Raptrac: Electric Drive Technology for the Agriculture of Tomorrow
How can agricultural work become more precise, more efficient and gentler on the soil? With its fully electric, multifunctional implement carrier, Swiss machine developer Raptrac demonstrates how modern E-Drive technology is advancing mechanisation in crop production. During development, Raptrac relies on electric drive components and the technical expertise of Paul Forrer AG.
A Fully Electric Implement Carrier for Precise Fieldwork
Modern agriculture faces increasing demands for precision, efficiency and soil protection. In crop production in particular, numerous operations need to be performed repeatedly and as accurately as possible – from seedbed preparation and planting to mechanical weed control.
These requirements inspired the Raptrac: a lightweight, fully electric implement carrier capable of handling a wide range of agricultural tasks.
Mit With a machine weight of around 600 kilograms and a track width adjustable to either 1.5 or 1.8 metres, Raptrac is suitable for various crops and cultivation methods. Its modular design allows the machine to be combined with both commercially available and specially developed implements.
Its applications include:
Seedbed preparation and soil cultivation
Sowing and planting
Mechanical weed control
Crop maintenance
Transport tasks
The implement carrier is being further developed in collaboration with working farms under real operating conditions. New implements and functions are intended to automate additional tasks in the future.
Precise Guidance Thanks to RTK GPS and Intelligent Steering
One of Raptrac’s key advantages is its high working accuracy. The integrated RTK GPS guidance system delivers a tracking accuracy of ±2 centimetres at the implement.
Differential steering allows the implement carrier to turn on the spot. At the same time, automatically controlled rear-axle steering compensates for lateral deviations, for example when working on slopes or uneven ground.
Depending on the application, Raptrac can be operated in three different ways: manually, with GPS assistance or, optionally, autonomously.
These operating modes provide targeted support, particularly for repetitive tasks. People remain involved wherever experience and decision-making are required.
Paul Forrer E-Drive Components Used in Raptrac
For a fully electric implement carrier to operate reliably under demanding field conditions, its drive system, controls and power supply must be optimally matched.
This is where Paul Forrer AG comes in. As a specialist in electric drive technology, the company supports Raptrac with selected components from its E-Drive range and technical advice on their sizing and integration.
The following E-Drive components from Paul Forrer are used in Raptrac:
WD220 Electric Traction Drive
The WD220 electric traction drive forms part of Raptrac’s drive system. It provides electric propulsion for the implement carrier, making it a central component for field operation.
DMC SigmaLite and SuperSigma2 Traction Controllers
The DMC SigmaLite and SuperSigma2 controllers control the electric IPM motors (Interior Permanent Magnet). They enable precise regulation of the electric drive system.
Careful tuning of the motor controls is particularly important in agricultural machinery, which must reliably perform a variety of driving and working movements.
RD 184 PTO Synchronous Motor for the Power Take-Off
In addition to electric propulsion, Raptrac also needs drive power for various implements.
This is provided by the RD 184 PTO synchronous motor, which is designed for electric power take-off operation. Raptrac can optionally be equipped with a 10 kW PTO.
LiFePO4 Battery from Flash Battery for Energy Storage
Power is supplied by a lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4) from Flash Battery.
It provides the electrical energy needed to operate the implement carrier. Depending on the load, Raptrac achieves an operating time of around 2 to 10 hours.
The interaction between the battery, motors and controllers is crucial to delivering the power required for the different applications.
More Than Components: Technical Advice and System Integration
Electrifying mobile machinery requires more than selecting individual electric drive components. All components must work together reliably as a complete system.
Paul Forrer therefore supports Raptrac not only as a supplier, but also as a technical partner in the development of its electric drive system.
The focus is on sizing and matching the E-Drive components to the specific requirements of the implement carrier.
Mobile machinery operates under a wide range of conditions. Different loads, travel speeds and working functions place specific demands on electric drive technology.
With its technical expertise and an E-Drive range tailored to mobile applications, Paul Forrer helps machine developers and vehicle manufacturers implement customised electrification solutions.
Electrification as an Opportunity for Modern Machine Design
Raptrac demonstrates the potential of electric drive systems in agriculture.
Electric operation enables precise drive control and quiet machine operation. Combined with the machine’s low weight, intelligent guidance and versatile implement options, this creates a solution for precise, repeatable fieldwork that is gentle on the soil.
The collaboration between Raptrac and Paul Forrer also shows how innovative machine concepts can be realised by combining practical experience, specialised E-Drive components and technical advice.
Are you developing an electric or hybrid mobile machine?
Discover Paul Forrer AG’s E-Drive components for electric traction and implement drives, motor control and power supply.
Experience Raptrac Live at AGRAMA 2026
Get a close-up look at Raptrac’s fully electric implement carrier at AGRAMA 2026! Visit us at stand A05 in hall 2.0, where Raptrac will present its innovative machine. Raptrac’s experts will be there in person to share insights into its development, technical features and wide range of applications.
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