© MAG/Oliver Mark

Efforts to create a greener future for farm machinery have spawned myriad tractors with alternative powertrains, one of which is the Helios from Fendt.

Based on a 700-series tractor frame, the prototype machine has a hydrogen fuel cell and 25kWh battery where the engine would normally be, which power a 100kW (134hp) electric motor.

In turn, this runs the transmission, hydraulic pump and pto.

See also: JCB’s hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine examined

The mushroom-like roof structure might make it look like Toad from Mario Kart, but it performs the important function of housing the bulky hydrogen tanks.

These provide sufficient power for about five hours of moderately strenuous work.

Trials are being carried out on two farms in Germany to assess the viability of the system.