Methane as fuel
New Holland rewrites tractor design
At the Farm Progress Show in the United States, New Holland is showing a new concept tractor that uses methane instead of diesel. This shows that the company continues to use alternative fuels for tractors. An ambition in which a lot of development has been put into it for years. The design is bold to say the least.
New Holland first showed a methane tractor in 2013. Before that, a standard T6.140 model was used. Most notable are the 2 large gas tanks along the cab pillars. This spring he was even on trial in the Netherlands. We don't just talk about an idea. The tractor builder has serious plans to prepare the technology for practical use.
In 2006 it introduced a biodiesel tractor and in 2009 a hydrogen tractor was shown. The brand still haunts that road. Another new concept was shown at the last Agritechnica show.
30
percent
Lower costs
The newest methane puller, which New Holland is showing at this week's Farm Progress Show, is moving towards a concept car. A T6.180 was used as the basis, but little is recognizable. The dashboard has been stripped from the cabin and replaced with a Tesla screen. Various screens can be seen in the eaves. "The 180 hp engine delivers the same power as the standard version, but is cheaper in cost," says director Carlo Lambro. "It closes the loop by using a fuel that can be generated on the farm from energy crops, waste products and manure."
CO2 neutral farm
According to the manufacturer, the costs per operating hour are 30% lower than with a standard diesel model. Power and torque (180 hp with 740 Nm) are the same. The CO2 emissions are 10% lower when working in the field. The total emission is 80% lower compared to a diesel.
The idea is that companies with a methane tractor will ultimately work in a CO2-neutral way. The gas is generated by means of a biogas installation. In addition to installation, equipment is required to refine the gas so that it can be used in the tractor.
More attention to design
In its own words, CNH, the parent company of New Holland, is at the forefront of the search for alternative fuels. The FPT Industrial engine branch has already built 30.000 gas engines. Apart from a new engine, a lot of thought has gone into the design. No more shuttered windows, but a view of the 'tractor of the future'. In addition to being clean, it must also be efficient and comfortable.
Apart from the futuristic design, it is noticeable that the gas tanks along the cabin have disappeared. At the front is a tank, along with 2 tanks to the left and right of the cabin. You fill the tanks just like you are used to with diesel with 1 filling point. The compressed gas is injected under high pressure. A new type of tanks were used for this, manufactured from composite. New Holland claims that you can work a day on 1 tank tank. The filling time is equal to diesel fuel.
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Filling is just as fast as you are used to from a diesel. There are 3 tanks built from a new kind of material. The gas is stored under high pressure.
Tesla and Star Trek
New Holland shows the tractor in a video. This shows that precision agriculture is integrated. "Some elements of autonomous tractor control have been added," the video states. The tractor detects obstacles when working on GPS. It also talks about the most advanced cabin ever that offers more space, is more comfortable and is connected to your office, internet and smartphone. The 4 screens are a mix of Tesla and Star Trek. With your smartphone you can close or open the tractor and operate the hitch.
The domed roof, with 360-degree glass all around, is unique according to New Holland. The glass area is 20% more than with a standard tractor. Mirrors are missing. A 360-degree camera in the roof edge takes over that task, including a rear-view camera. The system can also handle wireless cameras on the implement. LED lighting is integrated throughout. Quite special that the brand pays so much attention to the cabin, while last year autonomous technology was the spearhead of the FPS.
In the Netherlands too?
The brand does not yet say when the tractor will be on the market. It has now built 3 methane tractors, which are being tested in practice. There is also no mention of costs. It is still too much of a concept for that, but one that CNH strongly believes in. The question is how interesting it is for the Netherlands. Companies with their own biogas installations are few and far between. In that respect, home country Italy and especially Germany are more suitable for this development.
Is this the tractor of the future? A dome cabin with glass everywhere, 4 screens and smartphone control. A lot of care has gone into the comfort of the driver and the controls.
Niels van der Boom
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