Gas fuelled New Holland T7.270 on sale next year

New Holland will launch the pre-production version of its T7.270 Methane Power LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) tractor at Agritechnica. Production of the first models is expected to start at the Basildon plant in the second half of 2024.We outlined some of the spec a year ago when the methane powered T7 broke cover as a production intent prototype during the CNH Tech Day Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2022 (See link below).The tractor has been given its own identifying styling, with a ‘Clean Blue’ colour scheme for the new look bonnet with an illuminated New Holland leaf. The new design approach will be adopted on future New Holland tractor ranges.Based on the diesel burning T7.270 long wheel base PLM tractor, power comes from the same NEF 6.7l methane-fuelled block as the T6.180 MP, but then with increased output and performance.Peak torque of the firm’s second methane powered tractor is 1,160Nm and maximum power is 270hp under all conditions. There’s no difference in performance between the LNG and a diesel tractor, is the message.Additional illuminated New Holland leaf logos can be found on the side of C-pillars, the front mudguards have additional light strips but even more noticeable is the remodelled cab top. This has a full width high level brake light and the also incorporates the GPS antenna.The design team looked to make the best use of the T7’s larger chassis to maximise on-board gas storage. Main changes include ditching the 400-litre capacity diesel tanks and the SCR unit has also been booted into touch.There are new cab supports and relocating the battery to the left-hand side frees up space for the larger gas tanks. All told, the 1,265l (219kg on board) capacity is 178% more fuel than the gas powered T6.180 (455l/79kg), allowing the larger and more powerful tractor to complete more working hours between refuelling stops.Data from the European Biogas Association shows that there are now over 17,000 biogas plants in the EU, including more than 11,000 in Germany, with France seeing the highest growth since 2017. The same association reckons that €18 billion will be invested in biomethane plants in Europe up until 2030.New Holland is no doubt keen to tap into this growing market, and the new 270hp methane powered tractor can be used with all methane and biomethane sourced from livestock manure and slurry.“We believe it is strategically important to invest in methane, and especially biomethane, to offer buyers the best alternative fuels for the future,” says Carlo Lambro, brand president of New Holland Agriculture.New Holland unveils prototype T7.270 Methane Power LNG – ProfiFor more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save 47%.Share this:TwitterFacebookRedditWhatsApp by Steven Vale More From This Author