Among a significant showing from CNH, New Holland debuted a prototype hybrid telehandler, said to be an industry-first combination of an electric-methane powered drive unit.
The manufacturer explains that the machine, which is designed for agricultural applications, is built around a standard New Holland chassis, coming in with lift heights between 7-9m and a maximum lift capacity of 4.2t.
Still at a testing phase, the machine features an electric drivetrain connected to a supplementary battery/electric power system. New Holland said the 70kWh battery operates fully electrically for up to four hours on medium-heavy tasks and up to six hours on light-duty cycles.
During heavy-duty work, a four-cylinder FPT F28 methane powered engine kicks in to offer supplementary power, while simultaneously recharging the battery. The 2.8-litre engine generates 75kW/100hp and operates at a fixed speed to minimise fuel consumption.
Currently, the methane storage tanks and electric drive have been integrated into the existing chassis, in a similar fashion to the original methane tractor prototype. The manufacturer still hasn’t confirmed capacities, but the firm said it will hold 140 litres of methane, between two tanks.
New Holland noted that field tests showed up to 70% saving in energy usage compared to diesel alternatives, and 30% better performance during typical material handling operations. New Holland said it wants farmers to utilise electricity generated on-farm via solar or methane produced through anaerobic digestion to recharge the batteries, for fully renewable fuelling.
SHARING OPTIONS