Kubota M4N-071, Operator'S Manual

Page: 105 / 152

1. Biodiesel fuel (BDF) B0-B20
B0-B20 Biodiesel fuels (BDF): mixed diesel fuels containing 20% or less biodiesel can be utilized under the following
conditions.
IMPORTANT :
• Refueling and handling fuel should be done with caution in order to avoid contact with the fuel and
spillage that could create a potential environmental or fire hazard. Wear appropriate protective equipment
when refueling.
Applicable BDF:
1. Blended diesel fuels containing 6% through 20% BDF (B6 - B20) which comply with American Society for Testing
and Materials (ASTM) D7467 Standard, as revised, can be used without adversely affecting the performance and
durability of the engine and fuel system components.
2. Any mineral oil diesel fuel, if used, must conform to ASTM D975 (or the European EN590) Standard, as revised.
B100 fuel used to make Biodiesel blended fuels must meet ASTM D6751 (or EN14214) Standard, as revised.
The final blended fuel B20 must conform to ASTM D7467 Standard, as revised.
Straight vegetable oil is not allowed in any blended fuel.
3. Allowable blended fuel is mineral oil diesel fuel blended with B100 (meaning, 100% BDF).
The blended fuel ratio shall be less than 20% B100 and 80% or more diesel fuel.
The B100 source used for Biodiesel blends must be purchased from an accredited BQ-9000 marketer or
producer.
More information about qualified marketer(s) and producer(s) can be found at http://www.bq-9000.org.
Preparation:
1. Before using BDF concentrations greater than B5, you are advised to replace the engine oil, engine oil filter and
fuel filter with new oil and filters. Details regarding the replacement procedures can be found in a different section.
(See Changing engine oil on page 108, Replacing engine oil filter on page 108, and Replacing fuel filter on page
119.)
Product warranty, emission and other precautions:
1. The engine emission control system was certified according to current regulations based on the use of non-BDF.
When using BDF, the owner is advised to check applicable local and federal emission regulations and comply with
all of them.
2. BDF may cause restricted or clogged fuel filters during cold weather conditions, resulting in the engine not
operating properly.
3. BDF encourages the growth of microorganisms which may cause degradation of the fuel.
This in turn may cause fuel line corrosion or reduce fuel filter flow earlier than expected.
4. BDF inherently absorbs moisture which may cause degradation of the fuel earlier than expected.
To avoid this, drain the water separator and fuel filter port often.
5. Do not use Biodiesel concentrations higher than 20% (namely, greater than B20).
Engine performance and fuel consumption will be affected, and degradation of the fuel system components may
occur.
6. Do not readjust the engine fuel control system as this will violate emission control levels for which the equipment
was approved.
7. Compared with soybean-based and rapeseed-based feedstock, palm oil-based feedstock has a thicker
consistency (that is, higher viscosity) at lower temperatures.
Consequently, fuel filter performance may be reduced, particularly during cold weather conditions.
8. The KUBOTA Warranty, as specified in the owner's warranty information guide, only covers defects in product
materials and workmanship. Accordingly, any problems that may arise due to the use of poor quality fuels that fail
to meet the above requirements, whether biodiesel or mineral oil based, are not covered by the KUBOTA
Warranty.
Routine handling:
1. Avoid spilling BDF onto painted surfaces as this may damage the finish.
If fuel is spilled immediately wipe clean and flush with soapy water to avoid permanent damage.
2. When using BDF, you are advised to maintain a full tank of fuel, especially overnight and during short term
storage, to reduce condensation within the tank. Be sure to tighten the fuel cap after refueling to prevent moisture
build up within the tank. Water in the biodiesel mixture will damage fuel filters and may damage engine
components.
LUBRICANTS, FUEL AND COOLANT MAINTENANCE
M4N-071, M5N-091, M5N-111
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