Lodi winegrape growers saw a field demonstration of the Monarch autonomous/driver-optional electric tractor July 9th at Round Valley Ranches Clay Station Vineyard in the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new tractor technology, designed to provide environmental, labor and cost savings benefits for vineyard operations has been attracting interest through a continuing series of field demo days held since 2020 in California vineyards.
Monarch's head of growth Douglas Kolker explained the benefits of the tractor's technology and provided ordering and pricing information. He said, as an electric tractor, it eliminates diesel emissions and costs, reducing a farm's carbon footprint. "The tractor is driver-optional, able to operate autonomously, it can be run 24/7 to save on labor costs and overtime, and it provides reliability while improving driver safety with less time in the field," Kolker said.
The Monarch Tractor has been in development since 2016. The Livermore-based company was founded in 2018. Its mission is to elevate farming practices to enable clean, efficient and economically viable solutions for farmers.
Current prices for two versions of one model available are $58,000 for a two-wheel drive unit and $68,000 for a four-wheel drive unit.
More information is available at www.monarchtractor.com