Electric Tractor Conversion

Project Overview

The Diesel-to-Electric Tractor Conversion is an ongoing two-year initiative led by Cal Poly’s Future Fuels Club in partnership with Innovative Produce Farm. The goal of the project is to retrofit an aging John Deere 5600-series tractor with a fully electric drivetrain, replacing all combustion components with an 84-volt, 80 kW electric power system. The conversion integrates high-voltage batteries, motor controllers, cooling systems, and hydraulic interfaces to create a reliable, zero-emission alternative to traditional agricultural machinery. By modernizing existing equipment rather than building from scratch, the project demonstrates how electric conversion technology can reduce operating costs, extend machine lifespan, and promote broader adoption of clean energy solutions in industrial and agricultural applications.

My Role

When I joined the Diesel-to-Electric Tractor Conversion Project, the team was facing significant challenges with electrical faults and communication failures between the tractor’s battery system and motor controller. I was brought on to troubleshoot these issues and re-establish control over the system. By configuring a direct connection between my computer and the controller, I was able to diagnose communication errors and identify faults within the battery system that had previously prevented proper operation.

Over the past several quarters, I’ve led efforts to repair and replace damaged components within the battery, restoring functionality and improving system reliability. Although the project is still ongoing, these repairs have marked a major step forward in bringing the tractor closer to full electric operation. My work has strengthened the system’s electrical integrity and laid the foundation for continued progress toward a fully functional, zero-emission prototype.