In a groundbreaking twist that might just make you smile as wide as a harvest grin, Caterpillar has wrapped up its prototype demonstration for a battery-powered field elevator in collaboration with Flory Industries—the experts in nut-harvesting equipment. Tested during the bustling fall harvest in California’s Central Valley, this ingenious unit proved that a 600-volt battery-powered powertrain can match the performance, reliability, and durability of a traditional 74-horsepower diesel engine, all while slashing maintenance hassles and erasing tailpipe emissions like yesterday’s news.
Picture this: in the sun-drenched almond and walnut orchards, our electrified field elevator was put through its paces for seven weeks. At Heinrich Farms—a sprawling 1,200-acre operation near Modesto—the prototype worked tirelessly for a full 10-hour day on a single charge. It managed to load a jaw-dropping 422,000 pounds of nuts into waiting trailers. It wasn’t magic, but rather a masterclass in modern engineering that brings together power, efficiency, and eco-friendly technology.
Now, one might wonder how this marvel kept the juice flowing when off the grid. The answer lies with the Cat XES60 Compact ESS mobile battery energy storage system, which effortlessly recharged the elevator overnight during non-working hours, offering up to 56.8 kWh of capacity. This clever setup not only ensured a full day of uninterrupted performance but also turned what used to be idle time into a period of quiet, efficient charging—leaving diesel fuel and its associated headaches firmly in the past.
Flory Industries, renowned for its dedication to cutting-edge agricultural solutions, sees this electrified field elevator as a natural fit. “The elevator is a perfect application for electrified machines since it sits idle for most of the workday,” explained Tyler Hupp, product development manager at Flory. He added that the collaboration showcased their commitment to delivering advanced technologies that not only improve performance but also embrace sustainability. And for those who worry about noise, Jerad Heinrich, orchard manager at Heinrich Farms, cheerfully noted, “It unloaded our harvest as fast as conventional equipment while generating far less noise.”
Caterpillar’s role in this venture has been nothing short of visionary. By optimizing system requirements, developing sophisticated controls, and integrating a new prototype lithium-ion battery with a modular design, Caterpillar has demonstrated that electrification is not only viable but also highly advantageous. The battery-powered powertrain, combined with inverters, motors, electronic controls, and digital services, forms a power-dense solution that tackles common user concerns head-on. Holt of California also lent its expertise by adapting Flory’s equipment architecture to ensure seamless integration and day-to-day reliability.
With the successful field test now in the books, Flory plans to offer pilot units to select customers later this year, with full production expected in 2026. This pioneering project underscores how replacing diesel engines with electrified systems can eliminate up to 126 pounds of carbon emissions per day—while also reducing fuel costs and lowering ambient noise for nearby workers.
If you’re intrigued by this transformative leap in nut-harvesting technology and want to explore how our electrified field elevator can revolutionize your operations, reach out to us today for a customized quote. Let’s power the future of agriculture together, one sustainable innovation at a time.
Fulian Operation Team
2025.3.19
