Project Overview
Information Products
Commodities
Practices
- Education and Training: demonstration, farmer to farmer, workshop
- Energy: alternative energy (battery powered tractor)
- Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures
Summary:
There are two problems that this project addresses. The first problem is currently there are no easy to understand guides on how to convert this type of weeding tractor from gas power to electric power. This may seem like a very specific problem but it becomes more important once you understand how common of a tractor this is on diversified vegetable farms. For example, in a 100 mile radius from my farm I currently know of 5 other established vegetables farms that use this same exact tractor to do the majority of weeding on their farm. Along these same lines if you look at the current Youtube videos (which only show people using these electric tractor and not how they completed the conversion) they have nearly 22,000 views which tells me that there is interest in an electric version of these tractors. The second problem this project addressed when it was completed was that there were no affordable electric weeding tractors on the market. As of June 2025 a company called Tilmor has now manufactured an electric weeding tractor that starts at $19,500. For my project a farmer would only need to spend around $9000 to complete a electric weeding tractor. For this project we completed a "How To" video that includes step by step instructions of how to remove the gas engine, assemble all the electric conversion parts, and attach the conversion parts to the tractor. The video also includes a detailed parts list and budget so that individuals can source similar parts. The video is available on Youtube and as of February 2026 it has about 240 views over 2 weeks. In addition to the video I also hosted one on farm event for the other farm teams at the incubator farm that we farm at. As of February 2026, I do not specifically know of other farmers that have used my video to do the same conversion but I hope that it will help folks into the future.
Project objectives:
Solutions-Demonstration and Education project
For this project I created a video that shows a "step by step" process of how to complete this electric conversion. I also include a supplies list with sourcing information, a budget of how much everything costs, and a detailed tools list of what tools you need to complete the steps in each video. I use plain, non technical language in the video so that no prior mechanical knowledge is needed to understand the conversion. The intended audience for this video is other small to medium sized vegetable farmers who want to move away from fossil fuel use on their farm while still having the efficiencies of tractor cultivation. Ideally, I hope that this video will empower other farmers who do not usually attempt a DIY project due to lack of resource or access to a mentor. This video is posted on Youtube so that it is free and easily accessible to anyone interested. In addition to posting the video I hosted one on farm field day for other farmers, specifically those at the incubator farm where we currently rent land (usually 15-20 farm teams each year), to test drive the tractor and get some hands on experience with it. I was hoping to also present at a local conference about the conversion but was not able to do this yet.
Objectives
1) Successfully demonstrate and record the entire conversion of an Allis Chalmers Model G tractor from gas to electric
2) Publish a 5 part video series that provides "Step by Step" guidance, including budgets, supplies lists, and tool lists
3) Host one field day during the season for other farmers to learn about and test drive the new electric tractor
4) Present the results/final process of the project at the annual Sustainable Farming Association Conference