FPT Industrial: sustainable farming at Agrishow 2022 in Brazil

FPT Industrial presented at Agrishow 2022 – held in Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo, Brazil) from 25 to 29 April – a full range of solutions to implement a zero-carbon footprint agricultural virtuous cycle. In Brazilian agribusiness, one in three tractors and one in two harvesters sold are fitted with FPT Industrial engines, consolidating the company’s presence in the regional agricultural market.

The major new launch during the fair was the biomethane-powered irrigation motor pump for applications such as drainage (vinasse) and agricultural irrigation. Developed with partner TMA, it is equipped with the N67 Natural Gas engine and offers, in addition to the numerous advantages of using renewable energy, a cost reduction of up to 80% compared to a standard diesel engine.

The technology gives rural producers the possibility to use biogas generated inside the property to supply the equipment or other vehicles in the production phases – such as tractors and trucks –, leveraging the so-called virtuous cycle. This is all achieved with a zero-carbon footprint, since biomethane is produced by the biodigestion of agricultural residues. In addition to reducing operating costs, it promotes independence by making production and fuel use self-sufficient.

Moreover, the biomethane-powered irrigation pump is also being tested with one of the largest sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity producers in Brazil with the Cursor 9 Natural Gas engine. Both engines received specific electronic parameterization to work with biomethane, delivering a cost reduction of up to 80% compared to a standard diesel engine. The pump was presented at Agrishow 2022 as a prototype; production models will be available soon.

Tractor of the Year in the Sustainable category

Exhibited at the New Holland Agriculture stand and recently named “Tractor of the Year” for 2022 in the Sustainable category, the New Holland T6.180 Methane Power is the only mass-production biomethane tractor on the market. Powered by the six-cylinder FPT Industrial N67 NG engine with 180 hp and 740 Nm of torque, it delivers the same performance and durability as its diesel equivalent. 

Under real working conditions, emissions are reduced by up to 80% compared to a conventional tractor, offering numerous environmental advantages, with up to 30% lower operating costs and less vibration. On sustainable farms, biomethane can be produced from a waste biogas or biomass plant. Within the virtuous cycle, waste products such as cattle manure also become valuable fuel sources. As well as ensuring cleaner handling when refueling and during combustion in the engine, biomethane is a readily available fuel, allowing farmers to start reducing their CO₂ footprint right away.