At Agritechnica 2023, New Holland Agriculture is not only presenting the next
development of its T7 tractor family, but at the same time is announcing the expansion
of the brand’s alternative fuels product portfolio.
The new T7.270 Methane Power CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tractor is
making its global debut at the international fair, taking New Holland’s alternative fuel
technology further up the power scale, and allowing a broader range of potential buyers
to benefit. With this new model, New Holland is adding a further important milestone to
the Clean Energy Leader strategy and places us one step closer to achieving the
ambitions of becoming a full liner brand in the alternative fuels range as well.
Based on the T7 with PLM Intelligence platform, with the latest Horizon Ultra cab, the
tractor features the proven NEF 6.7-litre methane-fueled engine already established in
the T6.180 Methane Power tractor, but with increased output to match the capabilities
and performance expected from a T7 model tractor. The engine’s peak torque is
1,160Nm, and it produces a maximum 270hp under all conditions. This a new engine
map, maximizing the performance that customers expect in this segment.
Greater productivity has been made possible by the New Holland design team’s efforts
to make full use of the T7’s larger chassis to maximise on-board gas storage.
With a figure of 1,265 litres (219kg on board) , the T7.270 CNG holds 178% more
fuel than the T6.180 Methane Power (455 litres/79kg). The result is a tractor that is not
only more powerful and capable of working with bigger implements, but can also
complete many more working hours between refuelling stops, considerably increasing
its productivity and range.
Because methane is a cleaner-burning fuel, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
system is not required, freeing up space for fuel storage. Furthermore, the T7.270 Methane Power CNG can be used with all methane and biomethane sourced from
livestock manure and slurry. It will make it the ideal solution for biodigester operators
often running a fleet of multiple haulage tractors. In addition, it is suited to the demands
of larger scale arable farms and contractors, and more complex commercial businesses
conducting year-round varied applications with heavy-duty implements. The
combination of methane power technology with proven New Holland T7 features is
designed to offer potential customers a blend of low operating costs, autonomy,
reliability and driver comfort.
The new T7.270 Methane Power CNG also features CVT - continuously variable
transmission, proving a smoother driving experience and a more efficient fuel
consumption. CVT makes this tractor particularly suitable for trailers weighing more than
18t, typically looking for this type of transmission and for more than 200hp.
While similar to the diesel-powered T7.270, the T7.270 Methane Power CNG differs in a
few areas. Beneath the cab the design is significantly different, with new cab supports
and the battery relocated to the left-hand side to free space for a larger gas tank. The
cab itself is the award-winning Horizon Ultra, the quietest in the industry, with
an interior noise level of just 66 decibels, minimizing operator fatigue and maximizing
comfort. The Horizon Ultra offers 8% more internal volume, providing more operator
room and storage space. Like other T7 models, the T7.270 Methane Power CNG benefits
from New Holland’s PLM Intelligence solutions, which integrate digital technologies
to allow two-way transfer of machine and field data between the tractor and the
MyPLM Connect online portal, allowing owners and managers to monitor machines, and
dealers – with permission – to provide remote support.
The new T7.270 Methane Power CNG on display at the New Holland booth at Agritechnica
2023 also features the New Holland Clean Blue color launched at CNH Industrial Tech
Day 2022.
Growth in the biogas sector – and why it is a perfect solution for tractor power
Data from the European Biogas Association show that biogas installations continue
to increase. There are now over 17,000 biogas plants in the EU, including more
than 11,000 in Germany, with France seeing the highest growth since 2017. The
potential for biogas is constantly increasing, particularly as many government policies
are moving subsidies away from crop-fed to waste-fed AD plants. Moreover, the same
European Biogas Association announced 18bln€ investments in biomethane plants
spread all around Europe, between now and 2030.
“We believe it is strategically important to invest in methane, and especially biomethane,
to offer buyers the best alternative fuels for the future,” says Carlo Lambro, Brand
President of New Holland Agriculture. “Demands for more power to make tractor operations more efficient continue to grow. New Holland’s approach is to fulfil these
demands while helping customers maximize profitability, matching this with the
requirement for an alternative to diesel to meet the need for sustainability in the sector.”
Oscar Baroncelli, New Holland Agriculture Head of Tractors and Telehandlers, says:
”Whether or not they have experienced a methane-powered tractor, we are confident
the T7.270 Methane Power CNG will meet the expectations of farmers and contractors
who need this size of tractor. We pioneered commercial production of this type of tractor
power with the T6.180 Methane Power. With that model now established and in
production at Basildon, the time is right to underline our commitment and add the
T7.270 Methane Power CNG, making this technology suitable for an even wider range of
uses.”
The first production T7.270 Methane Power CNG tractors are undergoing testing during
summer 2023, and units will be available to purchase in the second half of 2024.