Case IH Promotes Biodiesel Use
Case IH Approves B20 Blend for Most Equipment and Uses Biodiesel Blends at the Factory

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– Today, Case IH became the latest equipment manufacturer to announce its support for B20, a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel. The company announced that customers can use B20 in most Case IH engines and B5 (5 percent biodiesel) in all Case IH engines. In addition, Case IH uses biodiesel blends as the factory fill in most cases.

“One hundred percent factory fill of a biodiesel blend is a logical next step in the process of embracing biodiesel,” said Randy Baker, president of Case IH North America. “Adding to demand for soybeans while producing the crop is the type of strategy our customers like to pursue,” Baker said. “It’s good environmental stewardship and good business.”

Case IH agricultural equipment fully supports use of B5 blends on all engines it manufactures. B20 is approved for use in all Case IH engines other than common rail. In addition, field testing is being conducted to determine performance levels of blends up to 100 percent biodiesel as part of a program to ensure maximum productivity and engine durability.

“As long as engine maintenance procedures are followed, and in-spec blends are purchased from a reputable supplier, biodiesel blends from B5 through B20 can be used in any Case IH engine in operation today," Baker said. “In addition, Case IH and our engine partner companies are continuously testing new and higher biodiesel blends and engine configurations to provide our customers with the most up to date information.”

All major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) support B5 and lower blends, provided they are made with biodiesel meeting ASTM D 6751. A growing number are recommending the use of BQ-9000 companies. BQ-9000 is the industry’s biodiesel fuel quality program.

Case IH customers with questions about fuel handling and engine service requirements for B20 blends are encouraged to talk to their Case IH dealer. Additional information regarding recommended biodiesel blend levels is available on the product pages of www.caseih.com/na.

American Soybean Association vice president and grain and cattle farmer, Alan Kemper, has experience with the growth of biofuels from both an ethanol and biodiesel perspective. He said he anticipates biodiesel use ramping up much more quickly than ethanol, partly as a result of manufacturers’ warranties.

“We promoted ethanol use for 10 or 15 years before manufacturers warranted the performance of gas engines for ethanol blends,” said Kemper. “With agribusinesses like Case IH supporting biodiesel use much earlier in the process, we have an opportunity to expand this market rapidly. I think we’re going to look back five years from now and really be amazed at how far biodiesel has come.”

Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel that is made from domestic resources such as soybean oil or other domestic fats and vegetable oils. It can be used in any diesel engine with few or no modifications, and can be blended with petroleum diesel at any level. Biodiesel significantly cuts harmful environmental emissions, promotes greater energy independence and boosts our economy. Today, more than 600 major fleets use biodiesel commercially, and an estimated 1,000 retail filling stations make it available to the public.

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