LS tractor MT2 25S, Operator'S Manual

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(4) Biodiesel fuel
1. General Description of Biodiesel
(a) Biodiesel is a renewable, oxygenated fuel made from agricultural and renewable resources such
as soybeans or rapeseeds. Biodiesel is a fuel comprised of methyl or ethyl ester-based
oxygenates of long chain fatty acids derived from the transesterification of vegetable oils, animal
fats, and cooking oils. It contains no petroleum-based diesel fuel but can be blended at any level
with petroleum-based diesel fuel. In case it is not blended with petroleum-based diesel fuel such
biodiesel is referred to as “B100”, which means that it consists of 100% (pure) biodiesel. However,
most common biodiesel is blended with conventional (petroleum-based) diesel fuel. The
percentage of the blend can be identified by its name. For example, B7 consisting of 7% biodiesel
and 93% conventional petroleum-based diesel fuel and B20 consisting 20% biodiesel and 80%
conventional diesel fuel. Raw pressed vegetable oils are not consider to be biodiesel.
(b) Advantages of Biodiesel:
- Biodiesel produces less visible smoke and a lower amount of particulate matter.
- Biodiesel is biodegradable and nontoxic.
- Biodiesel is safer than conventional diesel fuel because of its higher flash point.
Following the increased interest in the reduction of emissions and the reduction of the use of
petroleum distillate based fuels; many governments and regulating bodies encourage the use of
biodiesel.
(c) Disadvantages of Biodiesel:
Concentrations that are higher than 7% of biodiesel (higher than B7) can have an adverse affect
on the engine’s performance, its integrity and/or durability. The risk of problems occurring in the
engine increases as the level of biodiesel blend increases. The following negative affects are
exemplary and typical for the usage of high concentrated biodiesel blends:
- Biodiesel can accelerate the oxidation of Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, Copper and Zinc.
- Biodiesel damages and finally seeps through certain seals, gaskets, hoses, glues and plastics.
- Certain natural rubbers, nitride and butyl rubbers will become harder and more brittle as
degradation proceeds when used with biodiesel.
- The deteriorated biodiesel creates deposits in the engines.
- Due to its natural characteristic, biodiesel will decrease the engine output by approximately 2
percent (in case of B20) comparing to conventional (petroleum-based) diesel fuel.
- The fuel consumption ratio will increase by approximately 3 percent (in case of B20) comparing
to conventional diesel fuel.
2. Approved Engines
(a) The engine used in this model can be operated with biodiesel of concentrations up to B20. In case
of using biodiesel fuel up to B7 concentrations, no special preparations have to be made, and the
original operating conditions and service intervals are applied as stated in this manual. In case of
running this engine with biodiesel of concentrations above B7 up to B20, the required operating
conditions have to be observed. (See below No. 4)