- Next step in development of Methane Power tractor offering
- More than doubles autonomy of New Holland’s current methane model, T6.180 Methane Power
- New design approach will be adopted on future tractor ranges
New Holland’s T7 Methane Power LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tractor, another
significant step in the development of the brand’s Methane Power tractor offering, is to
be one of the highlights of the New Holland presence at Agritechnica 2023.
The tractor, currently a production intent prototype, was unveiled during CNH
Industrial’s Tech Day in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2022, and represents the
continued growth of New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader journey.
With the new tractor comes a new design approach that will be adopted on future
tractor ranges. It was created by CNH Industrial’s in-house design team, with a new
‘Clean Blue’ color and exterior features that match the brand’s new signature design
style and iconic leaf symbol, which can be seen in the reimagined bonnet, powerful LED
tail-lights and in the C-pillar. The cab incorporates a full length skydome roof for
enhanced visibility and a greater sense of space.
The new T7 Methane Power LNG was conceived to meet the increasing need for high
horsepower machines – in this case up to 270hp – that produce lower emissions and
offer reduced operating costs without compromising performance.
With its LNG power solution, New Holland will more than double the autonomy
capability of its current T6.180 Methane Power tractor while increasing overall farm
sustainability. This is because using liquefied methane delivers four times as much fuel
storage capacity when compared to compressed gas (CNG).
The T7 Methane Power LNG features a patented active temperature-controlled fuel
system. It incorporates a stainless-steel cryogenic tank that is shaped to match its
diesel counterpart, maximizing space and liquefied methane storage on board the
tractor. The system has a self-supporting vacuum space that insulates the fuel within,
enabling a reduced tank thickness. Once out in the field, the tank’s active temperature
control ensures the engine runs smoothly.
The T7 Methane Power LNG inherits the best features from New Holland’s PLM
Intelligence suite of solutions, which integrates digital technologies to deliver a
smart and connected agriculture, enabling customers to optimize input use and
maximize machine productivity to achieve the best possible crop performance. In
particular, PLM Intelligence enables farmers to easily command guidance programs,
analyze field data, and remain wirelessly connected with machine and field data thanks
to the MyPLM Connect Platform and advanced support initiatives. The tractor also comes
with New Holland’s advanced precision farming technology (PLM Intelligence) and PLM
Connect uptime support.
The T7 Methane Power LNG also inherits the ergonomic design benefits established on
other high horsepower New Holland tractors to provide the same intuitive operation. It
features the SideWinder™ Ultra armrest, the new larger customizable
IntelliView™ 12-inch touchscreen and the Unique CentreView™ fixed hub
steering wheel mounted display.
The New Holland and Bennamann solution for the T7 Methane Power LNG
Fuel for the T7 Methane Power LNG can be provided by liquefied biomethane sourced
from livestock manure and slurry, further extending the tractor’s sustainability
credentials. This solution integrates with the approach proposed by Bennamann, the UKbased
start-up partnering with New Holland - of which CNH Industrial took a majority
stake - which focuses on innovation around the collection, processing and storage of
fugitive methane, with the aim of unlocking circular economy benefits for customers and
delivering a local, clean energy revolution.