NH tractor powered by methane goes on sale
First unveiled in 2023, New Holland has announced the addition of the T7.270 Methane Power CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tractor to the recently expanded T7 Range.
This follows it initial introduction at CNHI’s Tech Day in the United States in December 2022. It showcases New Holland and CNH Industrial’s most recent development in their strategic plan for electrification, as a BEV – battery electric vehicle. This is the first zero-emission, light utility tractor with no internal combustion engine.
The T4 Electric Power joins the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG and T6 Methane Power tractors, expanding a portfolio of zero carbon tractor solutions.
Developed by CNH Industrial’s Engineering teams in the US and Italy, aided by partnership with Monarch Tractor in California. The project prioritises customer experience, extended runtime and outstanding performance. Here in New Zealand, a Monarch tractor was recently commissioned at the Cromwell Forest Lodge cherry orchard.
The T4 Electric Power is said to be ideally suited to mixed farm, livestock, municipality, orchard and specialty applications. It offers 120hp peak power, maximum torque of 440Nm and a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
Described as a utility tractor, the machine is 100% compatible with all conventional implements in the range, with up to a full day’s run time – depending on workload and a recharge time with fast charging systems of just one hour. The tractor can also be used as a backup power source for other devices and machines and can provide energy for implements.
Of course, noise and vibration are reduced considerably, helping to meet increasingly stringent municipal noise regulations. This allows its use in night-time operations or working in indoor or covered environments.
The T4 Electric Power also delivers several autonomous features designed to reduce tractor cost of ownership, alongside assisting operators during driving and improving overall application performance and quality.
The Smart Roof consists of a 360-degree awareness system that integrates sensors, cameras and control units to detect and avoid obstacles.
This is able to synchronize multiple machines and check the status of processes.
Follow Me Mode sees the tractor follow the operator when they outside the cab, such as passing through gates or feeding cattle. Likewise, the Shadow Mode enables the operator to guide the machine by gestures from outside the cab – avoiding the need to climb in and out repeatedly.
With real-time Live View, farmers can oversee a fleet of these tractors via their mobile devices.
