Key Takeaways
- MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) gains access to the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor through a partnership with CNH.
- The 100% methane-powered tractor will be used for sustainability-focused education and research across MSU campus farms.
- Biomethane from MSU’s Anaerobic Digester will fuel the tractor, demonstrating circular energy use in agriculture.
- The tractor reduces emissions by 98% compared to Stage V standards and cuts CO2 by 10–15%.
- MSU and CNH will host safety and maintenance training for staff, researchers, and equipment partners.
New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor at MSU: A Sustainability-Focused Collaboration
New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor Introduced to Advance MSU Research and Education
Through a collaboration with CNH, Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has acquired access to the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor. The partnership provides students and researchers a unique opportunity to work with one of the world’s few production tractors powered entirely by methane.
The vehicle will support teaching and field research across MSU’s South Campus farms, Agronomy Farm, and Dairy Cattle Teaching & Research Center.
New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor Highlights Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction
Powered by MSU Anaerobic Digester, the Tractor Demonstrates Closed-Loop Sustainability
Fuel for the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor will be derived from MSU’s on-campus Anaerobic Digester, reinforcing the university’s investment in circular energy practices. According to MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith, the partnership aligns with long-term environmental and economic goals.
“Usage of the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor will provide our students and researchers with invaluable hands-on experience,” Smith said.
New Holland T6.180 Methane Tractor Offers Lower Costs and Lower Emissions
CNH Showcases Clean Energy Strategy at MSU Dairy Symposium
The tractor was publicly presented during the May 7 “Innovating with Dairy” symposium. According to New Holland’s Sean Dorosz, the model supports their Clean Energy Leader strategy. It matches diesel performance with 30% lower running costs and uses either compressed natural gas or biomethane for operation.
Key performance highlights:
- 98% lower emissions vs. Stage V limits.
- 10–15% CO₂ reduction when fueled with biomethane.
- Energy self-sufficiency for farms using digesters or CNG.
- Comparable power and durability to diesel tractors.
MSU, CNH Host Training for New Methane Tractor Rollout
Educational Access to Methane Tractor Technology at No Cost for One Year
On May 8, CNH and MSU will conduct safety and maintenance training for farm staff and partners. The New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor will remain on campus for one year at no cost under the terms of the agreement, offering ongoing exposure to real-world methane-powered machinery.
This arrangement enables both students and visitors to witness methane-fueled agricultural systems in action across university-operated fields.
