So, you’ve set your sights on a specific path for your Ford 4000 diesel-to-electric conversion: a 144V system with a 25kW (continuous) / 40kW (peak) motor and controller. This is a pragmatic, often cost-effective entry point into the world of electric tractors. While it represents a different philosophy than a high-voltage, high-power build, it can absolutely result in a capable and useful machine—if optimized correctly. This guide will focus on how to maximize performance and reliability with your chosen system.
Understanding Your System’s Profile
First, let’s benchmark your components against the original diesel:
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Ford 4000 Diesel: ~55 HP (41 kW) continuous, ~150 lb-ft torque.
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Your EV System: 34 HP (25 kW) continuous, 54 HP (40 kW) peak.
The key takeaway is the lower continuous power rating. You are trading ultimate PTO horsepower for simplicity and cost. The success of your conversion hinges not on matching the diesel’s top-end horsepower, but on leveraging the electric motor’s superior torque characteristics and intelligent system design to handle your specific tasks.
Core Optimization Strategy: Torque & Thermal Management
Your primary goals are to extract maximum usable torque and ensure the system can sustain its power without overheating.
1. Motor & Controller Tuning:
This is your most critical step. The controller software is your tuning tool. Work with your supplier to program the torque curves and current limits strategically.
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Priority #1 – Low-End Torque: Program the controller to deliver maximum available current (and thus torque) from 0 RPM. This is where electric shines. Your goal is to achieve a shaft torque as close to or exceeding the diesel’s 150 lb-ft at very low speeds, even if it means tapering off power at higher RPMs. This gives you the “lugging” power for heavy pulling.
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Priority #2 – Thermal Limits: Set conservative continuous current limits to protect your 25kW-rated motor during long, demanding tasks like plowing. The peak 40kW (approx. 275A at 144V) should be for short bursts only (e.g., 30-60 seconds). Better to have the system throttle back gracefully than to overheat and fault.
2. Gearing is Your Amplifier:
You have a secret weapon: the Ford 4000’s robust multi-speed transmission. Your electric motor has a wide RPM range, but its power band is most efficient in a certain span (likely 3000-5000 RPM).
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Strategy: Use the transmission aggressively. You will operate in a lower gear than you would with the diesel for the same task. This reduces the torque demand on the motor shaft by allowing the gearbox to multiply the torque that is available. It’s the perfect complement to a lower-continuous-power, high-torque motor.
Realistic Expectations & Final Recommendation
Your 144V, 25/40kW Ford 4000 will be an excellent tractor for light to medium-duty tasks: mowing, seeding, light loader work, hay wagon hauling, and general utility. It will provide instant torque, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance.
For heavy, continuous PTO work (e.g., baling, heavy tillage), you will need to be mindful of gear selection, duty cycles, and thermal management. You have the peak power for short bursts, but not the continuous rating of the original diesel.
To optimize your build:
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Program the controller for maximum low-end torque.
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Build an LFP battery pack with a continuous discharge rating exceeding 175A.
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Implement a liquid cooling loop for the motor and controller.
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Consider a dedicated motor for hydraulics/PTO.
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Use your transmission gears intelligently.
You are not building a hot rod; you are building a reliable, efficient, and modernized work partner. By focusing on system integration and thermal resilience, your electrified Ford 4000 will forge a new legacy for the next generation of farming.
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