John Deere announce it has made an equity investment in ClearFlame Engine Technologies, a growing start-up dedicated to the development of clean engine technology. ClearFlame’s solution enables low-carbon fuels like ethanol to be easily integrated into compression ignition engines, offering a more sustainable solution without compromising engine performance.

John Deere’s investment is in line with its strategic vision to accelerate and lead the industry in low and zero-carbon powertrain technology. John Deere will also supply an engine to use in conceptual testing, which will help validate the technology currently under development by ClearFlame.

“We made this investment to stay on the leading edge of developments in renewable fuel technology. ClearFlame’s compression ignition engine technology has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions while continuing to provide the performance and durability our customers expect from John Deere engines,”

said Pierre Guyot, Senior Vice President, John Deere Power Systems.

“ClearFlame’s mission is to decarbonize the hardest-to-electrify sectors in a rapid and cost-effective way. Expanding our solution from heavy-duty trucking to agriculture and other off-highway markets delivers on that promise, offering significant sustainability and economic benefits that won’t compromise engine performance. We look forward to working together with John Deere and supporting its commitment to reducing net CO₂ emissions through providing renewable energy solutions,”

said BJ Johnson, ClearFlame CEO, and co-founder.

Using ethanol in place of petroleum diesel fuel in diesel engines significantly reduces carbon emissions and air quality emissions. In addition, ethanol is widely available and can offer a high-efficiency, liquid alternative fuel option.

John Deere understands the importance of renewable fuel options and is committed to exploring new solutions. “Compression ignition engines have a long life ahead — in terms of both the current source of diesel and a wide variety of alternative fuel types. John Deere already offers biomass-based diesel compatibility on our engines. These investments are the right thing to do for environmental, economic, and rural-development benefits,”

said Guyot.

Investments like this one are a critical component of John Deere’s vision to integrate smart and sustainable technology innovations with its legacy of manufacturing excellence.

The post John Deere Invests in Renewable Fuel Technology appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

At Claas, fuel efficiency means more than just a single feature. It’s a combination of customized solutions working together in perfect harmony. A result is a machine that helps the business-minded ag professional squeeze the most profit out of every drop of fuel. As a testament to their commitment to fuel-efficient equipment, Claas is giving farmers a chance to fuel their fleet for free by entering to win $10,000 in farm diesel fuel.

“Fuel efficiency is a vital part of our commitment to your farming operation. The $10,000 farm fuel giveaway is a way for us to celebrate the Claas commitment to bringing the technology advancements in all of our machinery that makes them the most fuel-efficient in agriculture,”

says Daryl Theis, Head of Sales & Marketing, Claas.

To register to win, eligible entrants can visit fuel.claas.com now through June 30, 2021, to submit their online entry form. One grand prize winner will be selected to win the $10,000 in farm diesel fuel. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

“We encourage equipment owners to make a decision that will provide savings to their farming operation for many years into the future. Claas machines provide greater fuel savings in head-to-head comparisons, giving you top fuel efficiency and a better bottom line,”

adds Theis.

Claas equipment stands strong, delivering an engineered performance that saves fuel, time and labor, and provides you with quality outputs and brighter business solutions.

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Volvo Penta has come a long way since it first exhibited at Agritechnica in 2013. Its engines are widely used in the agricultural sector, helping to meet emission regulations in harvesters, sprayers, irrigation pumps, and other agricultural machinery and equipment throughout the world.

Volvo Penta is now the leading engine supplier in some applications, such as feeder mixers, thanks to the offering and support that it provides to its OEMs partners.

“We invested a lot in our Stage IV off-road engine platform. While our engines proved popular in all industries, they enabled phenomenal sales growth for us within the agricultural sector specifically. We started to gain more customers, and the word about our world-class offering spread to other potential customers. Soon we were receiving large volumes of orders – and we are still growing.”

explains Mauricio Henander, Strategy & Business Development Director at Volvo Penta.

Stage V engine benefits

One of the main advantages of Volvo Penta’s off-road engine solutions is that they are optimized for each emission level. The Stage V emission legislation requires almost all off-road engines to have a DPF (diesel particulate filter). Volvo Penta has developed a solution that reduces standstill DPF regeneration to an absolute minimum, while at the same time retaining Volvo Penta’s signature ease of installation, operation, and maintenance.

The Volvo Penta Stage V diesel engines have a common interface. Installation in the machine is very similar, regardless of the emission level for which the engine is optimized. The exhaust after-treatment systems (EATS) for each Stage V engine model are flexible solutions; they can be installed in different orientations, making them suitable for most agricultural machinery and equipment.

Another benefit is that Volvo Penta develops complete engines and supplies them with all the necessary components for installation, including hoses and wiring harnesses, providing a complete solution for customers.

In addition to the regeneration strategy for maximizing uptime, Volvo Penta has extended the power range of its Stage V engines, enabling the company to retain its position as industry leaders when it comes to power density.

It has also bolstered its service network in the off-road segment to boost the ease of maintenance of its Stage V engine platform, thereby providing excellent support for end-users in all off-road applications.

“We see ourselves more as partners to OEMs than suppliers because we pride ourselves on technical support and create tailored solutions based on their requirements. We provide a lot of technical support and our customers are often surprised by the focus we put on them,”

Henander adds.

Low fuel consumption

Another important benefit for customers and end-users is the low fuel consumption of the Volvo Penta Stage V range, which features an improvement of up to 5% across the range (vs Stage IV). This not only means a lower total cost of ownership for customers but also a reduction in CO2, which is an important priority for the entire Volvo Group. The low fuel consumption, together with the low emissions and market-leading oil change intervals, supports sustainable farming.

Committed to the agricultural industry

“We are a global engine manufacturer, committed to developing a strong future in the agriculture industry. We are preparing ourselves for technology shifts so that we can enter the era of electrification, connectivity, and vehicle automation. All of which will help to drive a profitable and sustainable future for all. We look forward to discussing these themes with customers at Agritechnica 2019.”

Henander concludes.

Source: Volvo Penta

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The study found that U.S. light-duty and freight vehicle consumption of ethanol and biodiesel could decline up to 90 percent to 1.1 billion gallons and up to 61 percent to 0.8 billion gallons, respectively.

Corn and soybean consumption could decrease by up to 2.0 billion bushels and up to 470 million bushels, respectively. Corn prices fall up to 50 percent to $1.74 per bushel, while soybean prices fall up to 44 percent to $4.92 per bushel.

Overall, U.S. net farm income would decrease by up to $27 billion due to a proposed ban.

This study makes clear that an internal combustion engine vehicle ban could devastate the agriculture community. Proposals that seek to rush this ban to 2035 have the most severe impacts, but any ban results in dramatic decreases in ethanol, biodiesel, corn and soybean prices, and demand for fertilizer and other agricultural products. These are burdens carried disproportionately by the agriculture community.

Using the study’s estimated acreage reduction of 5 to 7 million acres of corn as an example, the impact on fertilizer alone is significant. In that scenario, nitrogen demand impact is approximately 800,000 to 1 million tons of urea and UAN each, assuming that the direct application of ammonia volume remains constant. This represents about 15 percent of the urea market and 7% of the UAN market in the U.S., which will have a significant impact on fertilizer prices.

Further, the study shows that the economic losses throughout the biofuels value chain range from $105 billion to $185 billion, and cumulative federal, state, and local tax revenues losses range from $39 billion to $69 billion through 2050.

This study used POLYSYS and IMPLAN to derive the agricultural and economic impacts of this study.

Source: Agricultural Retailers Association

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“We are excited to celebrate National Hydrogen and Fuel-Cell Day 2020 by sharing our progress on our hydrogen fuel-cell technology,”

said Mark Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Nikola.

“Nikola is creating an ecosystem that integrates next-generation truck technology, hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and maintenance. By removing commercial trucks from the carbon equation, Nikola is fulfilling our mission of leaving the world a better place.”

Nikola, along with its strategic business partners and suppliers, initially built Nikola Two Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) alpha prototypes for testing and demonstration in 2019. Nikola Two FCEVs have been test-driven under extreme climate conditions in Arizona, and have completed a zero-emission beer delivery for Anheuser-Busch on public roads while operating on hydrogen.

Nikola has developed core IP related to, among other things, vehicle integration and hydrogen storage and fueling, and continues to work with its world-class partners to develop next-generation standard fueling hardware and advanced hydrogen fuel-cell based transportation. As previously stated, Nikola remains committed to announcing a hydrogen station collaboration by the end of 2020 and expects to begin testing of its FCEV beta prototypes in the first half of 2022.

The post Nikola celebrates National Hydrogen and Fuel-Cell Day 2020 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“In the second quarter of 2020, Nikola met predetermined milestones on our journey toward becoming the zero-emissions transportation leader in the global heavy truck market,”

commented Mark Russell, Nikola’s Chief Executive Officer.

Steps towards achieving this goal include completing a reverse merger with VectoIQ and a related PIPE offering, providing an additional $616.7 million of cash on the balance sheet to support Nikola’s further product development, and the buildout of manufacturing infrastructure.

Product development is on track to meet the established timeline for the start of production of the Nikola Tre in Q4 2021.  Initial units will be produced at the Ulm, Germany facility, where modifications are currently underway.  Once complete, this facility will be capable of producing up to 10,000 units per year.

In addition to the buildout of Nikola’s production capacity in Ulm, Germany, on July 23, 2020, Nikola broke ground on its greenfield manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona.  Once completed, the Coolidge manufacturing facility will be capable of producing up to 35,000 trucks per year at full capacity on two shifts. Phase one of this construction is expected to be complete by Q4 2021.

Other Key Business Highlights

• Signed a purchase order with Nel for electrolysis equipment capable of producing up to 40,000kg of H2 per day.
• Nikola Tre production test units are underway in Ulm, Germany and are scheduled to be complete in Q4 2020.
• Nikola called for redemption of outstanding public warrants in Q3 2020.

Purchase Order for Electrolysis Equipment from Nel

In June, Nikola signed a purchase order with Nel ASA for 85-megawatts of alkaline electrolyzer capacity. This purchase order will support up to five of Nikola’s hydrogen generating and dispensing stations. At capacity, these stations are expected to generate up to 40,000 kgs of hydrogen fuel each day, which would support up to 1,100 Nikola Two FCEV trucks.

Nikola’s hydrogen fueling and battery charging activities are being overseen by the newly-hired President of Nikola Energy, Pablo Koziner. Koziner is a 19-year veteran of Caterpillar, and most recently served as Vice President of CAT Electric Power and as President of Solar Turbines.

The post Nikola Corporation reports Second Quarter results appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

• Better fuel efficiency and heavier D4 undercarriage
• A new larger cab comes standard and new deluxe cab option with glass windows, AC, heated seat and heated cab
• Low center of gravity allows for easy maneuvering in all kinds of terrain and ground conditions
• Features a Cummins Stage SV, 4-cylinder, 173 HP, 576 lb.-ft. torque for quieter operation
• Standard 24” digging depth or optional 36” max digging depth

Source: GK Machine Inc.

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The project, code named TETRA, shows how professional construction operators could help spearhead the move away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles toward renewable sources by playing a fundamental role in the “closed loop” virtuous cycle, which sees methane-powered wheel loaders help produce the fuel from waste products and renewable sources, which ultimately powers them. And although this is a concept, CASE, a global construction brand of CNH Industrial N.V., is already working towards ultimate market viability.

This concept re-imagines wheel loader design, and is a clear departure from anything seen in construction equipment to date. This methane-powered wheel loader concept reflects the increasing importance of alternative fuels, and demonstrates their viability in construction equipment, as well as the feasibility of creating and using fuel generated from waste products and renewable sources.

Furthermore, CASE has proactively combined alternative fuels and advanced construction technology to create a modern, sustainable solution to the need for ‘future proof’ power, utilizing readily available and proven powertrain technology. “Practical Innovation” is inherent in the brand’s product development philosophy, to innovate through the pragmatic use of advanced technology. As a result, this concept is more than a mere exercise in design, and it has been tested in real-world construction environments to demonstrate its feasibility.

A Full Day’s Autonomy

The new methane-powered wheel loader concept represents a significant technological advance for CASE, being the brand’s first alternative fuel vehicle. This projects benefits from the existing research and development program of sister brand New Holland Agriculture, in off-road methane usage, with over seven years of experience and an extensive global testing program.

The CASE concept uses an FPT Industrial six-cylinder methane engine that has been specifically developed for construction applications and delivers maximum power of 230 hp – identical to the equivalent diesel power plant  –  and torque up to 1,184 Nm. This is achieved with a 50% reduction in drive-by noise levels, which makes it suited for municipal applications and when working in close proximity to offices, residential areas and people. The engine also offers the same reliability and durability and fuel savings up to 30%. It  runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), ensuring 15% less CO2 and 99% less particulate matter than its diesel-based counterpart.

The engine features stoichiometric combustion technology, developed by FPT Industrial and first introduced in 1995. It ensures the correct chemical balance between air and methane in every working condition, delivering clean combustion and low emissions. The technology is applied across the entire natural gas engine portfolio as it enables comparative performance to diesel engines, while delivering ultra-low emissions and high efficiency.

The loader is able to complete the full range of tasks that a standard diesel-powered wheel loader would undertake. From efficient work in quarries, waste handling facilities, agricultural applications, and wood yards through to municipal applications, and those which require extensive transport, this concept machine delivers optimal performance in a productive and sustainable package. Furthermore, it is compatible with the complete range of buckets, and was fitted with high tip and quarry versions from Leonardi Benne during the initial testing activities.

To make efficient use of space, the loader’s fuel is stored within technologically advanced tanks within a sleek and integrated storage unit fitted at the rear and sides of the wheel loader. This configuration enables a full day of autonomy. The wheel loader is as easy to refuel as one powered conventionally by diesel, using a single nozzle, from ground level, and with comparable filling time.

Due to the reduction in polluting emissions arising from methane combustion, a simplified aftertreatment system is used, which features a maintenance-free single standard catalytic converter.

Power Choices

Biomethane is produced using a cyclical system that delivers CO₂ neutral production. It particularly suits wheel loader applications, especially those employed in waste handling situations or on farms, as they handle the raw materials which are used to produce the biomethane which fuels them. This enables these businesses not only to be fuel sufficient, but also energy sufficient, as biomethane can be burned to generate electricity to power buildings, as well as to satisfy any heating requirements. In addition, it can be fed into the gas grid for domestic purposes, and can be used to create electricity to be fed into the national grid to power communities, creating a truly virtuous cycle.

For operations that do not have the resources to produce their own biomethane, the methane-powered wheel loader concept can be powered by conventional network natural gas. This is of particular interest to waste handling facilities and to urban and suburban operations, which have ready access to the natural gas grid. These facilities, with a moderate investment, can install an on-site compression system, which extracts natural gas from the grid, and subsequently compresses it to fuel-grade pressure, providing instant and constant refueling. This infrastructure can be further leveraged by these businesses, as eventual gas powered trucks transporting goods to and from the sites could also be fueled using this technology, further enhancing the sustainable profile of the operation.

Innovative, Productivity-focused Design

CNH Industrial’s international design team have re-imagined wheel loader styling, starting from a blank sheet to create a viable vision for the future of wheel loader design. Iconic CASE styling cues provided inspiration: the‘Old Abe’ eagle has been distilled in the rear engine cover. Key design features accentuate the overall styling and include a forward cab stance; high-visibility 360° glazing, 16% more than a standard wheel loader; a high-visibility roof panel, which provides the operator with an unfettered view of the bucket throughout the entire loading arc; and an industry-first sliding door.

The dynamic air intakes in the engine cover and downward mounted exhaust provide an “aggressive’ stance.” Overall design unity is achieved through a carefully conceived design language which sees the loader arms, fenders, cab, rear wings, engine cover and counterweight melded into a unified whole.

A complete LED lighting package features signature lighting, with lights integrated into the loader arms, front fenders, front- and rear-mounted roof work lights, rear lights integrated into the rear fenders and engine cover, and stop and hazard lights nestling in the rear counterweight. Operators can select auto mode, in which all working lights are automatically activated in low ambient light conditions, or manual operation, in which they select the required lights. Ambient power-tan cab lighting can also be selected.

A range of technologically advanced materials have been used to improve the operator environment to enhance comfort, reduce fatigue and facilitate cleaning. The cab has been trimmed in a robust cream-colored technical cloth, which can be easily wiped down for swift cleaning. This is paired with a chestnut color leather on key touch points. The durable stone floor reinforces the objective to deliver practical design, and the feature aluminum kick plate and floor inlay elevate the interior. This is combined with soft touch aluminum grab handles and carbon fiber fenders to complete the modern look.

A custom metallic fleck CASE ‘power-tan’ paint finish was commissioned for the concept model, and subtly enhances the machines distinctive lines, while cementing its link to the CASE family. The powdered anthracite finish on the metal exterior elements offers enhanced weather- and dirt-proof properties. Traditional CASE elements such as the new Power-Abe eagle emblem have been integrated into the engine cover, loader arm supports and the CASE name has been inlayed into the top step and loader arms.

The minimalist design of the cab offers intuitive, clutter-free operation, with instant access to all key controls via ergonomic joysticks and an integrated, armrest-mounted, color touchscreen monitor. The armrest-mounted monitor is the operating hub, and can be used to control the following functions:

• Face scan to activate start-up sequence.
• Bucket load-fill assist screen which displays target load, current bucket load, via loader arm mounted sensors, and remaining load.
• Jobsite map, which tracks incoming trucks, indicates the fastest route to the selected work area and displays general site information.
• Weather screens showing real-time weather reports.
• Lighting parameters, Bluetooth telephone, heating and ventilation and music controls.
• Access to secondary machine parameters, machine settings and additional submenus.

All of these settings can be directly modified on the touchscreen. Upon request, the screen can be swiped from the armrest monitor the lower right-hand A-Pillar screen. When no longer required, the operator simply selects another screen from the armrest monitor to swipe and replace.

The inclined A-Pillar screens have been mounted to align with the cab’s pillars and provide at-a-glance key information:

• The top right and left screens display the front and rear camera feed. Cab-mounted cameras replace traditional wing mirrors, and the display is automatically linked to the direction of travel, changing in sync with machine shuttling.
• The central right A-Pillar screen features all key machine operating parameters including machine speed, engine speed, fuel level, engine and oil temperature, selected gear, engine hours and time.
• The lower right screen can be customized, and enables operators to select, using the armrest color touchscreen, the desired view.
• Voice control functionality has been integrated into the cab, through the use of ‘home hub’ technology – a device integrated into the cab roof, which uses Internet of Things technology to action verbal commands. Operators can control cab temperature, select music, make and receive calls and dictate messages using this technology.

Remote machine priming occurs through the use of a retina scan on a connected mobile telephone. This enables operators to remotely initiate cab warming, cooling or defrost functions.

The new cosseting seat automatically extends and pivots to facilitate entry upon door opening, returning to the operating position immediately after the operator is seatedt. This functionality can be manually overridden if desired. Produced in a two-tone finish, the leather accents add a touch of automotive luxury and are complemented by a robust heavy-duty fabric. The entire seat features integrated heating and cooling – designed to keep the operator cool in hot weather and insulate them in cooler periods. Active, weight compensated suspension and fully-adjustable lumbar support enhance comfort for all operators.

An advanced full-cab heating and cooling package has been designed to ensure full body comfort. A range of vents have been precision positioned in the headliner, and in an ideal arc around the operator to ensure optimal full body comfort.

The full range of telematics solutions has been integrated, connecting this concept to a control room, which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and ensures optimal machine operation at all times. Fleet managers can communicate directly with the concept through on-board audio and text messaging, enabling the operator to fine tune machine parameters, such as tire pressure to enhance operating efficiency and productivity, from the comfort of the cab.

Safety First Design

Jobsite safety is a top priority for today’s construction equipment professionals, and ensuring that only fully-qualified operators have access to machines is essential. That is why biometric facial recognition technology has been integrated into the access and start-up sequence. A door-mounted facial scanning sensor, scans the operators face, upon approach, to activate door opening. Once the operator is in the cab, a second scan is conducted from the armrest monitor for final confirmation and to initiate the start-up sequence.

Elements of CNH Industrial’s autonomous vehicle development program have been incorporated into the machine’s design. Advanced obstacle detection technology, which automatically brings the machine to a halt and informs the operator if an obstacle comes into range, is available to further enhance jobsite safety.

Advanced Tire Technology

In order to spotlight the key role tire technology plays in machine productivity, the CNH Industrial and MICHELIN design teams worked in partnership to develop a vision for a future airless tire. This cutting edge design foresees a fusion of the tire/wheel combination and features inbuilt suspension. Furthermore, thanks to its pure rubber and patented composite material construction, it has been designed to withstand the extreme conditions present in construction environments, and could be considered indestructible.

The tire’s honeycomb spoke design is lightweight yet robust and thanks to its bespoke asymmetric tread pattern traction, motricity and grip are significantly improved. The tripod blocks on the inner tread section enhance overall operational stability, as well as assisting turning performance. The airless tires reduce overall machine weight and its large footprint delivers low contact pressure. The striking edge bumpers improve overall tire robustness as well as enhancing protection for extended life. Advanced connectivity is foreseen with integrated sensors providing a stream of real-time data to both the operator and the control room – including a tire wear sensor. When active, the integrated sidewall lights are illuminated, which also function as an additional safety feature.

Source:  Redhead Equipment news

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