The award, decided by a jury panel of European farm equipment journalists, was announced at the recent EIMA exhibition in Bologna. It marks the second time the project has received the Sustainable Tractor of the Year award, with the concept model winning in 2019 while in its test phase. The T6 Methane Power Tractor has now entered full series production at New Holland’s Basildon plant and is undergoing practical testing by farmers across Europe.
Using biomethane, which can be generated from farm and food waste, helps decarbonise agriculture while complying with the latest European and US emissions standards and reducing operating expenses. Running costs are up to 30% lower, thanks to the use of sustainable, locally sourced biomethane.
“As we all move towards a zero carbon economy it is crucial to lower emissions across every industry sector. At Eminox we are proud to have been part of the New Holland T6 Methane Power Tractor project from the start and are delighted that it has now received this major award. Working closely with New Holland we were able to employ our extensive exhaust development expertise and experience to overcome the challenges of using sustainable methane as a fuel for the agricultural industry. It’s great to see the tractor now rolling off the production line, ready to provide a sustainable alternative to farmers across Europe.”
Dave Phillips, Engineering Director, Eminox.
According to New Holland, carbon monoxide emissions from the methane-powered T6.180 are 80% lower than the limits allowed under EU Stage V emissions rules, with the level of non-methane hydrocarbons reduced by 90%. Particulate matter is down by 98%, nitrous oxide by 62%, and CO2 by 11%. At the same time the T6.180 Methane Power has the same 175hp maximum power output with boost as its diesel-powered equivalent and produces maximum torque of 740Nm.
“We are very proud of receiving the title Sustainable Tractor of the Year Award again but for our production tractor. This is the culmination of New Holland’s pioneering work on the use of alternative fuels through our Clean Energy Leader strategy, and it is a significant step forward on the path to decarbonising agriculture. This award is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the development of the T6.180 Methane Power tractor series, from our engineering teams to the whole Basildon plant team.”
Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President.
The project is a further demonstration of Eminox’s EATS expertise, creating a solution for a methane powered engine that requires high levels of mechanical durability to cope with agricultural terrains and hot gas temperatures from the engine. New Holland and Eminox engineers collaborated throughout the design and development process, sharing their knowledge of off-road applications and the related arduous duty cycles to develop a world class exhaust after treatment system compliant with EU Stage V requirements.
