New Holland T7 Methane Tractor

The New Holland T7 Methane Tractor: A Leap Towards Sustainable Agriculture

New Holland – December 8, 2022

New Holland has unveiled the T7 Methane Power LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tractor as a pre-production concept, showcasing a significant advancement in agricultural technology. This innovative tractor promises to more than double the operational range compared to designs powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), all while fostering enhanced farm sustainability. Compared to the T6 Methane Power CNG model, the T7 boasts a fourfold increase in fuel capacity. Liquefied Natural Gas is also pivotal in expanding CNH Industrial’s broader strategy for future natural gas powered equipment, particularly for larger, more demanding agricultural and construction applications.

The T7 Methane Power LNG pre-production tractor delivers unmatched performance within the realm of alternative fuel machinery. Its 270 horsepower engine provides comparable power and torque to traditional diesel tractors, while achieving extended operational autonomy without the need for supplementary fuel tanks. Furthermore, when powered by Liquefied Biomethane derived from livestock manure or slurry, this tractor operates with a carbon footprint that surpasses neutrality.

Bennamann: A Synergistic Partnership Driving Scalable Solutions

CNH Industrial actively seeks collaborations with pioneering and disruptive industry players to expedite the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. To spearhead this latest development, we forged a partnership with Bennamann, a UK-based specialist in capturing and repurposing previously wasted methane emissions into a valuable energy source. This collaboration began in March 2021, with CNH Industrial acquiring a minority stake in Bennamann Ltd., the company’s research, development, engineering, and manufacturing division. We became their exclusive strategic agricultural technology partner, and this cooperation has rapidly yielded tangible benefits for both our customers and the environment.

Bennamann’s patented methodology prevents methane release into the atmosphere—methane is demonstrably more than 80 times more detrimental to global warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period—by converting it into Liquefied Fugitive Methane (LFM) for use as a fuel source that far exceeds carbon neutrality. This solution has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a typical dairy farm by preventing methane emissions from slurry lagoons and tanks, alongside providing a host of additional benefits. These include diminished reliance on carbon-intensive chemical fertilizers, a reduced need for fossil fuels in tractors, electricity generation, and heating, and a lessening of the demand for slurry spreading. The carbon reduction achieved on a 120-cow farm could be equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 100 western households.

Operational Mechanics: A Proven Energy-Independent System This sustainable farm system revolves around collected livestock manure being transferred to covered slurry lagoons or tanks. The fugitive methane emitted alongside other gases is then captured, purified, and transformed into liquefied methane using a processing unit. A liquefaction unit can be easily integrated into existing CNG processing units, offering increased flexibility—ideal for farms already generating biomethane.

Bennamann’s patented cryogenic storage tanks, functioning without venting, maintain the methane in a liquid state at -162°C (-260°F), creating a novel, clean energy source for the T7 Methane Power LNG tractor. This technology also facilitates LNG transport, mirroring diesel logistics, allowing farms unable to produce LNG onsite to still enjoy its advantages, as well as enabling convenient in-field refueling during peak operational periods.

When this prototype tractor is incorporated into Bennamann’s on-farm liquid fugitive biomethane production system, overall carbon footprint can be reduced to a level below zero. The tractor’s operational environment also benefits from a substantial reduction in noise pollution, making it well-suited for tasks near livestock or within urban settings.

As a consequence, the combined expertise and resources of CNH Industrial and Bennamann empower farmers worldwide to seamlessly integrate this scalable and affordable Energy Independent system into their operations. This also opens up new opportunities and revenue streams, including: stable fuel production costs, the potential to sell excess biomethane on the open market, the generation of 100% natural fertilizer, and the conversion of surplus methane into electricity for export or local consumption. The potential for electricity generation is particularly noteworthy, providing power for electric vehicles and farm operations, and unlocking expansion opportunities in rural areas with limited electric power access.

T7 Methane Power LNG: Ingenious Design, Productivity and Technological Advancement

The T7 Methane Power LNG pre-production tractor exemplifies CNH Industrial’s “Breaking New Ground” initiative, demonstrating a world-first solution that enables farmers to become more sustainable, energy independent, and productive, all while improving their profitability.

Beyond its energy efficiency and impressive environmental credentials, this machine incorporates bold and forward-thinking enhancements that seamlessly blend robust engineering with innovative technology.

A captivating aesthetic, conceived by CNH Industrial’s in-house Design Team, presents a tractor that anticipates future trends, featuring a new ‘Clean Blue’ accent that highlights sustainable alternative fuels. The redesigned exterior aligns with the Brand’s new signature design style, most notably in the reimagined bonnet, adorned with the illuminated New Holland leaf logo. The exterior is completed by powerful LED taillights, a C-Pillar illuminated leaf, and gloss black wheels with custom Clean Blue accents. The cab features a full-length skydome roof for enhanced visibility and a spacious feel. The innovative SideWinder™ Ultra armrest, new larger IntelliView™ 12 touchscreen, and the CentreView™ fixed hub steering wheel mounted display create an intuitive work experience, while the ergonomically shaped seats in leather and Alcantara, accented with contrasting stripes and embroidered logos, offer both comfort and sporty appeal.

The patented active temperature-controlled fuel system, developed for this pre-production tractor, incorporates a stainless-steel cryogenic tank that is expertly molded to match its diesel counterparts, maximizing space and efficiently storing LNG within a working tractor. The system features a self-supporting vacuum space that insulates the fuel and reduces tank thickness. Refueling is as simple as that of a diesel tractor. Once in the field, the tank’s active temperature control ensures smooth engine operation.

Equipped with New Holland’s latest precision technology—PLM Intelligence—this prototype, like New Holland’s full production fleet, enables farmers to easily manage cutting-edge guidance programs, analyze all field data, and stay wirelessly connected with both the field and key locations across the farm. These crucial features further enhance productivity and sustainability, giving customers complete control over their operations and the ability to make informed, data-driven decisions.

All the advanced technology in the T7 Methane Power LNG has been thoroughly tested on a variety of farms across diverse applications. This launch marks the first step towards serial production and the commercialization of the world’s first LNG tractor, complementing New Holland’s existing T6 Methane Power and CNH Industrial’s wider alternative power portfolio.