Kobelco CNH Australia (KCNHA) has approved the use of up to 20 pct biodiesel blends in its industry-leading Case and New Holland construction equipment. Biodiesels are produced from renewable energy sources such as oilseeds including soybeans and canola, and can also be produced using ethanol.

“In response to customer demand for equipment that runs on cost effective, environmentally friendly fuel, all engines manufactured by our plant in North America are approved for the use of B5 blends, which is a mix of 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum-based diesel, while the use of 20% blends is possible on all engines other than common rail,” KCNHA marketing manager Wayne Munce said.

The long-term effects of biodiesel in higher blend ratios are yet to be confirmed, however KCNHA is also working with its partners including the Fiat Group and industry groups to further the use biodiesels and higher blends. “In 2002, New Holland North America was the first equipment company to join an offspring of the National Biodiesel Alliance, an information-sharing group committed to exploring biodiesel issues.
 

"Along with our partners such as the Fiat Group, we’re also looking at the use of higher-level biodiesels and have initiated field tests to evaluate the performance of engines fuelled by 100% biodiesel." Biofuels reduce Australia’s dependence on imported oil, with the environmental benefit of lowering emissions. Best of all, biofuels are ideal for a wide range of equipment from tractors with engines running at constant speeds to the variable speed engines of construction equipment such as wheel loaders. However the use of higher blends is not without its challenges. “It’s advisable to talk to your local dealer first as there are certain handling and maintenance requirements involved in moving towards 20% blends,” Wayne said.

Cost is one consideration, as blends higher than 5% are more expensive. Biofuels also attract water vapours from the air, so fuel tanks should be kept as full as possible to limit the amount of condensation. When switching to a biodiesel blend, fuel filters need to be changed more regularly while the system adjusts to the new fuel source as biodiesels will remove rust and particles from the inside of storage and fuel tanks.