METHANE TRACTOR: Through a new partnership with CNH, researchers and students at the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will have access to the New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor. The tractor produces the same horsepower and torque as its diesel cousin, but it burns a new kind of fuel — methane or compressed natural gas.
The T6.180 is the fourth-generation methane-powered tractor developed by New Holland, with production beginning in 2013. According to Sean Dorosz, North America product marketing manager for medium tractors at CNH, the tractor is designed to be the last step in a full-circle dairy farm system. The process begins with feeding cows hay, which produces manure. This manure is then used to generate methane, which powers the tractor, enabling it to harvest crops that, in turn, feed the cows.
This methane-powered tractor is especially ideal for small- to medium-sized dairy farms that have biodigesters in place. However, any farmer with access to a compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station can also benefit from using the tractor.
The key advantages of the New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor include:
Sustainability: The tractor produces 98% fewer emissions compared to European Stage V emission limits and can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10% to 15% when fueled with biomethane.
Energy Self-Sufficiency: By using biomethane from biodigesters or CNG, farmers can become energy self-sufficient.
Cost Efficiency: The T6.180 offers a 180-hp engine with similar power, torque, and durability as a diesel tractor, but with an estimated 30% reduction in running costs.
This enables farmers to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining productivity and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system. While the T6.180 is relatively new in the U.S., it has been in use for several years on European dairy operations and other agricultural applications.
The tractor was recently showcased at the MSU Innovating with Dairy Symposium on May 7, 2025, where Michigan State University (MSU) students and researchers were introduced to this technology. Through a partnership with CNH, MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) will use the tractor for educational and research purposes across several campus locations. The tractor will be powered by refined gases produced by MSU’s anaerobic digester, demonstrating a practical application of sustainable energy in agriculture.
“Usage of the New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor will provide our students and researchers with invaluable hands-on experience,” said George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch.
The partnership also includes one year of cost-free access to the T6.180 for CANR, offering a unique opportunity for students and the public to explore the full methane-powered tractor ecosystem.
The T6.180 is equipped with seven fuel tanks, holding a total of 49 gallons of fuel, and a front-mounted range extender that adds 71 gallons of fuel. CNH Industrial is also collaborating with Bennamann in Europe to provide filtration and compression systems for the methane, ensuring it meets fuel standards for the tractor.
With its ability to turn waste methane into usable energy for farming, the T6.180 helps reduce methane emissions, which are 20 times more harmful than CO2. This makes it a powerful tool for both agriculture and environmental sustainability.
