New Holland T7 methane tractor lauded

New Holland’s innovative T7 Methane Power LNG tractor has received some glowing praise on the world stage, with the powerful but far-cleaner-running unit making an appearance on TIME’s coveted Best Invention List.

The first and latest model in New Holland’s Methane Power tractor offering, the T7 is powered by LNG (Liquified Natural Gas), specifically liquified methane gas, which offers four times as much storage capacity as compressed gas (CNG).

The methane itself can also be sourced from livestock waste slurry lagoons, before being converted to fuel-grade LNG through a patented cryogenic process.

The tractor is as powerful as a conventionally powered diesel tractor, producing 270hp, yet the T7 produces 80 per cent less carbon monoxide emissions, 90 per cent less non-methane hydrocarbons, 98 per cent less particulate matter, and 62 per cent less nitrous oxide. When fueled by captured and processed bioLNG, the T7 can reduce CO2 emissions by 878 tons per year, New Holland says.

Naturally, it’s also a high-tech tractor in many other respects, boasting automation features with easy guidance programs.

The TIME Best Invention List is curated each year by TIME editors seeking to recognize the world’s most impactful new ideas across numerous fields, from beauty and entertainment to health care, technology, and more. In recent years, the parameters have expanded to include important emerging fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability, electric vehicles, green energy, and the metaverse.

According to New Holland’s Brand President, Carlo Lambro, the recognition shines additional light on a product that can do so much to speed the shift towards sustainable agriculture.

“It’s an honour to receive such a prestigious recognition from TIME, a publication with an esteemed legacy in journalism,” he said.

“The Mention reflects the long commitment New Holland has in sustainability and our role of leadership in the agricultural sector. This award is a milestone for the company, so congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to achieve such incredible results.”

New Holland says its T7 Methane Power LNG tractor has been pressed into service across multiple continents, with prototypes being tested and developed to deliver the very best experience and performance for farmers around the globe.