Biodiesel Fuel in John Deere Diesel Engines FAQ

[PaulChristenson]

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

 

[shinnlinger]

I have been putting 40-50% homemade biodiesel in my tractor, excavator, and F-350 for some time...THere is a slight loss of power, but it smells alot better than 100% dino diesel.

and it is cheaper, lubricates better and doesn't deposit carbon like dino diesel which can extend oil changes and service intervals.

That said I read on this site that Mahindra says no to using it and I dont know why. Many manufactureres will warrranty from 5-20% biodiesel and most older diesels seem to have no problem with 100% bio, probably because Rudolf Diesel designed his engine to run on peanut oil (after his coal dust idea exploded).

THere can be issues when the bio diesel is made out of used fryer grease (like mine) if all the contaminates like oven cleaner aren't cooked out in the refining process.

Virgin biodiesel (BioWilly)virtually eliminates these kind of problems, but of course it is more expensive than dino diesel and was proably made from soybeans harvested with dino fuel so any "save the environment" rhetoric is bunk with that stuff.

 

[rjglenn]

We recently had to replace the injector pump in our 6415 and we have been burning commercially purchased B20 for years. According to the dealership, Biodiesel supports the growth of algae and if the tractor is parked for a while with biodiesel in the injector pump, the algae will grow in the pump and ruin it. Personally I think that is BS because any diesel fuel will grow algae, not just biodiesel. Anyhow, make sure you are using some type of algaecide in your bulk tank if you are using biodiesel, or any diesel that may go a little while between delivery and use.