Through a new partnership with CNH, researchers and students at the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) will have access to the innovative New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor. A rare piece of equipment, usage of this tractor will further solidify CANR's position as a leader in agricultural innovation, according to a May 7 new summary published by MSU.
On May 8, MSU hosted a training session with the CNH team for the MSU farm managers, farm staff and Burnips Equipment employees. As a methane-powered tractor is technology new to MSU, both MSU and CNH are using this opportunity to provide safety and maintenance training.
The New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor was initially unveiled at the MSU Innovating with Dairy symposium held on Wednesday, May 7, taking place at the Henry Center for Executive Development and the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center.
Underscoring a commitment to sustainability, the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor, the world's first 100% methane-powered production tractor, will be utilized for educational and research purposes at locations throughout campus, including the MSU Agronomy Farm, Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center and south campus farms. The news summary written by Alex Dardas, a communications manager for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), also reported that this state-of-the-art tractor will be powered by refined gases produced by the MSU Anaerobic Digester, showcasing a practical application of sustainable energy solutions in agriculture.
"We are grateful for this new partnership with CNH as we continue to advance groundbreaking sustainable farming practices that will benefit our environment and our economy,” said George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch. “Usage of the New Holland T6 Methane tractor will provide our students and researchers with invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to explore the benefits of methane-powered technology."
Key Benefits of the New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor:
- Sustainability: The tractor produces 98% less overall emissions compared to European Stage V emission limits and also achieves a 10-15% reduction in CO2 emissions when using biomethane.
- Energy Self-Sufficiency: By using biomethane from biodigesters or compressed natural gas (CNG), farmers can become energy self-sufficient.
- Cost Efficiency: The T6.180 Methane tractor offers the same power, torque, and durability as its diesel counterpart but with an estimated 30% reduction in running costs.
"The T6.180 Methane tractor results from our pioneering work on the use of fuels through New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader strategy,” said Sean Dorosz, North American Medium Tractor product marketing manager, New Holland. “We are excited for this partnership with MSU for students and researchers to gain first-hand experience with alternative fuels across their campus facilities."
Under the terms of the partnership with CNH, CANR will have cost-free access to the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor for one year, creating opportunities for students, researchers and the public to see end-to-end methane tractor ecosystem at work in the field.
As MSU’s founding college, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has a storied history tackling the world’s biggest problems related to food, health and the environment. From classrooms and labs to farm fields and forests, CANR Spartans are crafting solutions in Michigan that have a global impact. A vibrant academic community, CANR encompasses 12 academic units, MSU Extension, MSU AgBioResearch and the Institute of Agricultural Technology.
