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John Deere diesel engines approved for high biodiesel blends
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
John Deere announced Tuesday all of its Tier 4 diesel engines were approved for B30 fuels, a fuel blend with up to 30% biodiesel.
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association called the action a “major step” toward renewable fuel adoption, especially for producers in Iowa who have several B30 incentive programs.
The adoption means that farmers can use the higher-blend fuel in their agricultural equipment like tractors and combines, which typically use the heavy-duty engines. Previously, John Deere rated these tier-4 engines for B20, or 20% biodiesel, fuel blends.
The tier rating is a system designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate and reduce emissions.
IRFA executive director Monte Shaw said in a press release that John Deere “has always been a leader in promoting renewable fuels.”
Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems, said the company is committed to growing its use of renewable fuels.
Lower-tier John Deere engines are rated for higher fuel blends, up 100% biodiesel.
“We believe strongly in the role that renewable fuels play in supporting the agriculture economy and are excited to offer our customers – including those who grow the very crops used to make renewable fuels – the opportunity to leverage higher blends of fuels like biodiesel in their own equipment,” Guyot said in a press release.
In 2024 Iowa produced an estimated 350 million gallons of biodiesel, and the industry had an estimated economic contribution of $2.2 billion, according to IRFA. In May, Iowa gained a first-of-its-kind biodiesel pump at a station in Urbandale, to fuel PepsiCo trucks with B99 fuel.
Iowa offers a $0.10 per gallon tax-credit to fuel retailers that sell B30 or higher blends. In addition to the state program, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association offers a biodiesel fuel credit to farmers who fill up with biodiesel blends. Blends above 20% can get $0.50 per gallon in credits, up to $500.
“These programs make biodiesel more accessible and affordable for Iowa farmers, while supporting the state’s leadership in renewable energy,” Lisa Coffelt, IRFA’s marketing director said.
