Centre stage on the New Holland stand at Agritechnica was the T6.180 Methane Power tractor, the first methane-powered tractor set to go into production. The firm scooped ‘sustainable tractor of the year 2020’ for this tractor, which was unveiled at the show.

New Holland Recieved 'Sustainable Tractor of the Year 2020' award for its Methane Power Tractor.

According to New Holland, the methane-powered T6 has up to 30% lower running costs when compared to diesel. In the field the T6 Methane Power tractor produces 99% less particulate matter in comparison to the equivalent diesel tractor, while CO2 emissions are reduced by a minimum of 10% and overall emissions by 80%.

The T6 Methane Power is fitted with a 6.7L NEF 6-cylinder natural gas engine, with a maximum power of 180hp at 1800rpm and a maximum torque of 740Nm at 1500rpm. Units can be fuelled with either natural gas (CNG) or biomethane.

Two transmission options are available, a 17x16 Electro Command or a 32x32 Electro Command with a creeper option.

Similar to the diesel powered variant, the T6.180 Methane Power tractor has a max hydraulic flow of 113l per minute and a maximum rear lift capacity of 7,864kg. The overall weight of the tractor is 5,820kg, which is similar to its diesel counterpart.

The T6.180 Methane Power tractor.

New Holland T6.180 Methane Power tractor is teh result of the firm's pioneering work over the past number of years. New Holland has worked on the development of clean energy fuels as part of the Clean Energy Leader Strategy. Units will be commercially available in 2021.