Tuatara Orchardised
A low-profile electric UTV built for getting in under the canopy. Designed for kiwifruit, fruit-tree orchards, vineyards and market gardens — a true go-anywhere, low-clearance machine that still carries and tows serious weight.
Designed to work under the canopy
Designed in New Zealand for the horticultural market, the Orchardised eTuatara enables easy, unobstructed access under kiwifruit canopies and general fruit-tree orchards — and it's just as at home in market gardens and other maintenance work where a low-profile, go-anywhere vehicle is the right tool.
It keeps the easy walk-through access that makes "on and off" work quick and simple, and like every Tuatara it carries and tows plenty of weight — making it superior to other horticultural vehicles. Being electric, it's cheap to run and maintain, with no emissions.
The Orchardised build starts with a standard eTuatara. We remove the cabin and fit the Orchardising kit in its place — a half-sized acrylic windscreen, modified seat mountings and lap belts. And it's fully reversible: the complete cabin configuration can be reinstated at any time if the vehicle's role changes.
A kit, not a compromise
1. Start with an eTuatara
Begin with a standard electric 1500E — all the same rugged hardware underneath.
2. Fit the Orchard kit
Remove the cabin and install the kit: half acrylic windscreen, revised seat mounts and lap belts.
3. Go under the canopy
A low 1,380mm profile slips under kiwifruit and fruit-tree canopies with ease.
Carry & tow
Still moves substantial weight on a full 1.6m × 1.4m cargo deck.
Clean & quiet
Electric drive means no emissions, low noise and cheap running near crops.
Fully reversible
Reinstate the full cabin any time the job changes — one vehicle, two roles.
Tuatara Orchardised — key specs
Model UTV1500E-2-OR. Mechanical specs match the electric 1500E — see that page for the full motor, battery and drivetrain detail.
| Base vehicle | Standard eTuatara (electric 1500E) + Orchardising kit |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 3,580 mm × 1,550 mm × 1,380 mm |
| Cargo deck (L × W × H) | 1,600 mm × 1,400 mm × 300 mm |
| Roof cargo load | 50 kg (with roof fitted) |
| Kit includes | Half-size acrylic windscreen, modified seat mountings, lap belts |
| Access | Easy walk-through, low-profile entry |
| Reversibility | Full cabin configuration can be reinstated at any time |
| Best suited to | Kiwifruit canopies, fruit-tree orchards, vineyards, market gardens |
| Drivetrain & battery | As per the electric 1500E — see that model page |
For the full electric drivetrain, battery and capacity figures, see the Tuatara 1500E page. Specifications may change without notice.
Zero emissions. Near silent. Barely any servicing.
Electric Tuataras run clean and quiet, with costs equivalent to roughly 30c a litre and the option to charge straight off your solar.
Zero tailpipe emissions
No exhaust and no on-site fumes — safe to run in sheds, glasshouses and enclosed spaces.
Charge from solar
Recharge overnight from the grid or straight off your panels — fuel you don't have to cart.
Near-silent running
Won't startle stock, disturb patients or guests, or break council noise limits.
Regenerative braking
Recovers energy on every descent for more range and far less brake wear.
No oils or filters
No engine oil, coolant or filters to change, store or send to landfill.
Lower running costs
Cheaper per kilometre and far less to service than a petrol equivalent.
Quiet, clean and capable — wherever you need it
Because it's electric and emission-free, it goes places a noisy, fume-producing machine can't — indoors, after hours and around people.
Farms & stations
Feeding out, fencing and stock work with serious payload and traction.
Hospitals & aged care
Silent, zero-emission transport for grounds, laundry and supplies around people.
Airports & airside
Clean, quiet runabouts for terminals, hangars and airside maintenance crews.
Shipping & logistics
Move people and gear around distribution centres, ports and yards — indoors or out.
Councils & facilities
Parks, sportsgrounds, campuses and cemeteries — gentle on turf and on the ears.
Mining & civil
All-steel toughness and a 2,000kg winch for site works and access roads.
Universities & campuses
Tidy, emission-free transport for maintenance teams across large sites.
Resorts & tourism
Quiet guest and crew transport that won't disturb the peace.
Tuatara Orchardised gallery
Click any image to view it larger.
Tuatara 1500E user manual
The Orchardised build is a 1500E with the orchard kit — the eTuatara 1500E operator's manual covers it.
The Tuatara in action
Working in orchards or vines?
Talk to us about the Orchardised eTuatara and whether it suits your rows and canopies.
Enquire now