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.
New Holland Agriculture has updated the TD4F series orchard tractors to meet stage IIIB emissions regulations.
But they retain the compact dimensions of their predecessors – important in narrow orchards and vineyards where tight canopies limit available space.
Engine power has been increased to 75, 85 and 99hp for the ranges’ three models, from a new 4-cylinder, 3.4L F5C intercooled engine from FPT Industrial; this meets stage IIIB emission standards with an after-treatment diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).
This regeneration-free solution is said to achieve a cleaner environment for grapes and fruit crops, lower maintenance costs, while service intervals remain at 600 hours, keeping operating costs down.
The new model has the same hood height as its predecessor, achieved by mounting the diesel oxidation catalyst unit vertically to minimise the space it takes up under the hood.
The overall length and wheelbase of the new tractor is unchanged from the previous range.
A new front ballast provides up to 270kg front weight capability, allowing the tractor to operate heavy rear implements.
The operator station has a new rear dashboard, new switches and a new instrument cluster, said to improve ease of use and readability.
For the TD4F, a choice of three different transmissions allows users to optimise productivity and versatility.
At the top of the range, a power shuttle transmission offers smooth and modulated shift between forward and reverse, while the 20x12 creep speed transmission is offered in mechanical syncro shuttle configuration, alongside the standard 12x12 version.
The hydraulic system comprises separate power steering and hydraulic pumps or optionally a 64L/min high capacity MegaFlow pump. Mid-mount valves can be specified for high-demand applications.
Lift-O-Matic rear linkage control enables the operator to raise and lower implements to a pre-set position using a single button.
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

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