THE WORLD’S FIRST LNG TRACTOR

Our Tech Day was jam-packed with firsts. And one of those firsts that’s really got the world talking is the next alternative fuel offering from New Holland Agriculture – the T7 Methane Power LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) prototype tractor.

Of course, this isn’t the first methane-powered tractor to come from the brand. In 2021, production started on the T6 Methane Power, which runs on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas).

When compared to CNG, LNG brings double the autonomy and a fourfold increase in fuel capacity. It’s even more sustainable too – offering better than carbon neutral operations when powered by Liquefied Biomethane derived from livestock manure/slurry.

And this is all whilst delivering the same power and torque as a diesel tractor.

The T7 prototype is propelling New Holland to the next step of its Clean Energy journey. And it’s bringing even more advanced technological innovations to our loyal customers on the ground.

One Team

A diverse range of talented teams have worked hard to make this tractor a reality.

Based at the New Holland Alternative Fuels Center of Excellence in Basildon, UK, is the project’s platform team. Managed by Tom Kindred, Alternative Fuels Engineering and Program Lead, they’ve relished the opportunity to impact the future of agriculture.

“We’re working at the cutting-edge of technology. It’s what engineers love to do,” Tom said.

“On a deeper level, it feels great to be working on a project that is beneficial for society. It’s not just an incremental improvement on the previous tractor, it’s actually changing the way tractors are powered.”

“We feel like we’re part of the bigger picture. With the environmental benefits really having a concrete impact on the future of farming and reducing emissions.”

We feel like we’re part of the bigger picture. With the environmental benefits really having a concrete impact on the future of farming and reducing emissions
Tom Kindred, Alternative Fuels Engineering and Program Lead

Matt Holland, Product Engineer, also worked on the project. He commented:

“For me, the team collaboration is undoubtedly what has really made the project so much fun – and such a success. So it was fantastic to see the announcement at Tech Day unveiling the product to the world and to hear so many positive comments recognizing the work that we did. I’m very proud of what we have achieved so far and am looking forward to the next phase of the project.”

A winning partnership

To spearhead this latest development, we partnered with Bennamann, a UK-based technology start-up whose multi-patented approach converts fugitive methane from manure on farms to clean biofuel – offering an energy independent and sustainable farm system.

Here’s how it works: Livestock manure is transferred to a covered slurry lagoon or tank, where the emitted fugitive methane (alongside other polluting gases) is captured, purified and then converted into liquefied methane using a processing unit.

LNG has to be stored at -162°C. So once the tractor is out in the field, a patented active temperature-controlled fuel system – complete with cryogenic tank technology – ensures that everything runs smoothly.

T7 Methane Power LNG Sustainability Cycle

It’s when the T7 prototype is integrated within this process that the operation’s overall carbon footprint can be ‘better than zero.’

Reflecting on the partnership, Matt added:

“There have been lots of exciting technical challenges for us to get our teeth into so far. Most notable for me has been working on the design of the cryogenic fuel tank with Bennamann, which draws on some very cool technology that is used in the space industry.”

For me, the team collaboration is undoubtedly what has really made the project so much fun – and such a success. So it was fantastic to see the announcement at Tech Day unveiling the product to the world and to hear so many positive comments recognizing the work that we did. I’m very proud of what we have achieved so far and am looking forward to the next phase of the project
Matt Holland, Product Engineer

New ways to win for our customers

The T7 prototype slots into a system that is bringing new opportunities and revenue streams for farmers. These include: fuel production at a stable cost; sale of excess biomethane on the open market; generation of 100% natural fertilizer; and conversion of excess methane into electricity to power the farm or for export to a grid.

One farming couple have already been putting the T7 prototype through its paces – and reaping the benefits. Katie and Kevin Hoare run Trenance Farm in Cornwall, UK – the first in a council-backed multi-farm pilot project aiming to test out the system’s real-life functionality.

Katie and Kevin Hoare, Trenance Farm

Kevin said “We’ve had the methane tractor for six months now. We’ve used it around the farm for various jobs. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t think it was any different to a diesel tractor. There is no downside to it.”

And Katie was clear on the overall advantages:

“Environmentally, short term there are a lot of benefits. It has improved our soil health and grass growth. And long term there will be more gains to be had.”

“There are quite a few other dairy farms in the area that are very similar to us and if we can make it work, anyone can.”

For an even deeper dive into the new T7 Methane Power, watch the informational video below.