Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel fuel is comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel blends are biodiesel mixed with petroleum diesel fuel on a volume basis.

Before using fuel containing biodiesel, review the Biodiesel Use Requirements and Recommendations in this Operator’s Manual.

Environmental laws and regulations can encourage or prohibit the use of biofuels. Operators should consult with appropriate governmental authorities prior to using biofuels.

All John Deere Engines with Exhaust Filter (Released 2011 and After)

While 5% blends (B5) are preferred, biodiesel concentrations up to a 20% blend (B20) in petroleum diesel fuel can be used. Biodiesel blends up to B20 can be used ONLY if the biodiesel (100% biodiesel or B100) meets ASTM D6751, EN 14214, or equivalent specification. Expect a 2% reduction in power and a 3% reduction in fuel economy when using B20.

Biodiesel concentrations above B20 can harm the engine’s emission control systems and should not be used. Risks include, but are not limited to, more frequent stationary regeneration, soot accumulation, and increased intervals for ash removal.

John Deere approved fuel conditioners, which contain detergent and dispersant additives, are required when using B20, and are recommended when using lower biodiesel blends.

All John Deere Engines Excluding Exhaust Filter (Primarily Released Prior to 2012)

While 5% blends (B5) are preferred, biodiesel concentrations up to a 20% blend (B20) in petroleum diesel fuel can be used. Biodiesel blends up to B20 can be used ONLY if the biodiesel (100% biodiesel or B100) meets ASTM D6751, EN 14214, or equivalent specification. Expect a 2% reduction in power and a 3% reduction in fuel economy when using B20.

These John Deere engines can operate on biodiesel blends above B20 (up to 100% biodiesel). Operate at levels above B20 ONLY if the biodiesel is permitted by law and meets the EN 14214 specification (primarily available in Europe). Engines operating on biodiesel blends above B20 might not fully comply with or be permitted by all applicable emissions regulations. Expect up to a 12% reduction in power and an 18% reduction in fuel economy when using 100% biodiesel.

John Deere approved fuel conditioners, which contain detergent and dispersant additives, are required when using B20, and are recommended when using lower biodiesel blends.

Biodiesel Use Requirements and Recommendations

The petroleum diesel portion of all biodiesel blends must meet the requirements of ASTM D975 (US) or EN 590 (EU) commercial standards.

Biodiesel users in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to purchase biodiesel blends from a BQ-9000 Certified Marketer and sourced from a BQ-9000 Accredited Producer (as certified by the National Biodiesel Board). Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers can be found at the following website: http://www.bq9000.org.

Biodiesel contains residual ash. Ash levels exceeding the maximums allowed in either ASTM D6751 or EN14214 can result in more rapid ash loading and require more frequent cleaning of the Exhaust Filter (if present).

The fuel filter can require more frequent replacement, when using biodiesel fuel, particularly if switching from diesel. Check engine oil level daily prior to starting engine. A rising oil level can indicate fuel dilution of the engine oil. Biodiesel blends up to B20 must be used within 90 days of the date of biodiesel manufacture. If used, biodiesel blends above B20 must be used within 45 days from the date of biodiesel manufacture.

When using biodiesel blends up to B20, the following must be considered:

• Cold weather flow degradation
• Stability and storage issues (moisture absorption, microbial growth)
• Possible filter restriction and plugging (usually a problem when first switching to biodiesel on used engines.)
• Possible fuel leakage through seals and hoses (primarily an issue with older engines)
• Possible reduction of service life of engine components

Request a certificate of analysis from your fuel distributor to ensure that the fuel is compliant with the specifications provided in this Operator’s Manual.

Consult your John Deere dealer for approved fuel conditioners to improve storage and performance with biodiesel fuels.

The following must also be considered if using biodiesel blends above B20:

• Possible coking or blocked injector nozzles, resulting in power loss and engine misfire if John Deere approved fuel conditioners are not used
• Possible crankcase oil dilution (requiring more frequent oil changes)
• Possible lacquering or seizure of internal components
• Possible formation of sludge and sediments
• Possible thermal oxidation of fuel at elevated temperatures
• Possible compatibility issues with other materials (including copper, lead, zinc, tin, brass, and bronze) used in fuel handling equipment
• Possible reduction in water separator efficiency
• Possible damage to paint if exposed to biodiesel
• Possible corrosion of fuel injection equipment
• Possible elastomeric seal and gasket material degradation (primarily an issue with older engines)
• Possible high acid levels within fuel system
• Because biodiesel blends above B20 contain more ash, using blends above B20 can result in more rapid ash loading and require more frequent cleaning of the Exhaust Filter (if present)

Raw pressed vegetable oils are NOT acceptable for use as fuel in any concentration in John Deere engines. Their use could cause engine failure.