Using Proper Fuel (Diesel)

Use the proper diesel fuel to help prevent decreased engine performance and increased exhaust emissions. Failure to follow the fuel requirements listed below can void your engine warranty.

Consult your local fuel distributor for properties of the diesel fuel 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.

Required fuel properties

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

Cetane number of 45 minimum. Cetane number greater than 50 is preferred, especially when temperatures are below -20°C (-4°F) or elevations above 1500 m (5000 ft).

Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) should be at least 5°C (9°F) below the expected lowest temperature or Cloud Point below the lowest ambient temperature.

Fuel lubricity should pass a maximum scar diameter of 0.45 mm as measured by ASTM D6079 or ISO 12156-1.

IMPORTANT: Improper fuel additive usage may cause damage on fuel injection equipment of diesel engines.

If a fuel of low or unknown lubricity is used, addition of John Deere PREMIUM DIESEL FUEL CONDITIONER at the specified concentration is recommended.

Sulfur content

• Diesel fuel quality and fuel sulfur content must comply with all existing emissions regulations for the area in which the engine operates.
• Use only ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with a maximum of 0.0015% (15mg/kg) sulfur content.

IMPORTANT: Do not mix diesel engine oil or any other type of lubricating oil with diesel fuel.

Using Bio-Diesel Fuel

Bio-diesel fuels may be used only if the bio-diesel fuel properties meet the latest edition of ASTM D6751, ASTM D7467, EN14214, or equivalent specification.

The current maximum allowable bio-diesel concentration is a 5% blend (also known as B5) in petroleum diesel fuel.

Concentrations up to B20 may be used if machine is modified with genuine John Deere B20 kit. Use of B6-B20 fuel will require maintenance interval changes from some components, and special procedures for fuel handling and machine storage.

To learn of any changes to the recommendations for bio-diesel usage with your diesel engine, ask your John Deere dealer or reference the Services and Support link on the John Deere Commercial and Consumer Equipment website.

Handling and Storing Diesel Fuel

CAUTION: Handle fuel carefully. Do not fill the fuel tank when engine is running.

Do not smoke while you fill the fuel tank or service the fuel system.

IMPORTANT: Do not use galvanized containers—diesel fuel stored in galvanized containers reacts with zinc coating in the container to form zinc flakes. If fuel contains water, a zinc gel will also form. The gel and flakes will quickly plug fuel filters and damage fuel injectors and fuel pumps.

• Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to prevent water condensation and freezing during cold weather.
• When fuel is stored for an extended period or if there is a slow turnover of fuel, add a fuel conditioner to stabilize the fuel and to prevent water condensation. Contact your fuel supplier for recommendations.