New Holland is a global comprehensive agricultural machinery manufacturer. New Holland’s product range includes tractors, combine harvesters, balers, forage harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, hay tools, seeding equipment, compact tractors, commercial vehicles and equipment, and grape harvesters. The company, founded in the United States, has its headquarters in the city of Turin, Italy.

 

The original New Holland Machine Company was established in 1895 in New Holland, Pennsylvania. It became a full-fledged manufacturer after being acquired by Sperry Corporation in 1947, Ford Motor Company in 1986, and subsequently by FiatAgri in 1991. In 1999, New Holland became a brand under CNH Global, the majority of which was owned by Fiat Industrial. On September 29, 2013, CNH Global N.V. and Fiat Industrial S.p.A. merged to form CNH Industrial N.V., a company established in the Netherlands, and was subsequently listed on both the NYSE and the Milan Stock Exchange (Mercato Telematico Azionario).

 

New Holland equipment is manufactured in 18 facilities worldwide (including six joint ventures in the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia). The current administrative headquarters is located in Turin, Italy, while New Holland, Pennsylvania, serves as the North American headquarters for the brand.

 

New Holland also holds trademarks for specific innovations in its products, including the ABS Super Steer system, Opti Fan System, Intellifill system, and others.

 

The brand was a major sponsor of Juventus F.C. and held the title of the team’s main sponsor from 2007 to 2010.

 

New Holland Agriculture, established in New Holland, Pennsylvania, is the origin and amalgamation of four united agricultural brands: Ford, Fiat Trattori, Claeys, and New Holland. Its history traces a rich tapestry of agricultural innovation and integration.

 

The roots of New Holland Machine Company can be traced back to 1895 when it was founded in a horse barn in New Holland, Pennsylvania, by Abe Zimmerman. Initially, the company began producing agricultural products, including a feed mill, to assist the local farming community. The official establishment of the company occurred in 1903.

 

In 1947, due to the acquisition by Sperry Rand Corporation, the company underwent a name change to Sperry New Holland. It was during this year that a significant breakthrough in hay harvesting technology took place with the introduction of the hay conditioner, which remained in production until 2023. This innovation marked a remarkable milestone in the history of hay harvesting.

 

Claeys, founded by Belgian mechanic Leon Claeys in 1906, was a key player in this evolution. The company initially ventured into the production of threshing machines and later established a factory in Zedelgem, Belgium, where New Holland still manufactures harvesting equipment. By the 1960s, Claeys had become one of Europe’s largest combine harvester manufacturers.

 

In 1975, Sperry New Holland introduced the world’s first dual-rotor combine harvester, a groundbreaking technology that remains in use today. This innovation revolutionized the efficiency and productivity of harvest operations.

 

The rich heritage of New Holland Agriculture is a testament to the continuous advancements and innovations in the agricultural machinery industry, with each brand contributing to its legacy of excellence.

 

In 1986, Ford made a significant move into the agricultural machinery sector by acquiring Sperry New Holland, establishing Ford New Holland Inc. However, this acquisition was not Ford’s first foray into the world of agricultural equipment.

 

Ford had a long history in the production of agricultural machinery before this acquisition. In 1907, Ford unveiled the prototype of the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-powered tractor, known as the “automobile plow.” A decade later, this tractor went into actual production and was renamed the Fordson Model F. It was manufactured by a newly established company called Henry Ford & Son Company.

 

In 1939, Ford introduced the three-point hitch system in its highly successful ‘N’ tractor series. This three-point hitch system was a groundbreaking innovation that greatly improved the efficiency and functionality of tractors. By the 1980s, Ford had become one of the major players in the agricultural machinery industry. Its tractor division was responsible for several industry innovations, including power hydraulics, rubber pneumatic tires, diesel engines, and the widespread use of the three-point hitch system. While the three-point hitch system was initially developed by Harry Ferguson, it found extensive use in Ford’s tractor production.

 

Ford’s legacy in agricultural machinery is marked by its commitment to innovation and its role in revolutionizing the efficiency and capabilities of tractors, ultimately contributing to the advancement of modern farming practices.

 

In 1991, Fiat acquired an 80% stake in Ford New Holland, marking a significant move into the agricultural machinery sector. However, Fiat had a presence in the agricultural machinery industry since the early 20th century.

 

In 1918, Fiat introduced the Fiat Model 702 tractor, which went into full production a year later at the company’s automobile and truck factory in Turin, Italy. It achieved international recognition by winning the International Farming Competition in Senlis, France. The Model 702 not only became Fiat’s first agricultural tractor but also the first Italian tractor produced on an industrial scale. In the 1930s, Senator Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat, envisioned the tractor as an integral part of Italy’s agriculture and thus established a partnership with Italian agricultural cooperatives. The company continued to grow, and by the late 1970s, Fiat Trattori had produced over one million tractors.

 

In the 1980s, Fiat made another strategic move by acquiring Braud, a French company founded in 1870, known for introducing stationary threshing machines to Western France in 1895. In 1975, Braud introduced the model 1020, the world’s first grape harvester. This model was further improved upon with the Braud 1014. In less than four years, over 2,000 units of this grape harvester were sold, making it the best-selling grape harvester in history.

 

The acquisition of Ford New Holland solidified New Holland’s position as a global full-line manufacturer, and the integration process was officially completed with the brand’s formal launch at a worldwide congress held in Orlando, Florida, in 1996. This marked a significant chapter in the history of agricultural machinery manufacturing.

 

Under the ownership of Fiat, New Holland N.V. and Case Corporation merged in 1999 to give birth to CNH. However, due to antitrust policies, New Holland had to divest itself of Laverda and the Versatile tractor factory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

 

Following the acquisition in 1993, the joint venture signed in 1990 between Ford Motor Company and the Mexican Quimmco Group was transferred to New Holland. In 1999, the company’s name was changed to CNH de México.

 

New Holland Fiat India Pvt. Ltd., formerly known as New Holland Tractors India (Pvt.) Ltd., was established in 1996 as a 100% subsidiary of CNH Global NV. The factory is located in the Greater Noida region near New Delhi.

 

The merger of New Holland N.V. and Case Corporation under Fiat’s ownership marked a pivotal moment in the agricultural machinery industry, consolidating the strengths and resources of two prominent players to create CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment.

 

In 1998, New Holland made a strategic move by acquiring Bizon, a combine harvester manufacturer based in Płock, Poland. Bizon specialized in designing machines for harvesting crops like cereals, rapeseed, corn, sunflower seeds, and more. Bizon held a dominant position in the Polish combine harvester market, commanding approximately 60% of the market share. The company had also started expanding its sales in Latin America, Pakistan, Belarus, and Ukraine.

 

Another significant partnership took shape in 1998 when New Holland entered into a joint venture with Türk Traktör, owned by Turkey’s largest industrial conglomerate, the Koç Group. Türk Traktör, headquartered in Ankara, had been producing Fiat tractors since the joint venture with the Fiat Group in 1967. In 2011, the factory celebrated the production of its 600,000th tractor.

 

On January 1, 2002, CNH established Shanghai New Holland Agricultural Machinery Corporation Ltd., a joint venture that brought together CNH, Shanghai Tractor, and Internal Combustion Engine Corporation, a leading player in the Chinese market. Today, it stands as one of the largest joint ventures in the field of agricultural machinery in China. This partnership marked a significant step in New Holland’s expansion into the Chinese market, reaffirming its commitment to global growth and innovation in the agricultural machinery sector.

 

In 2002, New Holland achieved a significant milestone by introducing the New Holland TG tractor series with what was then called the “Cat’s Eye” lighting. This innovative halo-type halogen lighting wasn’t just a first in tractor design but also preceded its use in automotive design. The TG series marked a turning point, representing New Holland’s new design direction. It was the first styling project undertaken by New Holland’s newly appointed consulting designers and stylists from Montgomery Design International. A single sketch, authored by owner and chief designer Gregg Montgomery, set the stylistic direction that continues to define all New Holland tractor series today.

 

New Holland proudly sponsored Juventus F.C. from 2007 to 2010, strengthening its global presence. The company extended its impact beyond the agricultural realm when it delivered the first machines to the “Programa Trator Solidário” (Solidary Tractor) in the Brazilian state of Paraná. An extraordinary gesture was made in the form of a white T7050 tractor, gifted to Pope Benedict XVI.

 

In 2009, New Holland Agriculture unveiled a groundbreaking innovation at the SIMA machinery fair in Paris, France—the world’s first hydrogen-powered tractor, NH2. This remarkable development saw the traditional diesel combustion engine in the T6000 tractor replaced with two electric motors, serving as an inspiring example of sustainable agriculture.

 

Following the completion of an industrial agreement between CNH and OJSC KAMAZ in 2010, a new industrial joint venture commenced assembly operations in Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia. This partnership led to the assembly of New Holland’s new tractors, including the T9060, T9040, and T8050 models, as well as CSX7080 and CSX7060 combines at the facility in the Republic of Tatarstan. Two additional products, the T8.330 tractor and CX8080 combine, were introduced in 2012.

 

New Holland has made substantial commitments to environmental sustainability and action. As the Gold Sponsor of the Climate Action Reception Network, hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in partnership with the South African government during the Climate Action Summit in Durban, New Holland reaffirmed its dedication to addressing climate change.

 

In 2012, New Holland proudly sponsored the Rio+20 Summit, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The company’s involvement demonstrated its commitment to promoting sustainable development and environmentally responsible practices.

 

In 2022, New Holland made history once again by unveiling the world’s first 100% methane-powered tractor, the T7 Metan Power LNG prototype. This groundbreaking innovation represents New Holland’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural solutions.

 

New Holland has embarked on an innovative approach known as the Energy-Independent Farm, aiming to enable farmers to generate their own energy to operate their farms and agricultural equipment. The foundation of this concept lies in utilizing hydrogen produced from renewable sources available on the farm, such as wind, solar, or waste and biomass, depending on the farm’s resources. Electricity is then converted into hydrogen using an electrolyzer, a technology employed to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Essentially, it requires inputs of water and electricity. The hydrogen is subsequently stored in high-pressure tanks on the farm and becomes readily available as a free and clean fuel to power buildings and a variety of applications, including agricultural machinery and generators.

 

Hydrogen is favored for its efficient energy carrier properties, ability to function like a battery, energy storage capacity, and its advantages over conventional batteries, such as being cleaner and more advantageous. The NH2 tractor, powered by hydrogen, is based on the production model T6.140. This tractor can operate all the equipment needed for various seasonal tasks like soil preparation, planting, baling, transportation, and loader applications. It does so nearly silently and emits only heat, steam, and water while operating by harnessing electric generators powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Compressed hydrogen stored in a dedicated tank reacts with oxygen from the air inside the fuel cell, producing electricity and water. This provides power to the electric motors driving the tractor’s main transmission and auxiliary systems. The fuel cell produces less heat compared to an internal combustion engine, delivers consistent power output, and does not generate pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, or carbon dioxide. Refueling with hydrogen is faster; filling a tank takes just 5 minutes compared to the hours required by batteries.

 

In recognition of its technical innovation, the NH2 Hydrogen-Powered Tractor received the Gold Medal at SIMA in 2009. The NH2 tractor, powered by hydrogen, is set to undergo pilot testing for the Energy-Independent Farm concept in La Bellotta, Turin, Italy. This project represents a pioneering step toward sustainable and self-reliant agricultural practices.

 

In 2006, New Holland took a significant step towards sustainability by approving the use of biodiesel in all of its equipment containing New Holland engines, with a biodiesel blend of up to 20% (B20). This move demonstrated New Holland’s commitment to incorporating biodiesel into its products. In 2007, New Holland went even further by introducing full compatibility with 100% biodiesel (B100) for its Tier 3 engines. All Tier 4A ECOBlue SCR engines are compatible with biodiesel blends of up to 20% (B20) as long as the biodiesel mixture complies with the EN14214:2009 fuel specification. This initiative allows users to choose more environmentally friendly fuel options while operating New Holland equipment, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

 

New Holland actively supports various projects based on the use of biomass, derived from agricultural, industrial, and household waste, as well as energy crops:

 

Lockerbie, United Kingdom: New Holland has been involved in an operational project near Lockerbie, United Kingdom, where a FR9090 forage harvester was tested. This harvester efficiently harvests crops without the need for reprocessing before being taken to a power plant. The project is situated in a willow woodland.

 

Gurgaon, India: In the Punjab region of India, near Delhi in Gurgaon, A2Z Maintenance and Engineering is generating energy from previously considered waste products and crop residues like straw from rice fields, cotton, maize, and rapeseed. They deliver over 45 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. This innovative use of agricultural waste also helps reduce the adverse environmental impact of large-scale crop residue burning. New Holland currently operates a fleet consisting of 105 tractors, 45 conventional balers, 15 rakes, and 2 mowers.

 

Brazil: New Holland has partnered with Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira (Sugarcane Technology Center – CTC) in Brazil to produce energy from sugarcane, primarily in the form of traditional ethanol and sugarcane straw. In Brazil, two test farms utilize a range of New Holland equipment, including large square balers, tractors, windrowers, and bale accumulators.

 

Makeni, Sierra Leone: In partnership with Addax Bioenergy, New Holland initiated the Makeni Ethanol and Energy Project (MEP) in Sierra Leone. The project includes the establishment of sugarcane plantations, an ethanol refinery, a co-generation plant, and related infrastructure. To prepare the land for cultivation, nine New Holland medium horsepower tractors are in operation.

 

These initiatives showcase New Holland’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions by harnessing the potential of biomass from various sources.

 

New Holland has secured various patents related to its products. Among these innovations are the ABS SuperSteer system and the Smart Trailer Braking System:

 

ABS SuperSteer is an application of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) technology specifically designed for tractors. It enhances safety and maneuverability, especially when operating on steep slopes. ABS SuperSteer uses ABS technology to manage the braking of each wheel independently. It allows tractor steering with the use of a single foot pedal. Two orange pedal extensions on either side of a single pedal replace the conventional, independent dual-pedal arrangement. At low speeds, this provides the driver with the ability to steer from a single wheel, similar to a traditional tractor, but it is automatically disengaged at higher speeds to prevent accidental application. The ABS SuperSteer function includes features like tire slip control and automatic coupling with the steering angle. This enables the tractor to perform tight turning maneuvers by turning on a braked rear wheel without the need for driver intervention, reducing the turning radius compared to a tractor equipped with a SuperSteer front axle. To prevent soil damage, a selectable amount of slippage is allowed on the rotating wheel. The hill-hold function enhances tractor control on slopes by automatically engaging the brakes to prevent the machine from rolling back during hill starts.

 

The Smart Trailer Braking System manages and balances the braking force applied to the trailer. During deceleration with the transmission or exhaust brake, the trailer brakes are modulated to match the slowing of the trailer with that of the tractor.

 

The ABS system is assembled at the Basildon factory using a dynamic standard operating procedure. This allows any operator to assemble the highly complex assembly consisting of approximately 80 processes and 25 different assembly tools, including a test station to ensure the ABS unit is functioning correctly before being fitted to the tractor. This cutting-edge system incorporates new technologies and 3D assembly instructions. The project leader and process engineer overseeing this endeavor is Howard Turnnidge.

 

The Opti-Fan system is designed for combine harvesters and automatically compensates for continuous slopes, whether uphill or downhill. During downhill operation, it counteracts the force of gravity on the material, causing it to move more slowly over the grain pan and upper sieve. This results in the material staying in the cleaning shoe for a longer duration, increasing the layer thickness. However, with the cleaning fan set at a certain speed, it may be insufficient to clean the crop effectively, leading to more “material other than grain” (MOG) remaining in the cleaning shoe.

 

Conversely, during uphill operation, the material layer decreases as it moves more quickly over the grain pan due to the influence of gravity. The airflow from the fan becomes too high for the thin material layer, causing it to move rapidly at the top and resulting in increased grain losses.

 

The fan speed control system detects the combine’s incline or decline angle and automatically adjusts the cleaning fan speed to compensate for it. The operator sets the fan speed on level ground, and the system reduces the speed when going uphill and increases it when going downhill to optimize the thickness of the material layer in the cleaning shoe.

 

The Opti-Fan system received the Silver Medal at Agritechnica in 2009 for its innovative contribution to combine harvester technology.

 

The IntelliFill system in the FR9000 enables the operator to load a trailer correctly and with minimal losses even in situations where visibility is limited. This system utilizes an automatic trailer tracking system that follows the front-to-back or back-to-front arrangement, using a specialized 3D camera mounted under the discharge spout to direct the flow of the crop into the trailer. Whether the trailer is positioned alongside the forage harvester or is following it when starting in new fields, the system ensures even filling.

 

One remarkable feature of this system is its ability to accurately control the crop flow direction even when operating at night. A sensor mounted at the discharge spout creates a distance image of the trailer and its surroundings using Near-Infrared (NIR) technology. Unlike traditional mono or stereo camera systems with limited depth perception, the New Holland tracking system can accurately position the crop flow up to 20 meters away.

 

The IntelliFill system received the Gold Medal at Agritechnica in 2009 for its innovative contribution to improving the efficiency and precision of trailer loading during harvesting.

 

The SuperSteer System is a technology used to improve a tractor’s turning ability and enhance work efficiency, especially for agricultural operations that require working in narrow or confined spaces.

 

Key features of the SuperSteer System include:

 

Enhanced Turning Capability: The SuperSteer System reduces the turning radius of the tractor. The front axle beam turns along with the wheels, providing a wider steering angle. This allows the tractor to make tighter and faster turns, enabling it to work in tighter spaces and increasing work efficiency.

 

Increased Traction: The SuperSteer System transfers the weight of the front ballast directly to the front axle beam. This increases the wheelbase of the tractor and provides additional traction under specific conditions. This is particularly valuable when using agricultural equipment in challenging terrains.

 

Improved Maneuverability: SuperSteer enhances the tractor’s maneuverability, making it easier to navigate through obstacles and around obstacles, ultimately saving time and effort during agricultural tasks.

 

The SuperSteer System is a valuable technology for modern agricultural operations, allowing tractors to perform effectively in various challenging environments.

 

A moisture sensing system is a technology used in agricultural equipment, particularly in balers, to measure the moisture content of baled crops accurately. This system typically involves the use of two star wheels that penetrate the bale, allowing for precise moisture measurement.

 

The moisture sensing system serves several important purposes:

 

Accurate Moisture Measurement: By analyzing the moisture content of baled crops, farmers can ensure that their crops are harvested and baled at the optimal moisture level. This information is crucial because crops that are too wet or too dry can lead to storage problems or affect the quality of the final product.

 

Crop Condition Assessment: The system provides valuable information about the condition of the baled crop. This data helps farmers determine if the crop is ready for baling or if further drying or conditioning is needed.

 

Precision Application of Additives: For crops that require additives such as preservatives or conditioning agents, the moisture sensing system allows for precise application based on the actual moisture content of the crop. This ensures that the additives are applied in the right amounts, improving crop quality and storage.

 

In summary, a moisture sensing system is a valuable tool in modern agriculture, helping farmers make informed decisions about crop harvesting, baling, and storage to optimize crop quality and yield.

 

The optional Sensitrak 4WD management system enables a tractor to automatically engage or disengage its four-wheel drive (4WD) as needed.

 

Here’s how Sensitrak 4WD management typically works:

 

Automatic Engagement: When the tractor’s sensors detect a loss of traction or wheel slip, the Sensitrak system will engage the 4WD mode automatically. This helps improve traction in challenging terrain or when pulling heavy loads.

 

Traction Control: Sensitrak continuously monitors the wheel speed and ground conditions. If it senses that one or more wheels are slipping, it will activate the 4WD to distribute power more evenly among all four wheels. This can prevent wheel spin and enhance overall traction.

 

Fuel Efficiency: Sensitrak is designed to optimize fuel efficiency. It only engages the 4WD when necessary to maintain traction, which means that the tractor isn’t constantly using extra power and fuel when it’s not needed.

 

Operator Convenience: The automatic engagement and disengagement of 4WD make the tractor easier to operate, especially in changing field conditions. Operators don’t need to manually switch between 2WD and 4WD modes.

 

Enhanced Productivity: By ensuring that the tractor maintains traction even in challenging conditions, Sensitrak can help improve overall productivity by reducing the likelihood of getting stuck or experiencing delays due to poor traction.

 

Overall, Sensitrak 4WD management is a technology that enhances the performance, efficiency, and ease of use of tractors in various agricultural applications, providing both improved traction and fuel savings.

 

The bale weighting system while in motion allows tractor and baler operators to control and optimize the baling process more effectively. This automatic system continuously measures the weight of the bales while baling and transmits this information to the monitor in the tractor cabin in real-time. It enables the operator to have continuous and accurate control over the progress of baling operations and optimizes the performance of the baler to suit the harvest conditions. This automatic system has a bale weighing accuracy of approximately +/- 2% and can easily handle different bale sizes in various crop conditions. It is available as a dealer-installed accessory.

 

The New Holland EdgeWrap system brings the net with a duckbill net applicator to the bale. The system penetrates the bale chamber for positive net material distribution. The duckbill net applicator is wider than the bale chamber, ensuring the coverage of the bale’s edge. The use of wider net provides coverage for the bale’s edges.

 

A camera detects the concentration of straw and broken grain in the sample as it is transferred to the grain tank through a sample grain elevator. This information is displayed in graphic form on the IntelliView III monitor, allowing the operator to make fine adjustments and further increase grain purity. The Grain Cam system was awarded a Gold Medal for innovation at Agritechnica in 2007.

 

The Opti-Clean system optimizes the stroke and throwing angles of each component in the CR9000 Elevation models. The grain pan is not connected to the pre-sieve and top sieve so that each element can work with optimum efficiency. The gradual distance between the grain pan and the pre-sieve is increased for higher capacity, while the long sieve stroke and steep throwing angle allow more material to stay in the air for better cleaning efficiency. The movement of the grain pan and lower sieve towards the pre-sieve reduces overall machine vibrations and increases operator comfort.

 

The SideWinder II armrest is a new control center for the T6, T7, T8, and T9 tractor series. The most frequently used controls are placed on this armrest to enhance ergonomics and efficiency.

 

The SynchroKnife drive technology includes dual-blade drive and a centrally mounted gearbox that significantly reduces blade stress and vibration while ensuring even lateral weight distribution for more consistent stubble height. The uncut crop edge beneath the header is protected against potential blockages caused by bulky side-mounted blade drive boxes.