The Tilmor 520 and Super E are both built around the same idea: give growers the visibility, tooling space, and control they need for precision cultivation and planting. But that doesn't mean they're the right fit for the same farm.
Choosing between the two comes down to how you farm. Your bed width, row spacing, daily workload, desired runtime, operator preferences, and whether you need to pull or power additional equipment can all affect which machine makes more sense for your operation.
In this guide, we'll compare the Tilmor 520 and Tilmor Super E from a farm perspective.
What Do the 520 and Super E Have in Common?
Before comparing the differences, it’s important to understand how much the two machines actually have in common. Both tractors are well suited for cultivation, planting, hilling, side dressing, and edge-of-plastic-mulch weeding.
Under-Belly Tooling
Both tractors provide substantial space under the belly for tool setups, keeping the implements where the operator can easily see and control them.
Operator Visibility
Both machines are designed to give the operator a clear view of the tooling and crop rows, helping make precision cultivation the focus of the operation.
Easy Tool Changes
Both machines can be equipped with a hoist that makes changing tools easier, allowing growers to switch implements without making the process a major chore.
Ground Clearance
These tractors are designed with high ground clearance to help navigate crops and field conditions. The 520 has 18" of clearance, while the Super E has 22" .
Lightweight Design
Both units are designed to be lightweight, helping reduce soil compaction while working in the field.
Tight Turning Radius
A shorter wheelbase, independent wheel brakes, and specialized steering geometry allow both units to make tight turns at the end of each row.
Support That Comes With Either Tractor
Whichever Tilmor tractor you choose, you’ll have access to our team for setup, operation, and troubleshooting—plus service documentation and available replacement parts to keep your tractor working for years to come.
520 vs. Super E: At a Glance
Here is a brief overview of the tractors' differences.
| Tilmor 520 | Tilmor Super E | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Fit | Growers needing adjustable wheel spacing, extended workdays, and rear implement capability | Growers whose beds fit a fixed wheel spacing and who want electric cultivation and planting |
| Wheel Spacing | Adjustable: 50" to 78" , center-to-center | Fixed: 56" , center-to-center |
| Ground Clearance | 18" | 22" |
| Working Time Between Refueling/Charging | 12+ Hours | 4-8 Hours with Four Batteries |
| Preparing for the Next Workday | Refuel with Diesel | Recharge batteries; battery quantity and charging setup should match daily workload |
| Rear Implements & Towing | Offset three-point and trailer hitch | No rear three-point or trailer hitch |
| Bed Spacing | More flexibility for wider bed systems | Fixed wheel width makes bed spacing an important consideration |
| Maintenance | Diesel engine servicing, including oil and filters | No diesel engine oil or fuel-filter servicing; basic tractor maintenance still required |
| Noise and exhaust at the operator | Diesel engine noise and exhaust - Outdoor Only | Quiet electric drive; no engine exhaust - Indoor/Outdoor |
| Operator Experience | Traditional tractor controls and operation | Simple electric operation with minimal training |
| Base Price | CA$51,000 | CA$28,500 |
What Does Your Farm Need?
The choice between the 520 and Super E isn't simply a question of which machine has more features. A better question is: what do you need your cultivation tractor to do?
A grower working several dozen acres of vegetables on wide beds may have very different requirements from a smaller diversified farm cultivating a few hours at a time. Likewise, a grower who needs to pull a trailer or mount equipment on a rear three-point hitch has different needs from someone whose tractor will spend nearly all of its time cultivating with one underbelly tool.
The 520 May Fit Your Farm If...
- Your farm uses wider bed systems.
- You'd like to utilize a rear 3-point to do tasks like laying plastic mulch, tine weeding, or use other non-PTO powered equipment.
- You need to pull a trailer.
- You prefer a traditional tractor operating experience, with suspension seat options.
- You want additional power and versatility beyond cultivation (ex. laying plastic mulch).
The Super E May Fit Your Farm If...
- Your cultivation system fits its fixed wheel width.
- You primarily need the machine for cultivation and planting.
- You value quiet, no-fume operation.
- You want simple operation with minimal operator training.
- You prefer an operator platform that allows you to get on and off quickly.
- You prefer charging rather than managing fuel.
How Much Are You Actually Cultivating?
Runtime is another important consideration when comparing the 520 and Super E. The 520 can run for 12+ hours a day on a single tank of diesel , but for many diversified vegetable farms, cultivation happens in shorter stretches rather than all day long.
The Super E provides 1–2 hours of runtime per battery, and up to four batteries can be installed at once for up to 8 hours of runtime for tasks like basket weeding. The batteries are also easy to swap, giving farmers the option to keep additional batteries charged and extend their working time even further. With eight batteries, a farmer could rotate two sets of four and keep the tractor running continuously.
For most Super E customers, the most common setup is two to three batteries. The right number ultimately depends on how much time you spend cultivating at a time and how you use the tractor throughout the day.
Still Deciding Between the 520 and Super E?
Start by looking at your bed system, cultivation hours, and the other jobs you expect your tractor to perform. Then compare the details of each machine to see which fits your operation. And like always, we are here to answer your phone call and help walk you through the decision as well! Contact us today or explore each power unit more:
Explore the 520 Explore the Super E