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In November 2025, TechCrunch reported that Monarch Tractor warned employees it might lay off up to 102 people or shut down while shifting away from tractor manufacturing. That was a warning about possible outcomes, not confirmation that the company had closed. By April and June 2026, the Los Angeles Times and TechCrunch were reporting that Monarch had laid off staff, closed its Livermore headquarters, and transferred or sold technology or assets to Caterpillar.
What Monarch warned employees about in November 2025
TechCrunch reported that an employee memo said Monarch might lay off as many as 102 people or shut down. The reported reason was the timing of a transition away from building tractors and toward software services and licensing its technology. The memo’s reported wording was: “Unfortunately, the timing for completing the transition to the new business plan puts Monarch at risk of shut down.” TechCrunch’s account of the memo was also reproduced by mGrowTech; the statement should be understood as reported internal communication, not a public filing.
The warning did not mean Monarch had already shut down in November 2025. A separate tracker reproducing California Employment Development Department WARN records lists two Monarch Tractor notices dated November 19, 2025: one covering 89 workers and another covering 8, each with a listed job-end date of November 19. Those counts come from the reproduced records, not the memo’s reported maximum of 102, and the figures are not interchangeable. The tracker says the state file is authoritative and notes that records can be amended, withdrawn, or delayed; the reproduced entries alone do not establish a legal-compliance finding. See the tracker’s Monarch Tractor entries.
How Monarch’s reported status changed in 2026
| Date and source | What was reported |
|---|---|
| November 2025 — TechCrunch | An employee memo warned of possible layoffs of up to 102 people or a shutdown as the company shifted its business model. |
| April 2026 — Los Angeles Times and TechCrunch | The Times reported that Monarch had laid off staff and that its technology had been bought by a large global equipment manufacturer, later identified in its reporting as Caterpillar. TechCrunch reported that Caterpillar acquired Monarch assets, citing USPTO filings, and that most remaining tractors had been auctioned earlier in 2026. |
| June 2026 — Los Angeles Times | The Times reported that Monarch had shut its headquarters, laid off employees, and sold its technology to Caterpillar. |
The later accounts describe a transfer or sale of technology or assets; they do not establish that Caterpillar continued Monarch’s tractor business as a going concern. The November warning and the later reported closure are distinct events in the timeline.
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- 2200 lbs capacity, 20.5" overall width, 47.6" overall length, and 47.2" overall height
- Lithium Battery provides an efficient and long-lasting power source of 24V/30AH, accompanied by a user-friendly 24V/10A charger
- Ergonomic handle and adjustable tiller for comfort and convenience during operation
- This tow tractor with an emergency stop switch enhances safety features
- The electric tugger can be equipped with various wire carts and hand trucks to tow small and heavy parts, providing flexibility and adaptability
Why Monarch was moving away from tractor manufacturing
Monarch developed electric, driver-optional tractors for agriculture. TechCrunch reported that the company’s manufacturing difficulties included losing Foxconn as its contract manufacturer after Foxconn sold its Lordstown facility in August 2025. Foxconn had produced a few hundred tractors for Monarch. Against that backdrop, Monarch had shifted toward software services and licensing its autonomous-tractor technology; TechCrunch later reported that most of Monarch’s remaining tractors were auctioned in early 2026.
Monarch’s public explanation, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times from a company LinkedIn post, was: “Building and scaling a new tractor platform in agriculture came with unforeseen challenges. We had to make difficult decisions.”
Rank #2
- Specs: Starter, Voltage: 12, Rotation: CW, Teeth: 9, KW: 1.4, Starter Type: OSGR
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- 1-year warranty protects you after your purchase. We're confident that our products will work flawlessly once installed in your vehicle. But in a rare case that it does not, we'll replace it anytime within one year of your order. If you have a problem, we will take every step to assist you, contact us for a replacement.
- 100% New Aftermarket Starter built to meet OEM specifications
What reports say about the tractors—and what remains disputed
Dealer lawsuits reportedly alleged that Monarch tractors were defective and failed to operate autonomously. TechCrunch reported that Monarch denied the claims in a court filing. The June 2026 Los Angeles Times account also summarized customer and dealer allegations involving autonomous performance, mechanical problems, and safety. These are allegations in the reporting, not findings that resolve the product-performance dispute.
What the reported financing figures do—and do not—show
The Los Angeles Times reported that Monarch had raised $251 million before the reported acquisition, citing PitchBook. The same article attributed these wider market figures to BloombergNEF: agriculture-focused cleantech venture capital totaled $1.3 billion globally in 2025, roughly one-third of the 2022 level, while equity financing in the first quarter of 2026 was $141 million, 50% below the rolling four-quarter average. These figures describe sector funding context; they do not prove that market conditions alone caused Monarch’s outcome.
Rank #3
- 7 Way Round to 7 Way Blade Adapter: This 7 Pin Round to 7 RV Blade Adapter designed to transfer your vehicle-side 7-Pin Round Socket to a standard 7-Way Blade Plug to be able for towing trailer with 7-way RV-style. 7 Way Round Pin is common found in Semi Truck / Commercial Vehicle / Pickup Truck / Tractor.
- Plug-N-Play: This trailer connector adapter allows to just plug and go using your existing wiring set up, no more complex splicing wires. 14 inches wire lead between connectors provide flexible installation. Collar with 4 mounting holes lets you mount the socket to your bumper. Built in tabs that lock in using the existing spring loaded cover to secure the plug in place. No more worrying about the plug loosening up during the trip.
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- Reliable Connection: Sturdy, heavy duty, solid and ready to go. Come with spring-loaded dust cover protect terminal from dust and water. Constructed with dust-free and high-impact glass-filled nylon available for used at any outdoor conditions.
- Application: The 7 round to 7 blade adapter harness eliminated time and grief to replace/re-wire the Commercial Style Plug on a farm tractor, allowing use of tail, turn, and brake lights on trailers with blade type connector
What is known about support for existing Monarch owners
The cited closure and transaction reports do not establish whether Caterpillar or another party provides official MK-V parts, repairs, or software support. The transfer of technology or assets should not be treated as confirmation of ongoing owner support. Owners seeking service should verify any offer directly with a responsible provider before relying on it.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- One new aftermarket replacement solenoid
- 12V, 4 terminal, 100 amp, intermittent duty
- Includes (4) washers, (4) hex nuts
- OEM numbers are provided for reference only. please verify fit prior to ordering
- Replaces part numbers: prl-saz4201gj, plsaz4201gj, 07522, saz4201gj
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
