increase font size
A hydrogen internal combustion engine is already powering prototype versions of a Loadall telescopic handler.
JCB is getting ready for the international debut of its super-efficient hydrogen combustion technology with a debut in North America.
JCB’s new hydrogen combustion engine, the company’s zero-carbon emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment, will be showcased at the Conexpo 2023 show in Las Vegas in March, as part of the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE).
The project, driven by JCB chairman Lord Bamford, has seen the JCB engineering team make enormous strides in a relatively short time, to develop a hydrogen internal combustion engine that is already powering prototype versions of a company backhoe loader and a Loadall telescopic handler.
As the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen, the company leads the way in environmental, social and governance (ESG) for the construction equipment sector, while also having been responsible for a series of industry innovations on its ‘Road to Zero’.
JCB developed the world’s first batteryelectric mini excavator and went on to focus on electric technology development to meet customers’ demands for zero-carbon products with its E-TECH range, said to be the largest electric line-up available in the construction industry.
JCB’s commitment to reducing emissions started almost 25 years ago and today its latest diesel engines have already delivered a 97% reduction in NOx emissions since 1999 and a 98% reduction in particulates. JCB’s diesel-powered machines also emit 50% less CO2 compared with those manufactured in 2010.
Other manufacturers are also committed to exploring alternative power sources, with French company Manitou, known for its telescopic handlers and fork trucks, appearing to favour an electrical drive train, with two initiatives being driven to this end.
The first centres around developing a hydrogen-powered telehandler prototype, initially targeted at the construction industry. Unlike JCB, the French company is pursuing hydrogen fuel cell technology, said to be a far more efficient method of releasing the energy than combustion.
 |
|---|
|
JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford. |
This method produces power directly from the fuel cell without the need for generators to convert mechanical energy to electricity, but they are expensive due to the need for a platinum catalyst within the cell. At this point platinum supplies are very limited so carry a high price.
Manitou is also researching the possibility of using batteries to power its electrically driven machines and has invested in a battery fabrication company.
EasyLi, based in Poitiers, Central France, is described as “a specialist in the design and production of mass produced and custom-built lithium-ion batteries”.
By purchasing 87% of the company, Manitou has acquired specific skills in the context of its energy transition strategy, alongside securing the ability to design and build its own batteries rather than relying on third party providers.
Jeff Farm is a 2433ha property near Gore, owned and run by the Salvation Army since the early 1950s after it was gifted by farmer Edmund Jeff, with the stipulation it be "used to train young people with a passion for agriculture, who would not otherwise have such a career option" - for a career in the New Zealand agricultural industry.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the iconic Milk Bar mobile calf feeder products, alongside calf and feed trailers.
Fieldays and its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with the latter delivering a platform for problem-solvers to showcase their innovation to the primary industries.
StocksAg has introduced a mounting kit to fit its Turbo Jet 8 or 10 units to pneumatic trailed SKY EasyDrills, allowing separate metering and accurate application of products like Avadex through an additional set of outlets behind the drill’s press wheel.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the relationship between New Zealand and the US will remain strong and enduring irrespective of changing administrations.
More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.
The a2 Milk Company (a2MC) says securing more China label registrations and developing its own nutritional manufacturing capability are high on its agenda.
Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.
As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.
OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.
