New Holland says it is driving forward its Clean Energy Leader strategy, consolidating its position in alternative fuels and extending its scope into the specialty sector, it revealed at a recent press conference.
Carlo Lambro, New Holland brand president, says: “We have pioneered sustainable solutions for 14 years and have developed the Energy Independent Farm model, showing how a closed-loop between agricultural production and energy generation can make farming CO2-neutral, or even carbon negative. This year we are taking a further step into turning this into a reality, as our methane-powered tractor enters the New Holland range.”
The first production unit of the T6 Methane Power tractor, a cornerstone of the manufacturer’s Energy Independent Farm concept, was presented at the German Agritechnica show in 2019 and now targets full commercial availability in 2021.
The manufacturer says field trials are in the final stages and by the first half of the year production units will be delivered to selected customers in Germany, France, Italy, the UK and the Benelux, all key markets for the T6 tractor where biogas production is advanced.
The Methane Powered tractor will enter the firm’s range by the end of the year and will be available to all customers in Europe and other markets across the world.
In addition, the firm says it is continuing to explore other alternative fuel sectors and has partnered with two companies.
The first one is with Italian Barolo wine producer Fontanafredda, in a project that aims to achieve carbon-free vineyard operations. New Holland and FPT Industrial are testing in its vineyards a new bio-methane tractor derived from a standard New Holland TK model.
The tractor tested in the Fontanafredda vineyards is powered by the new FPT Industrial F28 engine, running on bio-methane, with the aim of accomplishing the first CO2-free wine production. This is an important step towards the decarbonisation of the grape growing chain, says the manufacturer.
In another partnership, the tractor manufacturer has developed with Italian implements producer Nobili a concept for the electrification of implements for vineyards and orchards. It combines the New Holland T4.110V with an e-Source external generator compliant with AEF High Voltage guidelines.
The generator driven by the tractor’s pto is the only source of energy powering the new e-Sprayer and e-Mulcher and was recognised with the Technical Innovation 2020/21 Award at the EIMA International show.