Diesel Fuel

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

Consult a local fuel distributor for properties of the diesel fuel available in the 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 ISO 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 comply with ISO EN 590 or ASTM D975.

Avoid damage! Improper fuel additive usage causes 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 sulfur content must comply with all existing emissions regulations for the area in which the engine operates.
• Use of diesel fuel with sulfur content less than 0.5% (5000 ppm) is required.
• Use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel with a maximum of 0.0015% (15mg/kg) sulfur content is acceptable.

Avoid injury! Do not mix diesel engine oil or any other type of lubricating oil with diesel fuel.

Using Biodiesel Fuel

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

The current maximum allowable biodiesel concentration is a 20% blend (also known as B20) in petroleum diesel fuel.

To learn of any changes to the recommendations for biodiesel usage with your diesel engine, ask your John Deere dealer.

Handling and Storing Diesel Fuel

Avoid injury! 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.

Avoid damage! 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 forms. The gel and flakes quickly plug fuel filters and damage fuel injectors and fuel pumps.

• To prevent water condensation and freezing during cold weather, fill the fuel tank at the end of operation each day.
• 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.