NH tractor powered by methane goes on sale
First unveiled in 2023, New Holland has announced the addition of the T7.270 Methane Power CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tractor to the recently expanded T7 Range.
New Holland Agriculture has updated the TD4F series orchard tractors to meet stage IIIB emissions regulations.
But they retain the compact dimensions of their predecessors – important in narrow orchards and vineyards where tight canopies limit available space.
Engine power has been increased to 75, 85 and 99hp for the ranges’ three models, from a new 4-cylinder, 3.4L F5C intercooled engine from FPT Industrial; this meets stage IIIB emission standards with an after-treatment diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).
This regeneration-free solution is said to achieve a cleaner environment for grapes and fruit crops, lower maintenance costs, while service intervals remain at 600 hours, keeping operating costs down.
The new model has the same hood height as its predecessor, achieved by mounting the diesel oxidation catalyst unit vertically to minimise the space it takes up under the hood.
The overall length and wheelbase of the new tractor is unchanged from the previous range.
A new front ballast provides up to 270kg front weight capability, allowing the tractor to operate heavy rear implements.
The operator station has a new rear dashboard, new switches and a new instrument cluster, said to improve ease of use and readability.
For the TD4F, a choice of three different transmissions allows users to optimise productivity and versatility.
At the top of the range, a power shuttle transmission offers smooth and modulated shift between forward and reverse, while the 20x12 creep speed transmission is offered in mechanical syncro shuttle configuration, alongside the standard 12x12 version.
The hydraulic system comprises separate power steering and hydraulic pumps or optionally a 64L/min high capacity MegaFlow pump. Mid-mount valves can be specified for high-demand applications.
Lift-O-Matic rear linkage control enables the operator to raise and lower implements to a pre-set position using a single button.
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.
The black and white coat of Holstein- Friesian cows is globally recognised as a symbol of dairy farming and a defining trait of domestic cattle. But until recently, scientists didn’t know which genes were responsible for the Holstein’s spots.
According to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2024/25 report, New Zealand dairy farmers are achieving more with fewer cows.

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