4 Things you need to know about the New Holland T6.180 Methane Powered tractor
Like in the motoring industry, the agricultural industry is pushing for the development of alternative forms of propulsion. While the automotive sector has turned to electric solutions, the agricultural sector seems to be developing more technologies. Electric tractors are making their way into the market however methane also seems to be a viable solution. The New Holland T6.180 won the sustainable energy class in the recent TOTY competition. Here is what you need to know.
What is the New Holland T6.180?
The New Holland T6 Methane power represents a step forward to a more sustainable farming future. It is the first commercially produced tractor of this kind. This tractor reduces fuel costs together with a significant drop of pollution and co2 emissions. New Holland has carried through the commitment it made in 2006 to becoming the tractor sector’s Clean Energy Leader.
What about power?
This tractor uses the same six-cylinder, 6.75-litre unit which is used in a conventional diesel-powered T6.180. A benefit of this tractor however is that it develops the same amount of power as its diesel powered counterparts but with a 30% lower running cost. This tractor develops 130kW of power and a maximum torque of 740Nm.
It also produces 99% less particulate matter, reducing co2 emissions by around 10% and overall emissions by around 80%. The cylinder head is however very different, with gas injectors and spark plugs in place of the diesel injector. The gas is injected into each cylinder, resulting in constant, clean and maximized combustion. With 453 liters of gas capacity, equating to 79kgs, the tractor holds sufficient fuel for around eight hours of road haulage or PTO work, rising to 14 hours for operating something like a cattle feeder.
Cabin comfort
Designers took the decision to make sure that this tractor feels and functions like any other New Holland offering. The cabin is not that different to other models in the line-up. This means that controls and practicality remain the same. The cabin is spacious with easy view points all around. This improves visibility, as does the control display, mounted in easy reach of the driver. All the controls are identical to that offered by other T6 models so an upgrade will be easy and efficient for operators.
Lift capacity
Standard lift capacity at the three-point hitch is 3800 kilograms for Value tractors and 4180 kilograms for T6 Plus and Elite tractors. The top spec models fitted with Dynamic Command and Auto Command CVT boast a lift capacity of 5280 kilograms. T6 Value models come standard with a fixed-displacement, closed-center hydraulic system. If you however require more hydraulic capability, then select the closed-center, load-sensing (CCLS) hydraulic system which is ideal for more demanding implements.
