More advanced, longer-lasting batteries and bigger capacities for larger herds are features of the second-generation Siloking eTruck self-propelled mixer-feeder from Kverneland.

First introduced in 2018 with 80V lead-acid batteries, the eTruck 1408 series came in 8cu m, 10cu m and 14cu m sizes.

The new 2012 series comes in sizes up to 20cu m with a 96V battery-electric power pack using LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) cells.

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These have a projected life of 3,000 to 5,000 full charge cycles – three to four times as many as the 1408’s lead-acid setup – while providing enough power for between two and four ration mixes per charge.

Buyers have a choice of 11kW or 22kW on-board chargers, the latter replenishing the cells in about six hours.

As before, the main attractions of electric drive are the potential to cut operating costs by consuming electricity (especially if home-produced) rather than diesel, and spending less on routine servicing and maintenance.

Ultra-quiet operation is also attractive, especially for the operator housed in a forward-control cab featuring an air suspension seat and air conditioning.

Tricycle format

The new eTruck has a tricycle layout, as previously, with hydraulic suspension for the two close-spaced steered wheels at the rear and the two larger wheels at the front driven by individual axle-mounted electric motors.

The low-set cab, with its large glazed area, is shared with Siloking SelfLine diesel-fuelled mixer-feeders.

New features on the sleeker armrest control console include a thumbwheel to quickly set a maximum ground speed for feeding out and when moving about the yard.

Speed control settings are also available for the single electrically driven vertical auger in the 12cu m model and the two augers in the 16cu m, 18cu m and 20cu m versions.

Default auger speeds are a leisurely 17rpm for mixing, a more energetic 40rpm when chopping hay, silage or straw, and a speedier 55rpm for dispensing the completed ration direct from the side-mounted outlet or via a belt conveyor.

All models are based on a chassis engineered for the largest size in the range – the two-auger machines stretching to a length of 8.46m (versus 7.9m for the biggest 1408) and weighing-in empty at between 8.5t and 9.5t, depending upon the height of the tub.

Prices start at £188,000 for the single-auger 12cu m eTruck 2012-12.