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Farmers and Agricultural ProfessionalsBenefits of Biodiesel in Farm Equipment
Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel made from 100% natural, 100% renewable vegetable sources such as soybean, rapeseed, peanut, safflower and sunflower oils. It can also be created from used cooking oil. Non-toxic, biodegradable and free of sulfur, biodiesel dramatically reduces particulate matter emissions and other federally targeted emissions while helping to stabilize greenhouse gases – making it friendlier to the environment. How can biodiesel benefit Ohio farmers? While its emissions are radically lower, in farm equipment engines biodiesel functions the same as petroleum diesel. Biodiesel can be substituted for diesel with essentially no engine modifications, and maintains the payload capacity and range of diesel. Even low blends of biodiesel like B2 and B5 offer exceptional lubricity, thus slowing engine wear and tear. Manufacturers’ warranties for diesel-burning engines extend to those burning biodiesel. Plus, biodiesel doesn’t need special storage. You’ll also be glad to know that diesel engines are typically more efficient than gas motors, so you will almost certainly save money on transportation if you switch from a gas vehicle to a biodiesel vehicle. Biodiesel strengthens Ohio’s and America’s energy security while generating new industry and high-quality jobs. A 1998 biodiesel lifecycle study, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, concluded biodiesel reduces net CO2 emission by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. This is due to biodiesel’s closed carbon cycle. The CO2 released into the atmosphere when biodiesel is burned is recycled. Petroleum distributors are increasingly making biodiesel available to their customers as they realize that there is demand for the product. Ask your local fuel distributor about carrying it.
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