MachineryLink

Three years ago New Holland created a buzz at some of the farm shows with the introduction of a tractor that ran on hydrogen fuel cells. The experimental NH2 tractor used hydrogen to produce electricity with hydrogen-based fuel cells; electric motors turned the tractor wheels and energized its systems and accessories.

The NH2 tractor was based on New Holland's T6000 model, whose diesel versions produce 101-155 hp. The hydrogen version had a respectable output of about 106 hp.

It was an idea to love. All the fuel you needed to power the tractor came from renewable materials already on the farm, and its only emissions were water and vapor. New Holland said it was an experimental -- but serious -- project.

Over the years, I heard no more about the NH2 and lost track of its progress.

But in researching a current article on alternative energy sources for farm equipment, I asked New Holland: Whatever became of the NH2? The answer from spokesperson Annemie Lievens is that the NH2 is alive and running on La Bellotta, a research farm near Turin, Italy. The farm is dedicated to creating an "energy independent" operation; so the NH2 fits right in.

Not only is the NH2 still around, Lieven said, it has entered its second generation. "The new NH2 has evolved from the concept tractor ... in collaboration with CRF (Centro Richerche Fiat), a process that has involved equipping the new machine with all of the features required to ensure it will deliver the kind of performance associated with a conventional diesel tractor, both in the field and on the road."

The new NH2 has better fuel cells to deliver more electricity than its predecessor, which means more horsepower ... up to 135. It still has two on-board electric motors: one to power the tractor, one to work the PTO and auxiliary circuits. "But their rated power and torque are doubled," Lievens said. "Each of the new electric motors has a power output of 135 hp, with continuous torque of 700 ft.-lb and maximum torque of 887 ft.-lb. Top crankshaft speed is 3000 rpm, and efficiency at maximum power output is 96%."

The tractor can work up to three hours on a hydrogen fuel tank that holds 18 pounds, up from the 5 lbs. of the previous model. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), replaced the conventional gearbox for added efficiency. A suspended front axle and a front loader mounting points are standard. The new NH2 has a top roading speed of 31 mph and a hydraulic system that delivers a maximum of 30 gpm.

If you find yourself in Italy next spring, you might be able to see the NH2 doing fieldwork alongside diesel-equipped tractors.

When will it be for sale?

Depends, Lievens said: "The technology is not yet available at a commercially viable cost and we do not see any cost reduction of the fuel cells in the next 8-10 years unless the automobile industry would see fuel cells as an opportunity and invest in this technology on a broad scale."

In the meantime, Lievens said, "New Holland is starting studies to look at intermediate steps of hydrogen blends with other fuels to finally evolve to hydrogen-only when fuel cell components will become available at an affordable cost."

Should be worth the wait.

(CZ)