CNH Industrial Fuses Iron and Technology

CNH Industrial is giving a look into the future it sees for farm equipment. 

“It is fusing our great iron and great technology,” says CNH Industrial CEO Scott Wine. 

Wine says what’s key to the development of the new machinery is customer-centered innovation. 

“It’s about improving productivity and yields for farmers,” he says. “And we can provide a lot of value in those two areas—that’s where our investment is going.”  The company is planning to spend $4 billion in research and development and capital expenditures over the next three years. 

Parag Garg, Chief Digital Product Officer at CNH Industrial highlights three core areas where CNH Industrial wants to provide industry-leading solutions for agriculture: connected platforms, automated solutions and autonomy developments.

As such, the company put the spotlight on a batch of products it’s introducing and working toward introduction of. 

Notably, this comes at the one-year mark since CNH Industrial acquired Raven Industries. 

Wine says, “The value has been unlocked. But what’s interesting and significant is so much of the value is yet to come. But the early wins are here today. We’re not limping along with precision and autonomy. We are industry leaders.”

Two introductions put a spotlight on the Raven integration thus far: 

  • Driverless Tillage Solution 
  • Driver Assist Harvest Solution

These autonomous projects are being focused on because they are the most in-demand by farmers, the leaders say. 

The Driverless Tillage Solution enables a Case IH Tractor, tillage implement, and Slingshot Job Sync to allow one operator to run multiple machines in the field. The Driver Assist Harvest Solution automatically handles settings for the grain cart operator by controlling the propulsion, guidance and functional controls in the tractor. 

These projects have been announced on the heels of Case IH unveiling the work its doing with the autonomous Trident applicator. 

The company also announced developments for alternative fuel and power sources. 

First, with partner Bennamann New Holland is introducing a methane-powered tractor. It’s a New Holland T7 tractor with 270-hp powered by liquified natural gas. The methane-powered tractor provides the same power, torque and capabilities as its conventional diesel counterpart. New Holland and Bennamann have developed a cryogenic tank technology to keep the liquid methane cool, and the developers say it’s a technology taken from space applications and now applied in agriculture. The T7 methane power tractor builds on the existing T6 Methane Power tractor that has already been introduced. 

“I’m incredibly bullish on the opportunity with the methane powered tractors,” Wine says. “It will help reduce farmers’ fuel costs and improve sustainability. This is the first time we’ve demonstrated a liquid natural gas solution can be brought to market.” 

The company notes methane generates 80% less overall emissions when compared to diesel, and the level of non-methane hydrocarbons is reduced by 90%, particulate matter is down by 98%, nitrous oxide by 62%, and CO2 by 11%. To provide for longer tasks around the farm, the T7’s liquefied natural gas tanks can hold four times more fuel than when filled with compressed natural gas. 

Another announcement around power generation is the company’s work on electrification. Its first two developments include: E-source: an external generator that provides energy to power electric implements (sprayers, trimmers, etc.) The second is the T4-Electric Power tractor—a fully electric tractor with no internal combustion engine. A partnership with Monarch will bring further autonomy options to this platform. The company aims to sell 55 of the autonomous, electric powered units in the coming year. 

The methane and electric powered tractors are being branded New Holland because of their audience. 
“New Holland is more focused on hay and forage as well as utility functions, and that’s where our customer base will get the biggest usage of these tractors—it’s better represented by that brand,” Wine says. He adds Bennamann is based in Cornwall, England close to the New Holland factory in Basildon.
As for what’s next, Wine says there are many fronts to watch. 
Another partnership, with Augmenta, will be bringing selective spray technologies to the CNH Industrial platforms, which Wine says will bring a unique advantage in its effectiveness and affordability.  
“It will be in months or quarters–not years–we start selling these things in volume. That’s an important milestone. Additionally, we are launching capabilities to accelerate the connectivity of our vehicles,” he says. 
 

 

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