of diesel. It is small enough for stables, greenhouses, parks and narrow paths, yet it pulls, mows, sweeps and loads like a full-size tractor. Because it is quiet and emission-free, you can also use it indoors and in noise-sensitive settings.

Knegt builds three electric compact tractors: the 304G2E (45 hp), the 404G2E (55 hp) and the 504G3E (65 hp).

What exactly is an electric compact tractor?

Compact tractor, mini tractor, small tractor: in practice these all mean the same thing. It is a tractor that is smaller and lighter than an agricultural tractor, but has the functions you expect from one. Think of four-wheel drive, a linkage for implements at the rear and the option of fitting a front loader.

In an electric compact tractor the diesel engine is replaced by electric motors and a lithium battery. Knegt uses two separate motors: one for driving and one of 15 hp for the hydraulics. That way you keep hydraulic power available for the front loader or an implement, even while driving.

Knegt has been developing and building compact tractors in its own workshop in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, since 2006. According to Knegt, the company was the first to bring a 100% electric compact tractor to market.

Where a compact e-tractor makes the difference

Size and the absence of exhaust fumes together determine where an electric compact tractor pays off most. A large tractor often does not fit there, and a diesel tractor is not always welcome indoors or close to people and animals.

• Equestrian yards and riding schools: mucking out, moving straw and feed, and maintaining arenas in stables and around paddocks, without noise that unsettles horses.

• Nurseries and greenhouses: transport and groundwork between crops, indoors and outdoors, without exhaust fumes near plants and staff.

• Landscaping and municipalities: mowing, sweeping and grounds maintenance in parks and residential areas, even early in the morning.

• Sports facilities and golf courses: maintaining pitches and paths while people are playing.

• Leisure and theme parks: working between visitors, without noise or smell.

• Livestock farms and industrial halls: working in enclosed spaces where emissions are a problem.

In all of these situations, manoeuvrability often matters more than maximum power. You will find the exact dimensions and turning circle of each model on the models page.

Knegt's three electric compact tractors

All three models have four-wheel drive and power steering, are CE-approved and are road-legal in Europe. The main difference is the drive power:

• Knegt 304G2E: 45 hp, of which 30 hp for driving and 15 hp for the hydraulics. The most compact choice for stables, greenhouses and tight sites.

• Knegt 404G2E: 55 hp, of which 40 hp for driving and 15 hp for the hydraulics. An all-rounder for mowing, transport and grounds maintenance.

• Knegt 504G3E: 65 hp, of which 50 hp for driving and 15 hp for the hydraulics. For those who need more pulling power for intensive work.

For the battery you choose between 24 kWh and 34 kWh. How long you can work on one charge depends on the workload and your choice of battery. With an extra battery pack, or by topping up in between, for example during a break, you can keep working longer.

• Charging from a standard 230V socket takes 8 to 10 hours.

• With the optional fast charger the battery is back to 80% in about 2.5 hours.

A luxury cab and a Stoll front loader are available for all models, and Knegt offers a wide range of implements and accessories.

Compact tractor, ride-on mower or large tractor?

Not sure which type of machine suits your work? This comparison helps with the first choice:

• Ride-on mower or garden tractor: designed to mow grass. Suitable for gardens and lawns, but not built for heavy pulling, soil work or a front loader.

• Electric compact tractor: compact and manoeuvrable, with four-wheel drive, hydraulics for implements and a front loader. Suitable for daily work on yards and grounds, in stables and greenhouses.

• Large agricultural tractor: plenty of power for large fields and heavy arable work, but too big and too heavy for narrow paths, indoor spaces and delicate ground.

For most businesses and organisations that handle many different jobs on a limited area, the compact tractor is the logical middle ground. The question then is mainly which power and which battery match your working day.

An electric compact tractor also has fewer moving parts than a diesel engine. Knegt recommends a service every 350 hours or once a year, and you get a 2-year factory warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Is a small electric tractor strong enough for real work?

Yes. Thanks to the separate 15 hp hydraulic motor, you keep power available for the front loader or an implement. For heavier pulling work, choose the 404G2E or 504G3E.

Is an electric compact tractor allowed on public roads?

Knegt's electric tractors are CE-approved and road-legal in Europe.

Can I use an electric compact tractor indoors?

Yes. Because it produces no exhaust fumes and is quiet, it is suitable for stables, greenhouses and industrial halls.

How much does an electric compact tractor cost?

That depends on the model, the battery and options such as a cab and front loader. Request a quote or configure your version in the configurator on the models page.

Try an electric compact tractor yourself

You notice the difference a quiet, compact tractor makes best on your own site. Request a free demo, book an advice session or find a Knegt dealer near you. Together we will look at which model, which battery and which implements suit your work.