The Monarch electric tractor has officially entered the Canadian market, with Haggerty Ag Robotics of Bothwell, Ontario, securing distribution rights.
A Game Changer for Agriculture
Monarch Tractors, founded in 2017, already has over 500 units operating on farms, primarily in the United States. The fully electric tractor, equivalent to a 70-horsepower diesel model, offers farmers a sustainable alternative with lower operating costs, as electricity is more affordable than diesel.
Haggerty Ag Robotics has showcased the tractor at trade shows this winter and plans to conduct field tests in Ontario this summer.
Autonomous and Versatile
According to Jeff Pettit, sales manager at Haggerty Ag Robotics, the Monarch tractor stands out not only for being electric but also for its autonomous capabilities, allowing it to perform a variety of tasks independently.
Currently manufactured in Ohio, the tractor is widely used in U.S. dairy farms for pushing feed, as well as in horticulture and viticulture operations.
“We saw a strong need for robotics, technology, and autonomous electric solutions in Canadian agriculture,” Pettit stated at the London Farm Show.
Performance and Efficiency
The tractor can operate for approximately eight hours before requiring a recharge, with a full charge taking five hours on a 220-volt outlet or eight hours on a standard 110-volt connection.
Designed for repetitive tasks like mowing and weeding, the tractor can autonomously repeat programmed routes, freeing up farm labor for more critical duties. Dairy farmers benefit from its low noise and zero emissions, creating a healthier environment for cattle.
For added convenience, the tractor can be programmed to autonomously move between multiple barns for feed pushing and bedding management.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Equipped with a robust data hub, the Monarch tractor features cameras, sensors, and lights for autonomous operation. It continuously learns and adapts, while farmers can monitor its performance remotely via a laptop. Additionally, its built-in GPS eliminates the need for extra hardware.
Haggerty Ag Robotics will provide mechanical servicing for the tractor. While a loader attachment is not yet available, Pettit confirmed that one is under development and expected within a month. The tractor is compatible with any standard three-point hitch implement and includes a front blade for pushing feed.
Unique Design and Pricing
Unlike traditional tractors, the Monarch features a cutout in the hood—where an engine would typically be—offering additional storage space or room for a small tank for spraying.
The Monarch tractor is priced at approximately $130,000, depending on selected options.
“If you need a 70-horsepower tractor, this will seamlessly fit into your operation,” Pettit emphasized.