New off-road natural gas engine exhibited for first time in Europe
For the first time in Europe, FPT Industrial has showcased its new natural gas engine, specifically designed for tractor applications, to FPT Tech Day 2017 participants. The 6 cylinder NEF prototype methane engine was unveiled at the end of August, at the Farm Progress Show in the US, during the global unveiling of New Holland Agriculture new concept methane powered tractor.
Since 1995, the brand has pioneered the adoption of in-house developed stoichiometric technology that ensures the correct air to gas ratio in all working conditions, thus granting clean combustion and low emission. Compared to conventional diesel engines, FPT Industrial’s natural gas engines cut pollutants by 80% in overall emissions, reduce vibration and noise (by up to 3 dBA), leading to a 50% reduction in drive-by-noise. This engines can run on CNG, LNG or renewable forms of natural gas that can lead to near zero CO2 emissions. Biomethane can be produced from both farm-grown energy crops and from waste products and crop residues.
Performance, at the same time, is identical to that of an equivalent diesel engine, particularly in terms of maximum power and torque. Its durability matches that of a standard power unit, and is complimented by running cost savings of up to 30%. The NEF Natural Gas prototype is an in-line 6 cylinder engine, developing 180 hp peak power and 740 Nm maximum torque. It uses specifically developed FPT Industrial technology that minimizes fuel consumption to provide day-long autonomy.
Natural gas engines are available on the F1C, NEF 6 and Cursor 9 engines ranges. These engine families offer solutions ranging from 136 to 400 hp, making FPT Industrial the brand with the widest natural gas engine range on the market. All these products enable ultra-low emissions, low noise and high efficiency, and are driven by the principles of environmental sustainability, reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and diesel-like performance, elements that facilitate interchangeability with diesel applications.