Austrian tractor manufacturer Steyr is testing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered tractor based on an adapted version of a 4140 Expert CVT.
A joint project between engineers at the CNH tractor plant in St. Valentin and the TU University in Vienna, the diesel block in the FCtrac, as it is called, has been swapped for a 14kWh high-voltage battery and 400v electrical system. The diesel tank is replaced by a compressed hydrogen storage system.
The result develops 130hp (95kW) which is the same as the diesel equivalent of the same tractor, and the only emission from the power unit on the fuel cell tractor is water vapour.
The 310l of hydrogen contained by the four tanks on the roof of the tractor is said to be sufficient for half a day of light work. The tractor is 42cm higher than the standard 4140 Expert CVT, and the FCtrac’s weight of 7.2t is 20% heavier.
Hydrogen for the test tractor is produced from wood chips processed in a combined heat and power plant in the Austrian region of Carinthia. The small hydrogen installation and filling station fit inside a container at the farm. Source: Mechaman
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save 47%.
