Case IH successfully tests ethanol-powered sugarcane harvester

Tests carried out by Case IH with an ethanol-powered engine at a São Martinho unit in Pradópolis have yielded positive results. The Austoft 9000 series sugarcane harvester achieved productivity and efficiency levels similar to the diesel version, even in high-yield sugarcane, the company reported.

"We believe that ethanol is the best solution for the future of agricultural machinery, especially in Brazil," says Christian Gonzalez, vice president of Case IH for Latin America.

"Ethanol is a renewable fuel, produced by our customers and widely used in the country, which does not require new investments in infrastructure and logistics by producers," he added.

The use of ethanol as fuel for agricultural machinery brings several benefits, including the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the possibility of reducing operational costs with transportation and logistics.

Case IH said it plans to expand its portfolio of ethanol-powered machines, including tractors, harvesters and sprayers, to meet the needs of the sugarcane and grain sectors.

“The future of agricultural machinery is ethanol,” says Gonzalez. “And we are committed to providing sustainable and efficient solutions for our customers.”