The T7 Methane Power Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tractor, the T4 Electric Power tractor and new autonomy systems were displayed at the CNH Industrial Tech Day event, held in Phoenix, Arizona earlier this week.
The two-day event was organised by CNH Industrial to demonstrate the progress the company has made in precision technology and New Holland's Road to Carbon Neutral Farming project which aims to provide machines running on non-diesel fuels while working on various approaches to reduce farming's carbon footprint.
The T7 Methane Power LNG tractor is the world's first LNG tractor. New Holland says with its LNG power solution, it will more than double the autonomy of its current methane products due to liquefied methane delivering four times as much fuel storage capacity when compared to using compressed gas (CNG).
With a 201kW (270hp) model, the T7 Methane Power LNG delivers the same power and torque as the equivalent diesel tractor.
Carlo Lambro, brand president New Holland Agriculture, said: "This prototype shows the world that our commitment to sustainability is here to stay. We believe the best solution currently available on the market to lower emissions and costs is natural gas - especially biomethane.
"This premiere complements New Holland's existing T6 Methane Power and CNH Industrial's wider alternative power portfolio."
The T7 Methane Power LNG features a patented active temperature-controlled fuel system. It incorporates a stainless-steel cryogenic tank that is moulded to match its diesel counterpart, maximising space and effectively storing liquified methane on board the tractor.
The system has a self-supporting vacuum space that insulates the fuel within and reduces the tank's thickness. Once out in the field, the tanks' active temperature control ensures that the engine runs smoothly.
The T7 Methane Power LNG can be powered by Liquefied Biomethane sourced from livestock manure and slurry.
The second major innovation unveiled at the event is the industry's first all-electric utility tractor prototype with autonomous features - the T4 Electric Power - developed by CNH Industrial's team of experts in the USA and Italy with the collaboration of Monarch Tractor.
The tractor's battery offers run times of up to one full day of use, and it can be recharged in just one hour with fast charging systems. The machine can also be used as a backup power source for other devices and machines, or to provide energy for implements.
