With an eye on those who want to create energy independent farms, New Holland introduced its methane-powered T6 model at Agritechnica.
As Dominic Hesse, of New Holland, explains, the T6 is the size and type of tractor that would likely be used on a dairy that could support a methane digester and scrubber to close the energy loop.
The 6-cylinder, 6.7 litre engine delivers decent power, without all the emissions restrictions and extra fluids required of Tier 4 and Tier 5 rated tractors.
“The diesel is a little bit different type of power, and the torque you have at the beginning of the rpms…is a little bit less than on the diesel, but the system itself is easier than on a diesel powered engine, because you don’t have the filters, you don’t have…the Tier 4 regulations — this is completely out of this engine, you don’t need it.”
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The methane powered tractor costs a little more than a diesel model, but operates at up to 30 per cent lower operating costs, New Holland says. In real field conditions, the T6 Methane Power tractor produces 99% less particulate matter than an equivalent diesel, and reduces CO2 emissions by minimum 10 per cent and overall emissions by 80 per cent, the company says.
“This tractor here behind us is completely running, and we will sell it in Germany by the end of 2020,” Hesse says.
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