Return to TFB Main Page
Return to Texas Agriculture Archive

January 4, 2002

Tech Tips
Deere okays biodiesel

John Deere has approved the use of soy-based biodiesel in all of its diesel-powered products. According to Ted Breidenbach, manager of Worldwide Engine Engineering for John Deere Power Systems, this announcement is the latest step in John Deere's ongoing 35-year commitment to the development of bio-based alternative fuels that benefit both the environment and the agricultural community.

"We're excited to be able to support the use of biodiesel in our products," Breidenbach said. "Biodiesel is a valuable tool for helping reduce engine emissions. It also stands as one of the linchpins in the movement to develop alternative uses for commodity products that can ultimately deliver more value to our producer customers.

"The quality of biodiesel as a fuel source has improved tremendously in recent years," Breidenbach added. "We're confident that when it's used per factory specifications it will generate the performance producers have come to expect from their John Deere equipment."

After thorough testing and analysis, John Deere engineers have developed the following guidelines:

•Customers should consult with their local fuel suppliers to be sure the biodiesel fuel meets the ASTM PS 121-99 or DIN 51606 fuel specifications.

•Biodiesel, by definition, is biodegradable, so the higher the concentration of biodiesel in a fuel blend, the more susceptible the fuel is to degradation and water absorption. While rapeseed methyl ester (RME) concentrations up to 100 percent have been run successfully, concentrations of up to 5 percent biodiesel have shown improvement in fuel lubricity while minimizing the potential problems associated with fuel degradation.

•Operators should keep storage and vehicle tanks as full as possible to prevent moisture. Storage tanks should be protected from extreme temperatures and extended storage of biodesel fuel should be limited. Routine monitoring of the fuel's water content is also recommended.

Following these will ensure normal warranty coverage on products fueled by biodiesel blends. Users of John Deere Emission Certified Engines are responsible for obtaining any appropriate local, state and national exemptions required for the use of biodiesel.

John Deere will continue to support further development and use of biodiesel and additional alternative uses for agricultural products. This commitment is evident in the company's support of renewable fuels legislation and in John Deere's ongoing exploration and use of soy-based resins to replace sheet metal on products. An example of this technology is the HarvestForm panels that will be used on John Deere combines built in 2002. These panels are made from a special polymer derived from corn and soybeans.

"These are exciting technologies that will have long-term benefits for producers, consumers and every citizen with environmental concerns," Breidenbach said.

Biodesel can also be used in older model tractors and engines. Please check with your local John Deere dealer or fuel supplier for details.