The use of higher blends of renewable fuels is increasing across modern equipment, as more manufacturers approve biodiesel and renewable diesel for use in their engines, according to Missouri Soybeans.
Matt Amick, director of market development with Missouri Soybeans, said several engine makers are now allowing the use of biodiesel blends as high as B100. He said new retrofit technologies are enabling both on-road and off-road diesel fleets to operate on higher blends, even in cold weather conditions, reports Brownfield.
Amick noted that some retrofit systems allow full use of B100 without major changes to existing equipment. He added that engine manufacturers are also expanding approvals, with companies such as John Deere clearing certain newer engines for blends up to B30 and allowing some older engines to operate on B100.
Josh Garetson of John Deere said offering higher blends of biodiesel and renewable diesel for Tier 4 engines shows that these engines are capable of handling increased blend levels. He said the response from users has been encouraging.
Garetson added that John Deere is also using higher renewable fuel blends in its own operations. By increasing the use of oilseeds to produce biodiesel internally, the company aims to lead by example and encourage others to adopt higher blends of renewable fuels.
