Case IH Unveils World’s First Ethanol-Powered Sugarcane Harvester
Case IH, a global brand under CNH known for its cutting-edge agricultural machinery and technology, has created the world’s first sugarcane harvester powered entirely by ethanol. The company is currently testing this groundbreaking machine — a perfect example of sustainable farming, as it operates on fuel derived from the very crop it harvests.
Ethanol, produced by fermenting and distilling sugarcane juice, represents a significant advancement for agribusiness. This renewable and readily available biofuel offers an effective alternative to diesel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. While Brazil — the world’s second-largest ethanol producer — leads the way, other major agricultural nations such as the United States and India are also well-positioned to benefit from its adoption.
Compared to diesel, ethanol emits up to 90% less nitrogen oxide (NOx), substantially lowering environmental impact and fuel dependency. It is also a more economical option, thanks to its reduced production and transport costs. Since many Case IH customers in Brazil already cultivate sugarcane, ethanol is accessible even in remote farming regions. The ethanol-powered machinery can be seamlessly introduced into existing operations without additional infrastructure investments. By producing their own fuel source, farmers can cut costs, boost efficiency, and achieve greater self-sufficiency — creating a sustainable and profitable cycle within their farms.
The Austoft 9990
The Austoft 9990 model integrates a range of innovative technologies and has undergone more than 300 hours of rigorous field testing. Its Intelligent Feed Rate Control system automatically modifies harvesting speed based on crop density, enhancing productivity by up to 10%. Equipped with the FieldOps telemetry system, the harvester enables real-time performance tracking for both operators and management teams, improving operational decision-making. Nearly ten thousand units have already been manufactured at CNH’s facility in Piracicaba, southeastern Brazil.
Transforming the Austoft 9990 into an ethanol-powered machine required far more than a simple engine replacement. Engineers devoted extensive time to redesigning components, optimizing software, upgrading fuel injectors, and integrating advanced fuel and exhaust sensors. To handle the higher operating temperatures, larger radiators were also installed, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Click here to know more about how ethanol is being used to power a Case IH sugarcane harvester.
Ethanol, produced by fermenting and distilling sugarcane juice, represents a significant advancement for agribusiness. This renewable and readily available biofuel offers an effective alternative to diesel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. While Brazil — the world’s second-largest ethanol producer — leads the way, other major agricultural nations such as the United States and India are also well-positioned to benefit from its adoption.
Compared to diesel, ethanol emits up to 90% less nitrogen oxide (NOx), substantially lowering environmental impact and fuel dependency. It is also a more economical option, thanks to its reduced production and transport costs. Since many Case IH customers in Brazil already cultivate sugarcane, ethanol is accessible even in remote farming regions. The ethanol-powered machinery can be seamlessly introduced into existing operations without additional infrastructure investments. By producing their own fuel source, farmers can cut costs, boost efficiency, and achieve greater self-sufficiency — creating a sustainable and profitable cycle within their farms.
The Austoft 9990
The Austoft 9990 model integrates a range of innovative technologies and has undergone more than 300 hours of rigorous field testing. Its Intelligent Feed Rate Control system automatically modifies harvesting speed based on crop density, enhancing productivity by up to 10%. Equipped with the FieldOps telemetry system, the harvester enables real-time performance tracking for both operators and management teams, improving operational decision-making. Nearly ten thousand units have already been manufactured at CNH’s facility in Piracicaba, southeastern Brazil.
Transforming the Austoft 9990 into an ethanol-powered machine required far more than a simple engine replacement. Engineers devoted extensive time to redesigning components, optimizing software, upgrading fuel injectors, and integrating advanced fuel and exhaust sensors. To handle the higher operating temperatures, larger radiators were also installed, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Click here to know more about how ethanol is being used to power a Case IH sugarcane harvester.
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