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New Holland’s T7 Methane Power LNG prototype tractor offers 270hp maximum output and is powered by liquified natural gas.
While the auto industry seems to release new electric or hybrid vehicles almost weekly, agriculture appears to have been left behind. However, a recent visit to Arizona as a guest of CNH Industrial gave Rural News machinery editor Mark Daniel the impression that’s all about to change.
Those with a penchant for heavy metal will know that New Holland has already led the way in the alternative power stakes.
The T6 Methane Power tractor uses compressed natural gas as the power source. Delivering 145hp rated and 180hp maximum power, alongside 740Nm torque, the tractor is said to offer 30% lower running costs and 98% less particulate matter than a typical diesel engine.
Meanwhile, its CO2 emissions are 11% lower than fossil-based natural gas and 80% lower than when using bio-methane from waste. Yet, the machine is still capable of running for a full 8 hours under constant heavy loads.
A visit to Phoenix, Arizona gave a glimpse into the future at the event entitled “Breaking New Ground”, where Rural News and a select group of journalists from around the globe were the first to set eyes on the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG prototype tractor.
Based around a New Holland T7 long wheelbase unit with Auto Command transmission, the tractor offers 270hp maximum output. It is powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) stored in a series of sealed pressurised tanks, which is cryogenically cooled to keep the methane as a liquid at -162 degrees centigrade.
The prototype tractor uses the same 6.75- litre, six-cylinder block as the conventional T7.270. However, it has upgraded piston rings and a modified cylinder head with liquid gas injectors and spark plugs suitable for the liquified natural gas.
Said to offer diesel-like performance, the innovative tractor is equipped with the Horizon Ultra cab and the latest suite of PLM technology the incorporation of the LNG fuel source. This helps deliver a reduction in drive-by noise levels to only 66dBA, making it the quietest tractor in the marketplace.
By comparison with a conventional diesel engine, that typically has an energy density of 38.6 megajoules/litre, the T7 LNG is rated at 22.2megajoules/litre. In practice, this means that it should run for around twice the time of the T6 Methane unit.
Also on show were the fruits of CNH Industrial collaboration with The Monarch Tractor Company of California: The new T4 Electric Power Utility Tractor uses a single electric motor of 75hp to deliver a continuous power output of 40hp and a 120hp peak with around 440Nm torque. It is said to be able to run for a full day on a single charge, and a one-hour recharge time is available from a DC fast charger.
The T4 Electric is claimed to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 53 metric tonnes annually, with typical cost savings of US$18,000 each year.
The tractor, ultimately available in New Holland blue or Case IH maroon, is equipped with Monarch’s autonomous driving features, guided by sensors and surround-view cameras. This combines to offer remote, driverless operation, while detecting and avoiding obstacles and offering the Shadow/ Follow Me function.
Silent in operation, it is well suited to enclosed environments such as dairy units, orchards and vineyards.
The T4 Electric can also be synchronised with several other similar tractors within a property, allowing a single operator to manage up to eight units.
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