Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel is a fuel 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.

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.bq-9000.org.

Only 5% blends are allowed (B5). Biodiesel blends can be used ONLY if the biodiesel (100% biodiesel or B100) meets ASTM D6751 (US), EN 14214 (EU), or equivalent specification.

John Deere approved fuel conditioners containing detergent/dispersant additives are recommended when using biodiesel blends.

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

Biodiesel blends must be used within 90 days of the date of biodiesel manufacture.

Request a certificate of analysis from your fuel distributor to ensure that the fuel is compliant with the above specifications.

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

IMPORTANT: When using biodiesel blends reduce the oil and filter service interval by 50% or monitor engine oil based on test results from OILSCAN.

When using biodiesel fuel, the engine oil level must be checked daily. If oil becomes diluted with fuel, shorten oil change intervals. Refer to Diesel Engine Oil and Filter Service Intervals for more details regarding biodiesel and engine oil change intervals.

The following must be considered when using biodiesel:

• Cold weather flow degradation
• Stability and storage issues (moisture absorption, oxidation, 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
• Possible reduction of service life of engine components

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