Emissions control specialist delivers exhaust aftertreatment expertise to first New Holland vehicle

Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK, 2 October 2019: The Low Carbon Tractor project (LoCT) has unveiled the first pre-development of its biomethane-powered tractors, which feature emissions technology and expertise from Eminox.

The New Holland Low Carbon Tractor was created by a consortium led by global capital goods company CNH Industrial, together with its agricultural brand, New Holland, and powertrain brand, FPT Industrial. The group includes emissions control specialist Eminox, along with thermal management and ceramic coating specialist Zircotec and engineering consultant Ricardo.

LoCT aims to develop a commercially viable, sustainable tractor that operates on biomethane, which can be generated from farm and food waste, while complying with the latest European and US emissions standards. This will play a part in the development of a carbon-neutral agricultural supply chain, as well as reduce operational costs. It has been partly funded by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The New Holland LoCT project was shown at the Low Carbon Vehicle Event 2019, held in September.

Eminox is contributing its 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATSs) to the project. This is enabling LoCT to overcome the technical challenges around creating an EATS that fits into a very limited space envelope, and copes with high-exhaust gas temperatures and variable fuel quality, while still meeting emissions standards. Eminox also has extensive experience, which it has developed working with CNH Industrial on heavy-duty application of gas engines in commercial vehicles.

“The success of the Low Carbon Tractor project is testament to the innovation, skills and experience of all the partners involved, as well as CNH Industrial’s vision of helping create more sustainable farming,”

“Ensuring that these tractors meet stringent emissions regulations is a key factor in project success. Our expertise in designing and manufacturing exhaust aftertreatment systems has enabled us to create a solution that deals with the tough space and heat constraints of the vehicle environment.”

Francesco Beltritti, head of business development for Eminox.

Eminox’s EATS uses a three-way gas catalyst. Its engineers have focused on optimising exhaust gas flow, in conjunction with catalyst formulation. The extremely challenging space constraints for the exhaust aftertreatment system were heightened by LoCT needing specialist gas tanks to store the fuel at the required pressure and maintain the range of the tractor.

“The LoCT project fits within New Holland’s pioneering work in the use of alternative fuels in agriculture. In collaboration with our partners, we aim to develop a commercially viable tractor that can operate on sustainable, locally sourced biomethane,”

“This is the vital link that closes the virtuous cycle of the Energy Independent Farm SM, which sees farmers producing fuel from waste products, taking sustainability all the way to possible carbon neutrality. APC funding is critical to ensuring the commercialisation of a truly sustainable low carbon and fully practical tractor in the UK, as it is enabling us to take an earlier innovation further towards a fully commercial solution.”

Sean Lennon, New Holland’s head of tractor product management.

Within the project consortium, Zircotec is providing its expertise by managing the heat generated by the gas engines in tractors. Ricardo is delivering engineering support by integrating the gas engine, fuel tanks, exhaust system and associated parts into the current New Holland agricultural tractor offering.

For more information on Eminox, please visit eminox.com or call +44 (0)1427 810088