New Holland’s new tractor runs on manure

As part of its Clean Energy Journey, New Holland has debuted its latest innovation – a methane LNG (liquefied natural gas) powered tractor that the company claims is a world first.

The tractor is based on the company’s T7 platform, and runs on liquefied methane as opposed to CNG (compressed natural gas) that powers New Holland’s T6 Methane Power tractor.

According to New Holland, the T7 Methane Power LNG tractor has a fourfold increase in fuel capacity compared to its T6 Methane Power CNG model currently on the market.

The T7 Methane Power LNG has a power output of 270hp and was unveiled as a pre-production prototype tractor at CNH Industrial’s Tech Day showcase in Arizona in December 2022.

Much like its earlier cousin, the T6 Methane Power CNG, the T7 Methane Power LNG tractor’s fuel source contains methane, which is one of the most harmful greenhouse gases. As part of New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader Strategy, first announced in 2006, the company has been exploring ways to make farming ‘greener’, including using alternative fuel sources such as biomethane to power its range of machinery.

With the livestock industry being one of the serial offenders of methane production, New Holland’s innovations provide a way for the industry to remove methane from the environment and reduce its carbon footprint.

For the T7 LNG project, New Holland teamed up with Bennamann, a UK-based expert in capturing and repurposing fugitive methane emissions for energy use.

New Holland methane tractor ready to roll

CNH debuts all-electric and semi-autonomous tractor prototype

First look: New Holland T7HD with PLMi in Australia

A tried-and-tested energy independent sustainable farm system sees collected livestock manure transferred to a covered slurry lagoon or tank, where the emitted fugitive methane (alongside other polluting gases) is captured, subsequently being purified and converted into liquefied methane using a processing unit. A liquification unit can simply be bolted on to an existing CNG processing unit for further flexibility.

Bennamann’s patented non-venting cryogenic storage tanks keep the methane as a liquid at -162°C, producing a new source of clean power for the T7 Methane Power LNG tractor.

Furthermore, this technology enables LNG to be transported, similar to diesel, to wherever it is required, meaning farms which do not have the ability to produce LNG on-site can still benefit from its advantages, as well as enabling flexible in-field refueling during intense operational windows.

The T7 Methane Power LNG has a patented active temperature-controlled fuel system that consist of a stainless-steel cryogenic tank that is molded to match its diesel counterparts, maximising space and effectively storing LNG within a working tractor.

The system has a self-supporting vacuum space that insulates the fuel within and reduces the tank’s thickness. Refueling is as easy as that of a diesel tractor. Once out in the field, the tanks’ active temperature control ensures that the engine runs smoothly, New Holland adds.

New Holland claims that when its prototype tractor is integrated within Bennamann’s on-farm liquid fugitive biomethane production process, it is possible for an operation’s overall carbon footprint to be ‘better than zero.’

New green fuel aside, New Holland’s T7 Methane Power LNG tractor also features some of the company’s latest design, engineering and technology.

It features a new ‘Clean Blue’ colour that reflects New Holland’s sustainable alternative fuels and the company’s new signature design style, complete with a reimagined bonnet with an illuminated leaf design.

Powerful LED taillights with incorporated signature leaf, a C-Pillar illuminated leaf and gloss black wheels with custom Clean Blue accents complete the look.

The cab incorporates a full length skydome roof for enhanced visibility and a greater sense of space. It also features all of New Holland’s latest tractor tech and controls including the SideWinder Ultra armrest, IntelliView 12 touchscreen and the CentreView fixed hub steering wheel mounted display for more intuitive operation.

The seats are ergonomic and stylish, featuring contrasting stripes and embroidered logos.

The T7 Methane Power LNG is also equipped with New Holland’s latest precision technology – PLM Intelligence – that enables the farmer to utilise auto-steer functions, analyse field data and stay wirelessly connected with key locations across the farm.

New Holland says the T7 Methane Power LNG’s debut at its Tech Day showcase is the first step towards serial production and commercialisation of the world’s first LNG tractor, though no timeframe has been set for that yet.