At the recent Farm Progress Show, New Holland Agriculture revealed a methane-powered concept tractor that offers a new design with a “connected future.”

Specifically, New Holland Agriculture says its methane-powered concept tractor would have the performance and durability of a diesel equivalent tractor with up to a 30 percent running cost savings.

“It combines alternative fuels and advanced agricultural technology to create a vital link that closes the loop in the Energy Independent Farm’s virtuous cycle by running on the energy produced from the land and waste products,” the company says.

The new methane-powered concept tractor builds on earlier company T6 Methane Power prototypes to achieve technological advances. The company says the methane-powered tractor’s powertrain uses groundbreaking efficient combustion technology specifically developed for agriculture applications by FPT Industrial.

Six-cylinder engine

New Holland Agriculture says the six-cylinder NEF methane engine delivers 180 horsepower and 740 Nm - the same power and torque as its standard diesel equivalent with the same durability and service intervals.

The innovative tank design (a composite layered tubular structure) provides a full day’s autonomy in line with an equivalent diesel model. 

The company says the concept tractor’s powertrain is quieter with the engine noise level reduced by up to 3 dBA. This means roughly a 50 percent reduction in drive-by-noise which makes it ideal for municipality, yard, and transport operations. 

Emission reductions

In real field conditions, New Holland Agriculture says the concept tractor produces at least 10 percent fewer CO2 emissions and reduces overall emissions by 80 percent compared to a standard diesel tractor.

The tractor’s environmental performance further improves when fueled by bio methane produced from crop residues and waste from farm-grown energy crops which results in virtually zero CO2 emissions. 

Cab interior

The cab interior is a clutter free environment with essential controls on the integrated armrest and additional controls on the interactive headliner display.

The fixed hub steering wheel-mounted display cluster moves with the steering wheel when raised or lowered to meet the needs of the individual operator, providing optimum visibility of the display information. 

Energy independent farm

The brand ‘imagines the farm of the future’ as completely energy independent - growing not only food but the materials to generate energy to operate the farm, power tractors, and other machinery.

New Holland Agriculture says, “The new methane-powered concept tractor is the latest development in New Holland’s pursuit of sustainable and efficient technology through innovation.”

According to the company, it’s been pushing the boundaries of innovation in clean energy solutions for 10-plus years through its “Clean Energy Leader” strategy.

Watch the concept tractor YouTube video