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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
AUGUST 2017
40
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
DEUTZ unveils natural gas engine for tractors
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
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
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
FAW gains traction in agriculture
AGRICULTURE NEWS
FAW used NAMPO 2017 to showcase its range of vehicles ideal for the agricultural sector.
The use of natural gas can lower CO
2
emissions by up to 24%.