CLAAS explores ammonia power for high-output farm machinery
CLAAS is working with MAN Engines and WTZ Roßlau on an ammonia-powered drive system aimed at the demanding workloads of agricultural machinery, with potential applications including high-performance harvesters and large tractors.
The GAMCO project — Green Ammonia Multifuel Combine — will investigate whether an ammonia-fuelled internal combustion engine can deliver the sustained power these machines need over long working days. It is a research programme, rather than the announcement of a production machine.
From engine development to machine integration
MAN Engines and WTZ Roßlau are developing the engine system, while CLAAS is working on integrating the technology into an agricultural machine at Harsewinkel. The partners will investigate combustion, exhaust after-treatment, fuel storage and safe handling under real-world conditions.
Led by WTZ Roßlau, the €3.2 million project runs from 1 May 2026 to 31 October 2029. It is funded under the 8th Energy Research Programme through the project management organisation Forschungszentrum Jülich.
For operators of high-output machinery, the central question is whether an alternative fuel can meet heavy-duty working requirements. CLAAS says harvesting machinery and large tractors operating at full load will continue to depend on energy-dense liquid fuels in the near future.
Different power sources for different jobs
Ammonia is being investigated as another option alongside fuels such as HVO and, subject to appropriate approval, B100 biodiesel. The project will assess the full well-to-wheel pathway, including fuel production and supply, rather than judging the engine in isolation.
Battery-electric power already has a place in smaller machines and suitable duties. CLAAS points to its TORION 537e SINUS wheel loader, unveiled at Agritechnica 2025 and part of its range since summer 2026. The company quotes operating times of up to 16 hours in material handling with intermediate charging, with applications including work around livestock buildings and municipal tasks.
GAMCO addresses a different part of that machinery mix: exploring an alternative to fossil fuels for applications where sustained high power is essential. Its findings will help establish the opportunities and limitations of ammonia power for future agricultural machines.
Related news: