Biodiesel
Uncompromising performance – flexible fuel for John Deere engines
Biodiesel is a renewable, oxygenated fuel made from a variety of agricultural resources such as soybeans or rapeseeds. One of the primary advantages of biodiesel is its renewability. As a renewable, domestic energy source, biodiesel can help reduce dependence on petroleum imports.
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. Other advantages of quality biodiesel include improved lubricity, reduced sulfur emissions, and reduced aromatics. Biodiesel has a high cetane content for faster ignition. It also produces less visible smoke and lowers the amount of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and life-cycle carbon dioxide emissions produced by an engine.
While B5 blends are preferred, biodiesel concentrations up to 20 percent (B20) blended in petroleum diesel fuel can be used in John Deere engines, provided the biodiesel used in the fuel blend meets the standards set by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) D6751. John Deere engines can operate on B100 if the biodiesel meets the EN 14214 standard. Biodiesel meeting the EN 14214 standard is typically available in Europe. These guidelines apply to all John Deere engines.
Use of biodiesel impacts diesel engines and their performance. Those considering the use of biodiesel should educate themselves on the benefits and cautions of using biodiesel fuel. For more information, consult the engine’s Operators Manual, your local John Deere engine distributor or equipment dealer.
- Biodiesel Fuel
Biodiesel Fuel
Biodiesel Fuel (EN 14214): Specific Features
Biodiesel is a fuel that is produced from renewable raw materials (predominantly rapeseed). John Deere has conducted intensive, long-term testing to investigate the specific features of biodiesel in connection with its use. The result of these tests provide users with valuable information on the handling and use of biodiesel fuel:
- Biodiesel has approximately 10% lower power density. This affects engine performance and fuel consumption.
- In the case of older engines, some rubber or synthetic components are not resistant to biodiesel fuel. It may therefore be necessary to retrofit a number of seals, gaskets and hoses. Your local John Deere dealer can advise if this is necessary for your vehicle.
- Where a vehicle has been converted to biodiesel, the fuel filter must be changed after filling the tank with biodiesel otherwise, diesel fuel deposits may clog the filter.
- Biodiesel could dilute engine oil. John Deere recommends shorter oil change intervals and the use of premium oil.
- Owing to the solvent properties of biodiesel fuel, it is recommended to wipe any biodiesel spills from painted surfaces immediately, as is common practise for conventional diesel fuel use.
- As is the case with mineral diesel, a thickening of the biodiesel fuel can occur at very low temperatures.
- Biodiesel fuel should be stored for no longer than three months, as biodiesel absorbs moisture, and any resulting water contamination can have an adverse effect on the fuel properties
In case of on-farm storage of biodiesel, it is necessary to ensure that:
- The fuel storage and the handling system is suitable for the storage of biodiesel (design approval, material compatibility).
- The storage tank is completely clean prior to use (biodiesel is an effective cleaning agent).
Achieve sustained optimal performance with biodiesel
John Deere has conducted extensive research into the use of biodiesel fuel. To avoid any loss of performance caused by a build-up of deposits, it is recommended that you use John Deere Biodiesel Protect 100, available from your local John Deere dealer.
It is advisable to use only biodiesel that conforms to standard EN 14214; this should be purchased from a certified producer, such as AGQM in Germany, or from a supplier able to provide proof that the product originates from a certified producer.
