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.
Combine harvestors don't come more productive than the new CR series from New Holland.
The 2016 CR models are based on a twin rotor system that first saw the light in 1975 in the TR 70 model. However, it differs from conventional harvester layout in having no drum, concave or straw walkers.
The crop is delivered via a horizontal beater into two longitudinal rotors up to 22 inches diameter that spin within a series of grates for threshing, before delivering the threshed straw onto a straw flow beater at the rear.
This simplified layout results in higher outputs, and the 'forced' threshing works particularly well in damp climates such as New Zealand and the UK, also protecting the straw quality for future use.
After the grain is separated by the twin rotors it passes to the grain pan with conventional upper and lower opposed sieves for final cleaning. The cleaning fans use adjustable vanes for precise control and the addition of the Opti-Fan system automatically compensates for the position of the machine on uphill or downhill slopes by decreasing or increasing fan speeds in each situation.
From the grain preparation area, the crop is passed to the 14,500L holding tank that can unload into trucks and trailers at up to 142L/sec via a 10m folding unloading auger
While the TR 70 of 40 years ago developed a modest 168hp, today's CR models are powered by Tier 4A and 4B engines of 490-652hp. It also uses the latest Ad-Blue/SCR technology to gain extremely efficient fuel usage and low emissions. Tank capacities are up to 1300L on the largest machines.
At the business end, header widths of up to 12.5m are available, with auto cutting height and reel height control, and the option of retractable knife positioning makes these giants suitable for harvesting all types of crop. Performance can be enhanced further by fitting the SmartTrax rubber track and TerraGlide suspension systems, standard on the CR 10.90, which improve traction and ride, and reduce overall width.
The new Harvest Suite cab has 3.7 cu m volume -- roomy and redesigned with operator comfort and ergonomics in mind. Seat finish ranges from humble cloth to luxurious leather with auto weight adjustment. The window glass slopes down below floor level at the front to aid header visibility.
Other cab features: a new CommandGrip multi-function control lever for all main functions, a new control console for important displays and 26.4 cm Intelliview touch screen monitor for machine setup.
Lighting options include HID and LED for immediate illumination around the machine and long range function up to 500m ahead.
