Valtra Biogas Tractor Tests Continue

Valtra showed the biogas concept technology on the Valtra N101 tractor at the SIMA exhibition in Paris earlier this year.

Equipped with front loader, front linkage and front PTO, the N101 is a compact and versatile tractor. This makes it ideal for husbandry farms, municipalities and contractors that have the possibility of refueling with biogas.

Without making any changes to the original diesel engine, 70 to 80 percent of power is generated by biogas. The dual-fuel engine functions like a diesel engine. The gas is injected with the intake air, and combustion occurs when a small amount of diesel fuel is injected into the cylinder. If biogas is not available, the engine can run completely on diesel fuel.

The test drivers have been very satisfied with the tractor. The performance is equal compared with an ordinary Valtra N101 and the diesel fuel consumption is reported to be very low, some 3 litres per hour. The 2010-2011 winter has been exceptional cold but the tractor has been functioning without problems. The tests will continue through 2011 in Skåne, Sweden.

The Valtra biogas tractor concept was developed in cooperation with Afcon Oy, Alt-Control Oy, RAP Clean Air Systems, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Ecocat Group, Biogas Syd and Lantmannen Maskin.  Source: Valtra News

Do you think biogas will become a good fuel alternative?