CNH Industrial unveils prototype New Holland LNG tractor

New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG tractor (Photo: CNH Industrial)

CNH Industrial has unveiled its T7 Methane Power tractor. The prototype, which uses an FPT Industrial NEF six-cylinder engine, is billed as the world’s first liquified natural gas (LNG) model. Fitted with a single, three-way catalytic converter, the engine has no need for a DPF or SCR hardware.

Compared to the T6 Methane Power, which uses compressed natural gas (CNG), the T7 is said to offer more than four times the fuel capacity.

The engine in the T7 Methane Power produces 270 hp, the same output as a comparable diesel model. This is said to deliver the same operating hours as a diesel version, without any additional fuel tanks. The fuel tanks, which are similar in size to diesel equivalents, have a self-supporting vacuum space to insulate the fuel and reduce wall thickness.

In addition to a selection of connectivity technologies, the prototype has a series of exterior features unique to the model, including LED tail lights and gloss black wheels. The New Holland ‘leaf’ motif features across the vehicle.

The T7 was developed in partnership with Bennamann, a UK-based company which focuses on the capture and repurposing of methane emissions for energy applications. CNH International holds a minority stake in the company.

The tech developed by the UK firm captures methane from farm waste and converts the product to liquified fugitive methane. A ‘better than zero carbon’ biofuel, the strategy can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of dairy farms.

A patented non-venting cryogenic tank stores the methane at -162ᵒC. The LNG can directly fuel the T7, or it can be transported to where the fuel is required.

The CO2 reduction for a farm with 120 cows is equivalent to about 100 European households.