New Holland Becomes First Equipment Maker to Fully Approve B20
National Biodiesel Board Applauds Company’s Pioneering Move

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.– Ed Hegland, a soybean grower in Appleton, Minn., has waited for this news for years. The maker of his tractor, New Holland, has approved the use of 20 percent biodiesel (B20) in all of its equipment using New Holland engines. It is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to announce full support of B20 in all of the diesel engines that it produces.

“I am elated that New Holland has taken this step to show support for biodiesel, a farmer-grown fuel,” Hegland said. “Their customers asked for it, and they listened. I truly hope others will follow suit soon.”

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) applauded New Holland’s decision. “This is what we have been working toward for years; a major equipment manufacturer announcing full support for use of high quality B20 in all the diesel engines that they produce,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB. “Although other OEMs have taken positive steps toward B20, New Holland is the first to specifically say that they approve the use of B20 in all of their engines. This powerful stand for renewable energy is helping lead us toward a safer, less dependent nation.”

“Biodiesel is the future,” said Dennis D. Recker, Vice President of New Holland Agricultural Business in North America. “As the availability of fossil fuels becomes a greater problem, we need to look at alternatives. But they must also be cleaner, environmentally friendly alternatives. New Holland is renowned for its innovation and forward-thinking approach, and we are committed to bringing our customers the latest technology and the benefits it brings.”

NBB’s close work with New Holland and other OEMs was instrumental to the company’s decision to support B20. During the past several years, NBB and the diesel engine, fuel injection, and vehicle companies have engaged in extensive biodiesel research and testing programs to develop an informed, fact-based position on the use of up to a 20 percent biodiesel blend in diesel applications in the U.S. The Fleet Evaulation Team recommendations were based on actual fleet experience with B20 in the commercial marketplace.

In addition, NBB and all the major vehicle, engine and fuel injection companies are engaged in a research program for new diesel technology. The program tests B20 and lower blends in the advanced diesel engine platforms mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) starting with 2007 model year vehicles.

“Our industry’s goal is for B20 approval in all major diesel engines and vehicles, and we are making great strides towards that,” Jobe said.

All major 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 NBB’s biodiesel industry quality program.

“While some companies might not fully recommend use of blends higher than B5 yet, we have had virtually no problems with high quality B20—the type that would come from BQ-9000 approved companies. Use of blends higher than B5 will not necessarily void existing warranties,” said Jobe.

Earlier this year, DaimlerChrysler broke new ground when it announced approval of the use of B20 in its Dodge Ram pickup trucks for government, military and commercial fleet customers. Use of B20 in fleets is approved effective with the 2007 Model Year.

New Holland has a track record of biodiesel support. In 2003, New Holland was the first large farm equipment company to join the Biodiesel Alliance that connects the widespread support base for biodiesel. The Biodiesel Alliance includes agricultural and health groups as well as businesses. New Holland also awarded use of its tractors to the nation’s two top recruiters of the Biodiesel Alliance.

Hegland, who also serves as chair of the NBB technical committee, has used various blends of biodiesel in his ’98 tractor since he first brought it to the farm. “This is a leap forward for the biodiesel industry, and the timing couldn’t be better,” he said. “Everyone is talking about energy and how to increase our domestic supply. Biodiesel is one of the best things out there to help us do that.”

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 700 retail filling stations make it available to the public.

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