CNH donates New Holland T6.180 Methane-powered tractors to support research and hands-on learning at Ohio State

Two advanced New Holland T6.180 Methane-powered tractors are helping The Ohio State University expand its work in sustainable agriculture through a new equipment donation from CNH.

As part of a longstanding partnership that dates back more than a decade, CNH has provided Ohio State with two New Holland methane-powered tractors. The donation builds on years of collaboration that includes sponsored research and participation in the company’s university loan program, which gives students hands-on experience with the latest agricultural equipment.

“These types of partnerships are critical because they allow our students to work directly with the same technology they’ll encounter in industry,” said Scott Shearer, professor and chair of the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. “It brings real-world application into the classroom and supports the kind of experiential learning we value at Ohio State.”

The tractors are designed to run on refined biogas generated from organic materials, such as animal waste, through anaerobic digestion. The fuel can be used to power the tractors, offering a renewable alternative to traditional diesel. The tractors can also operate on fossil fuel compressed natural gas, aligning with existing infrastructure on Ohio State’s Columbus campus.

“This technology represents an important step toward more sustainable agricultural systems,” Shearer said. “It gives us an opportunity to explore how farms can reduce emissions while making use of resources they already produce."

Ohio State’s existing compressed natural gas fueling capabilities, including a campus station that supports its CNG bus fleet, made the university a strong candidate for the equipment placement. The tractors will support research, teaching and demonstration efforts across the university’s agricultural programs.

“Through our CNH University Partnerships, we are giving the next generation of ag workers and leaders a firsthand look at the New Holland T6 Methane-powered tractor as an alternative fuel option,” said Sean Dorosz, medium tractor product marketing manager at CNH.

The collaboration reflects a broader, continuous effort by CNH to work closely with universities to advance innovation and prepare the next generation of engineers and agricultural professionals.

“We’ve had a strong relationship with CNH for many years, from research projects to equipment access,” Shearer said. “This donation is another example of how that partnership continues to grow and create opportunities for our students, faculty and constituents.”