Continuing with its drive to produce a more sustainably powered tractor, New Holland Agriculture is making the final few tweaks to its T6 methane power tractor before delivering vehicles to new owners in the UK and other European countries.
The initial production unit of the T6 methane power tractor, the world’s first 100% methane powered production tractor, was presented at the Agritechnica show in 2019 and now targets full commercial availability in 2021.
Multiple methane refilling sources
Farmers can use agricultural or animal waste (as well as specifically-grown energy crops), to generate biomethane, which powers the T6. Alternatively, refilling can be performed directly from the gas grid network or at specific biomethane stations.
Field trials are in the final stages and by the first half of 2021 production units will be delivered to selected customers in Germany, France, Italy, the UK and the Benelux, which are all key markets for the T6 tractor where biogas production is advanced.
The methane powered tractor will enter the New Holland range by the end of the year, and be available to all customers in Europe and other markets across the world.
Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President, said: “We have pioneered sustainable, innovative solutions for some 14 years.
“We developed the Energy-Independent Farm model, showing how a closed-loop between agricultural production and energy generation can make farming CO2-neutral, or even carbon negative, with significant benefits for our customers. This year we are taking a further step into turning this into a reality, as our methane-powered tractor enters the New Holland range.”
CO2-free wine production – a new bio-methane tractor in vineyards
A clean energy leader, New Holland continues to extend its scope to explore new areas of innovation through partnerships. The first one is with Italian Barolo wine producer Fontanafredda, in a project that aims to achieve carbon-free vineyard operations.
New Holland and FPT Industrial are testing a new bio-methane tractor in their vineyards derived from a standard New Holland TK model. It is powered by the new FPT Industrial F28 engine, crowned Diesel of the Year in 2020.
The tractor tested in the Fontanafredda vineyards is powered on bio-methane, with the aim of accomplishing the first CO2-free wine production, an important step towards the decarbonisation of the grape growing chain.
In another partnership, New Holland has developed with Italian implements producer Nobili an innovative concept for the electrification of implements for vineyards and orchards.
It combines the New Holland T4.110V with an e-Source external generator compliant with AEF High Voltage guidelines. In an industry first, the generator driven by the tractor’s PTO is the only source of energy powering the new e-Sprayer and e-Mulcher.
This innovation was recognised with the Technical Innovation 2020/21 Award at EIMA International.
