Diesel Fuel

Consult your local fuel distributor for properties of the diesel fuel available in your area.

In general, diesel fuels are blended to satisfy the low temperature requirements of the geographical area in which they are marketed.

Diesel fuels specified to EN 590 or ASTM D975 are recommended.

In all cases, the fuel shall meet the following properties:

Cetane number of 40 minimum. Cetane number greater than 50 is preferred, especially for temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) or elevations above 1500 m (5000 ft).

Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) below the expected low temperature OR Cloud Point at least 5°C (9°F) below the expected low temperature.

Fuel lubricity should pass a minimum of 3100 gram load level as measured by the BOCLE scuffing test.

Sulfur content:

• Sulfur content should not exceed 0.5%. Sulfur content less than 0.05% is preferred.
• If diesel fuel with sulfur content greater than 0.5% sulfur content is used, reduce the service interval for engine oil and filter by 50%.
• DO NOT use diesel fuel with sulfur content greater than 1.0%

Bio-diesel fuels to DIN 51606 or an equivalent standard (RME) etc. should be used only after consultation with your John Deere dealer.

If the injection pump has been adapted for bio-diesel fuel (RME), the tractor can be used in temperatures as low as -10°C. If the tractor is operated frequently at temperatures of around -10°C or lower and the fuel used is either bio-diesel or normal diesel, the engine oil level should be checked every day before the engine is started. If the oil level is 10 mm higher than the max. level, a change of oil is required. Oil change intervals should be reduced when operating in low temperatures under the conditions described above.

Do NOT mix used engine oil or any other type of lubricant with diesel fuel.