Capital Equipment News August 2017

AGRICULTURE NEWS

DEUTZ unveils natural gas engine for tractors

In a joint research project with the University of Rostock and the Thünen Institute, DEUTZ, an independent manufacturer of diesel and gas engines, has developed a natural gas engine for tractors. The project involved DEUTZ engineers converting a diesel engine to run on natural gas and then successfully installing it in a tractor made by Same-Deutz-Fahr, another project partner. The aim was to reduce pollutants and carbon emissions without any loss of performance. The advantage of natural gas is that it burns much more cleanly than petrol or diesel. It produces less CO 2 emissions, and emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates are also substantially lower. While the last two can be contained relatively easily with modern exhaust aftertreatment systems, CO 2 emissions are primarily dependent on

the type and quantity of fuel used. The use of natural gas can lower CO 2 emissions by up to 24%. A DEUTZ TCD 3.6, a compact 4-cylinder inline engine with an output of 50 to 90 kW and a maximum torque of 480 Nm, was used for the project. Converting the engine to run on natural gas required several major component adaptations. The self-igniting diesel injectors first had to be replaced with a spark ignition system, and the pistons and cylinder head had to undergo mechanical adjustments. The crucial element, however, was analysing and completely understanding the combustion process in the gas engine. The result is a fully functional experimental tractor that has already clocked up well over 500 operating hours in the fields of the Thünen Institute of Organic Farming in Trenthorst, Westerau, Germany. b

The use of natural gas can lower CO 2 emissions by up to 24%.

FAW gains traction in agriculture

FAW used NAMPO 2017 to showcase its range of vehicles ideal for the agricultural sector.

FAW reports that its vehicle numbers in the local agriculture sector are growing exponentially year-on-year. Testimony to this was FAW’s exhibition stand at NAMPO 2017 which maintained its big size, vehicle representation and engagement with the public. “The interest in our stand and our vehicles was astounding. Visitors to the stand remarked on the exceptional finish of our cabs, our reasonable pricing and the transformation towards the modern design of our trucks,” says Jianyu

loyal support of the multitude of agricultural customers, who have, over the past 22 years that FAW has been present in SA, remained committed to our brand,” says Hao. The number of FAW trucks sold in the sub-Saharan region has grown exponentially since the opening of the Coega-based plant in 2014. Many southern African customers are buying locally produced vehicles because of the obvious cost benefits and the opportunity to purchase some modified units that meet the specific regional conditions. b

Hao, CEO of FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa. Two of FAW’s best sellers – the FAW 8.140FL and the FAW 15.180FL – drew lots of attention at the show, demonstrating why the models have gained such high acceptance levels in their respective market segments, including the agricultural community. This was the 16 th time FAW participated at NAMPO. “This certainly demonstrates our commitment to the farming community. We have recognised the patronage and

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