Biodiesel Fuel in John Deere Diesel Engines FAQ - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**PaulChristenson** · 02-06-2008, 12:09 AM

What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic renewable resources such as soybean oil. It contains no petroleum but can be blended with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.
As an example, B2 fuel is a blend of 2% biodiesel with 98% petroleum diesel. John Deere has established a set of guidelines for using up to 5% (B5) biodiesel in current products. When using biodiesel, it is important to follow fuel specifications, storage, and proper use guidelines prescribed by John Deere.
What are some of the benefits of using biodiesel?
The use of biodiesel fuel is better for the environment because it’s made from renewable resources and has lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. It’s also great for the economy since it can be made domestically and decreases our dependence on foreign oil.
In addition, biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and free of sulfur and aromatics.
What is John Deere doing to support biodiesel?
Since 1 March 2005, all Harvester Works combines and Waterloo Works-built tractors have been using B2 biodiesel as the factory fuel fill. B2 biodiesel will also be adopted as the factory fill at all other North American John Deere factories by the end of 2005.
Where can I get more information about biodiesel?
John Deere DTAC Solution 50441 provides more in-depth information on the use of biodiesel along with some provisional specifications.
Another valuable source of information is the official site of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). Their website is: www.biodiesel.org

**Ducati996** · 02-06-2008, 08:00 AM

Good Info Paul thanks!

Mickey · 02-06-2008, 12:44 PM

While useful info, 2-5% biodiesel is pretty wimpy. Wonder why JD has such a low level consentration level recomendation? Could see an issue if one were to use pure veggie oil but not sure what their concern is over higher consentrations of full biodiesel?

SkunkWerX · 02-06-2008, 01:44 PM

I was reading some info areound the web, and all Bio diesel tractor users are reporting good to fantastic results. I have seen posts by large agri-users in those monster tractors right down to 3-cyl Kubota mowers. They all say the same thing, works great.

The people working around horses, cleaning stables and grooming indoor arenas especailly like the fact the exhuast is less noxious than Dino-diesel.

This brings us to a simple question: What does it take to burn Bio in a regular, modern 3 cyl. diesel like we have in our tractors?
I have read that you need to do the multi-stage filtering on the incoming product, then, have a way to heat the fuel lines so it will flow better.

Does anyone have any other info?

SkunkWerX · 02-06-2008, 03:35 PM

Additional info:

-Kubota approved use of B5 in their tractors. (5% bio blend)

-Biodiesel blends can be burned in existing engines with little or no modifications. However,
biodiesel is a solvent, and overtime, will degrade seals, gaskets and fuel lines made of natural

rubber. Vehicles older than 1994 may need to replace these parts with synthetic materials.

-Biodiesel is a strong solvent and will clean out fuel tank sediments during initial use. These sediments can plug the fuel filter*, so it is important to inspect your filters and replace them as needed. Cleaning fuel tanks prior to using biodiesel will help to minimize this problem.
*Bio diesel gets the blame for the clogged filter, when it is the liberated Dino-fuel crud doing the clogging.

-Biodiesel can gel at cold temperatures. Fuel blends and additives can control this.

nuru · 03-04-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkunkWerX

Additional info:

-Kubota approved use of B5 in their tractors. (5% bio blend)

-Biodiesel blends can be burned in existing engines with little or no modifications. However,
biodiesel is a solvent, and overtime, will degrade seals, gaskets and fuel lines made of natural

rubber. Vehicles older than 1994 may need to replace these parts with synthetic materials.

-Biodiesel is a strong solvent and will clean out fuel tank sediments during initial use. These sediments can plug the fuel filter*, so it is important to inspect your filters and replace them as needed. Cleaning fuel tanks prior to using biodiesel will help to minimize this problem.
*Bio diesel gets the blame for the clogged filter, when it is the liberated Dino-fuel crud doing the clogging.

-Biodiesel can gel at cold temperatures. Fuel blends and additives can control this.

yes, i have heard that is it harder to store i cold environments (non-insulated garages and sheds)

**PaulChristenson** · 07-22-2008, 11:14 PM

John Deere Power Systems has a strong commitment to the environment, energy security, and technological advances that have a positive impact on both.

Biodiesel certainly meets these criteria. While B5 blends are preferred, biodiesel concentrations up to 20 percent (B20) blended in petroleum diesel fuel can be used in all John Deere engines certified up to Tier 3/Stage III A, as well as all non-emissions-certified engines, providing the biodiesel used in the fuel blend meets the standards set by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) D6751.

We recognize the importance of biofuels to our customers and to the environment. Use of quality biodiesel in John Deere diesel engines has economic and environmental benefits, boosts development in rural areas, and helps provide energy security.

John Deere was one of the first off-highway engine manufacturers to factory-fill biodiesel in North America, and we approved B5 biodiesel in 2001. Since then, John Deere has continued to conduct biodiesel research and has performed lab and field tests using biodiesel fuel. We have also developed a fuel conditioner that is recommended when using lower biodiesel blends and required when using B20 blends and above.

What does biodiesel mean for John Deere engines?