Ask SAM: Biodiesel a safe fuel for tractors

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

Is it safe for me to use biodiesel in my tractor?

Bob

Dear Bob,

Biodiesel is emerging as a relatively clean-burning alternative fuel for tractors and other vehicles with diesel engines.

Here in Larimer County, Blue Sun Biodiesel can be purchased at the Poudre Valley Co-op. Two grades are available. An 80/20 blend (B20) containing 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel sells for about 25 cents/gallon above petroleum diesel prices. Pure biodiesel (B100) sells for about 85 cents/gallon above traditional diesel fuel.

But those premium prices are about to go away.

Biodiesel should become more affordable when a biodiesel tax incentive goes into effect on Jan. 1. The incentive provides an excise tax credit of 1 cent per gallon for every percent of biofuel in the product. B20 fuel, which contains 20 percent biofuel, will see a 20-cent per gallon tax credit. As a result, pump prices for biofuels should drop to a level close to petroleum fuel prices.

Biodiesel is a stronger solvent than petroleum diesel. If you begin using biodiesel in an older engine, the fuel could loosen deposits in the fuel system. Be sure to check your fuel filter often and change as needed. Eventually the system will be cleaned out and fuel filters will last longer.

The same concern exists if you store biodiesel in an on-farm storage tank. Deposits on the inside of the tank could find their way into the fuel. This is not a reason to avoid biodiesel, but is an issue you should pay attention to.

Biodiesel is a better lubricator than petroleum diesel fuel, which could help your engine to run more efficiently. People have reported increased horsepower and fuel mileage after converting to biodiesel.

During winter months, cold diesel fuels can gel. A cold flow additive in Blue Sun B20 protects against gelling at temperatures down to minus 20 F. Unless you plan on doing some early morning midwinter mowing, the B20 should work for you year-round.

B100 is not recommended for use below 40 F. Avoid using B100 from October through March.

Before you switch to biodiesel, contact your tractor dealer and ask if your warranty will be affected. Some manufacturers may not honor warranties on fuel systems if biodiesel has been used. Warranty policies could depend on the type of biodiesel used and the brand of tractor.

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 543, Fort Collins, CO 80522.