Methane-powered tractor unveiled at Agritechnica

Aug 17, 2015

Tractor could eliminate need to buy fuel

Think of all the methane produced by cows, sheep and other livestock.

Brahman cattle

Now imagine if one day all that methane could be used as a fuel resource for a tractor. That day might not be as far away as once thought.

At the 2015 edition of Expo Milano, scheduled to wrap up on Saturday, October 31^st, New Holland unveiled the T6.140 Methane Power tractor.

The tractor is already being tested on a farm in Italy.

Luca Remmert’s 1,100 acre farm has been a testing ground for the machine, that’s estimated to produce 80% less pollution than a standard diesel tractor. Methane would also cost about 30% less than diesel, making the machine even more attractive to farmers who can produce methane on the farm.

Remmert said when the tractor is ready for production, he will be among the first in line to purchase one for his farm. New Holland estimates the tractor is about five years away from a commercial launch.

New Holland’s T6.140 comes with nine tanks that can store 50kg of methane, good for about half a day of normal operation. It also comes equipped with a 15-litre fuel tank in case, and the placement of the methane tanks do not interfere with the vision and operation of the machine. It can achieve 135hp and 620Nm of torque.

Join the conversation and tell us if you would ever consider purchasing a tractor that runs on methane.

Video: How Swine Nutrition Can Revolutionize Biogas Production - Dr. Felipe Hickmann

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Felipe Hickmann from Laval University explores how nutritional strategies and manure management impact biogas production in pig farming. He breaks down the science behind anaerobic digestion at low temperatures and explains how dietary adjustments affect methane production and environmental sustainability. Learn how producers can reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Lowering crude protein can reduce nitrogen in manure, but only if animal intake doesn’t compensate by increasing feed consumption."

Meet the guest: Dr. Felipe Hickmann / felipe-hickmann-963853a6 is a PhD research assistant at Laval University, specializing in swine and poultry sustainability. With extensive experience in manure management, nutritional strategies, and precision livestock technologies, he contributes to improving environmental outcomes in animal agriculture.