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Step-By-Step Video Shows Tractor E-Conversion
When Pearce Jensen applied for a grant to convert an Allis-Chalmers G weeding tractor from gas to electric, the application had a dual purpose. The small-scale (one-acre) vegetable farmer and his wife, Eleanor, could use the tractor, especially as they expand in the near future. Jensen also wanted to help other farmers
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Step-By-Step Video Shows Tractor E-Conversion
When Pearce Jensen applied for a grant to convert an Allis-Chalmers G weeding tractor from gas to electric, the application had a dual purpose. The small-scale (one-acre) vegetable farmer and his wife, Eleanor, could use the tractor, especially as they expand in the near future. Jensen also wanted to help other farmers do the same.
“There are two problems this project addresses,” stated Jensen in his SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) grant. “The first problem is there are currently no easy-to-understand guides on how to convert this type of weeding tractor from gas to electric power.”
The second problem he outlined was the cost of commercial alternatives, which can run around $20,000. He set out to resolve both problems by converting a G to battery power for considerably less and creating a step-by-step video guide as he did so.
Jensen received help from two mentors more experienced with electrical components. He and one of the mentors completed the conversion in May 2025. The total cost was $7,300, with 15 to 20 hr of labor. That didn’t include the cost of the G. His final SARE report included a detailed parts list and costs for each item.
In February 2026, he posted his video guide to YouTube. It consisted of three parts: removing the gas engine and prepping the tractor, assembling the electric components, and installing the components and reviewing the wiring.
Both the conversion and the video were successful. The electric G has been used for general weeding and for hilling potatoes. Jensen reports better speed control than with gas power.
The video has also been a success. It had about 240 views in the first two weeks and 576 views in the first 6 mo.
In addition to the video, the Jensens hosted a field day for interested farmers to view and interact with the converted G.
In his summary, Jensen emphasized the importance of sizing the tractor frame to accommodate both battery storage and planned components. He noted that he had extended his frame to provide more room for the batteries but had not accounted for attachments.
He also noted the extensive time spent studying product manuals and ensuring proper connections.
“If someone purchased the exact same parts as us, they could follow along in our video,” he noted. “However, if they purchased different parts, then they’d need to read each manual to understand how that individual component connects to the others.”
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pearce Jensen, StrongHeart Farms (info@strongheartfarms.com; www.strongheartfarms.com; www.projects.sare.org/project-reports/fnc24-1419; www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR54dX6h3Lg).
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