John Deere's eAutoPowr is a stepless electric transmission that uses electric machines and power split stages to improve tractor efficiency and reduce soil compaction. The technology works in agricultural machinery like tractors and slurry tankers to boost productivity and traction.
In 2019, the DLG awarded the new E Autopower with the only gold medal at Agritechnica. This innovative transmission is available now for the over 400 horsepower segment which it was specifically designed for. The electric stepless E Autopower is not only for the wheeled version but also for the 2 and 4 track configurations. How does it work? The electric machines with the power split stage and the summing planetary gears compile the main input assembly. This enables the stepless functionality. The first electrical machine is coupled to the engine by the power split gear on the input shaft. The second electrical machine, which is powered by the first, is attached to one input of the planetary gear set. These summing planetary gears reunite the mechanical and electromechanical power. The reverse gears can be shifted under load and provide precise control. The mode sub assembly completes the transmission and spans the speed range over five forward and five reverse modes, providing low transport engine speeds while maintaining power zero and creeper capabilities. But what are the benefits? The first gear is powered 100% electrically, ranging from minus five to five kilometers per hour, guaranteeing highly precise speed control. Eautopower allows off boarding of up to 100kW at 480v alternating. Currently for external consumers via an optional electric power socket, you will notice that it is 23% quieter as you're driving a tractor without any hydraulic noise at all. The shifting is seamless due to the electric machines which deliver instant torque. Working in partnership with Joskin, we have developed a slurry tanker with an electric motor Joskin calls Edrive, which permanently drives four of the six tanker wheels for a total of eight driven wheels. In this combination, the tractor no longer has to pull the entire load as the trailer is pushing too. Utilizing the unused weight of the slurry and the tanker for additional traction, you can use a much lighter tractor to pull bigger loads or to climb up steeper hills while reducing soil compaction and saving fuel. The result? Electrically driven axles provide a significant increase in traction, covering 23% more hectare by using a 50% wider incorporation tool for a 15% lower application cost per hectare. This is critical in springtime when the conditions are often adverse and the slurry application becomes a challenge. Applying the slurry in these conditions without the electric driven axles often results in high wheel slip rates causing excessive crop damage and soil disturbance. The negative impact is a lot of dirt in the forage and reduced yield. Utilizing this high performance system, crop damage is prevented effectively. Your benefits are increased yield and improved forage quality. We at John Deere know that reliability is crucial to you, which is why we have put the Eauto power through more than 100,000 test hours in the development process. The lifetime liquid cooled brushless electric motor generators are entirely maintenance free. Replacing hydro modules with electric components greatly reduces wear parts, simplifies the design and improves the overall transmission life. All of this, paired with the smart remote diagnostic capabilities, will put your mind at ease. The result is the best stepless transmission John Deere has ever designed, Stepless Goes Electric. The E Autopower transmission offers unrivaled durability to maximize uptime whilst reducing stress and repair costs, ultimately guaranteeing you more profitability.
