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New Holland methane tractor available this year

The first-production T7.270 Methane Power CNG – compressed natural gas – tractors underwent testing during summer 2023, and units will be available to purchase in the second half of 2024.

Produced at New Holland’s Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence in Basildon in the UK, this is a new addition to New Holland’s alternative-fuel tractor portfolio and features the NEF 6.7L methane-fuelled engine already established in the T6.180 Methane Power tractor, but with increased output to match the capabilities and performance expected from a T7 model tractor, according to the company. The engine’s peak torque is 1,160Nm, and it produces a maximum 270hp under all conditions. The New Holland design team’s efforts have made full use of the T7’s larger chassis to maximise on-board gas storage.
With a figure of 1,265L (219kg on board), the T7.270 CNG holds 178 per cent more fuel than the T6.180 Methane Power (455L/79kg). The renders the tractor more powerful and capable of working with bigger implements, but it can also complete many more working hours between refuelling stops, considerably increasing its productivity and range. Because methane is a cleaner-burning fuel, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system is not required, freeing up space for fuel storage. The T7.270 Methane Power CNG can be used with all methane and biomethane sourced from livestock manure and slurry. It will make it the ideal solution for biodigester operators often running a fleet of multiple haulage tractors, according to New Holland. In addition, it is also suited to the demands of larger-scale arable farms and contractors, and more complex commercial businesses conducting year-round varied applications with heavy-duty implements. The combination of methane power technology with proven New Holland T7 features is designed to offer potential customers a blend of low operating costs, autonomy, reliability and driver comfort.
The new T7.270 Methane Power CNG also features CVT – continuously variable transmission – which creates a smoother driving experience and a more efficient fuel consumption. CVT makes this tractor particularly suitable for trailers weighing more than 18t, typically looking for this type of transmission and for more than 200hp. 

New Holland’s T4 Electric Power utility tractor made its European public debut at Agritechnica 2023, offering an all-electric utility tractor. This battery electric vehicle (BEV) is the first zero-emission light-utility tractor with no internal combustion engine. The T4 Electric Power joins the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG and T6 Methane Power tractors building a full liner portfolio of zero carbon tractor solutions.