The T6 Methane Power model is the latest addition to New Holland's T6 line of tractors and the company's next move toward a 100% carbon-neutral agricultural cycle. With a field-to-energy-generation-to-field cycle, this tractor will "close the loop" on energy production and usage.
Farmers can cultivate energy crops and use waste material or excrement to make biomethane fuel for the T6 Methane Power tractor. Livestock and dairy producers can extend this cycle by making biomethane from manure, which removes CO2 from the atmosphere and results in a carbon-negative footprint. Farmers may then employ the bio digestion by-products as natural fertilizers on their fields, thereby closing the energy loop.
"The T6.180 Methane Power is the result of The New Holland's pioneer efforts on using alternative fuels via our Clean Energy Leader strategy," says Michael Cornman, livestock and dairy segment manager for New Holland Agriculture North America. "It is a huge step forward on the route to the decarbonization of agriculture, and it is coming now since the construction of this sustainable tractor has reached the manufacturing phase." It will be commercially accessible to our consumers beginning with the 2022 season."
Tractor With High-Performance and Low Cost
The T6 Methane Power is powered by an all-new 6.7-liter engine designed particularly for agricultural applications by FPT Industrial. It has 145 hp rated engine horsepower and a maximum boosted engine speed of 175 hp.
Even with a new source of fuel, the T6 Methane Power tractor can match the power of its diesel counterparts while saving up to 30% on operational costs.
"It'll function the same way," said Bufford, New Holland's product marketing manager. "As a result, it will have the same power and torque as the diesel equivalent." The performance will be the same." The engine may also run on compressed natural gas, providing fuel versatility if biomethane is not readily accessible.
For exhaust after treatment, a straightforward, maintenance-free three-way catalyst is used, which eliminates any need for exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction components, and also diesel exhaust fluid.
The gas tank on the T6 Methane Power has a capacity of 49 gallons and is positioned in the same place as the tank on other T6 models. This retains visibility from the cab and imposes no access constraints. Fuel storage under the cab has been optimized, ensuring that current production tire size offerings and track width settings are maintained.
There are also other possibilities, such as mid-mount valves. The optional front-mounted range extender provides an extra 71 gallons of fuel capacity with a bolted joint to a port on the front of the tractor for prolonged times between fill-ups. The tractor also has gas connection points at the front and the back for additional fuel storage on trailers or implements.
A Closer Look at Cab
The semi-powershift transmission in the T6 cab allows for clutchless gear changes. Shifting is handled for you by the AutoShift transmission. Powershift buttons, as well as adjustments for front linkage and a turn sequence, are located on the multifunctional handle.
With a total of 63 square feet of glass, such as a glass roof panel, the tractor provides excellent all-around visibility. In addition to the previously 5 decibel-quieter engine, it boasts a low 69-decibel noise level. The drive is smooth and pleasant thanks to an optional cab suspension system that includes two rubber isolators at the front extremities of the cab and a sway bar with two spring-loaded shock absorbers at the rear. There are several seat configurations available to meet the amount of comfort you desire in the cab.
When will T6 Methane Power Tractor be Available in the Market?
In July, the T6 Methane Power tractor will be available for pre-order with limited availability. The tractors are scheduled to enter dealer lots in early 2023. The public debut will take place during the 2022 World Ag Expo, which will take place in Tulare, California, from February 8 to 10, 2022.
