New Holland Agriculture presented its methane powered concept agricultural tractor at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois this week. It was introduced as the latest development in the company’s vision for the sustainable future of farming. “It combines alternative fuels and advanced agricultural technology … by running on the energy produced from the land and waste products,” said Carlo Lambro, New Holland Agriculture Brand President.
The new natural gas powered tractor builds on the foundations of previous T6 Methane Power prototypes, the first of which was introduced in 2013. It features a powertrain that uses a groundbreaking combustion technology specifically developed for agriculture applications by FPT Industrial, a brand of CNH Industrial that has pioneered natural gas traction for more than 20 years.
The 6-cylinder NEF methane engine delivers 180 hp and 740 Nm: the same power and torque as its standard diesel equivalent. It has the same durability and service intervals, and generates up to 30% running cost savings. The innovative tank design, using a composite layered tubular structure, enables a full day’s autonomy in line with an equivalent diesel model.
Environmental Advantage
The powertrain of the methane powered concept tractor has the added benefit of quiet operation, with engine noise level reduced by up to 3 dBA. This translates to around 50% reduction in drive-by-noise, which makes it ideal for municipality, yard and transport operations.
In real field conditions, the methane powered concept tractor produces at least 10% lower CO2 emissions and reduces overall emissions by 80% compared to a standard diesel tractor. Its environmental performance further improves when fuelled by biomethane (renewable natural gas) produced from crop residues and waste from farm-grown energy crops, which results in virtually zero CO2 emissions.
The New Holland methane powered concept tractor closes the virtuous cycle of the Energy Independent Farm™. It combines visionary design concepts with advanced technologies, extended connectivity and reliable powertrain technology that are already available, fuelling innovation to offer a glimpse into a sustainable future of efficient and productive farming.
Source: New Holland Agriculture
