AGCO has presented new AGCO Power engines powered by ethanol and biomethane for agricultural machinery, developed by its South American engineering team. The solutions target tractors in the 200 hp to 300 hp range and were validated in real field operations, including sugarcane and grain crops.
The ethanol engine uses dedicated ignition and injection systems, while the biomethane version is aimed at farms with access to biomass and biogas production. According to AGCO, the technologies can deliver diesel equivalent performance and reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by up to 90%. Market introduction is expected in 2027 for biomethane and in 2028 for ethanol.
Source:Revista M&T with information from AGCO press office. Read The Articles
PSR Analysis. Rising oil prices, diesel supply risks, and the resulting insecurity for farmers strengthen the case for engines powered by locally produced fuels such as ethanol and biomethane. As with other engine manufacturers and OEMs, AGCO is investing to respond to this demand and enable access to lower carbon technologies suited to South America’s agricultural fuel base.
The key uncertainty is when these solutions will become commercially competitive against diesel in acquisition cost, operating cost, and fuel availability. Hybrid powertrain support may become relevant to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and accelerate competitiveness in some agricultural applications, especially for sugar cane producers. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research
