Montanans pleased with New Holland decision to drive biodiesel ...

Montanans pleased with New Holland decision to drive biodiesel ...
The Prairie Star - Great Falls,MT,USA
The New Holland engines have been engineered to utilize fuel blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum-based diesel fuels, commonly known ...

  New Holland recently announced it fully approves the use of blends on all equipment currently produced with New Holland engines.

The New Holland engines have been engineered to utilize fuel blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum-based diesel fuels, commonly known as B20 fuels.

“We are proud to once again take a leading role in giving support to the biodiesel industry as it rapidly moves toward fulfilling its fundamental role in the future of energy use,” said Dennis D. Recker, Vice President of New Holland Agricultural Business in North America. “In this era of uncertainty on issues relating to energy, we feel it is essential that New Holland reaffirm its already established support for the biodiesel industry.”

Industry leaders strongly agree with New Holland's decision. “This is what we have been working toward for years: a major equipment manufacturer announcing full support for use of high quality B20 in all of their equipment that has New Holland engines,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board chief executive officer. “Although other OEMs have taken positive steps toward B20, New Holland is the first to specifically say that they approve the use of B20 in their New Holland engines. This powerful stand for renewable energy is helping lead us toward a safer, less dependent nation.”

“This move by New Holland represents a strong show of support for the soybean farmers who stepped up to the plate years ago to begin the biodiesel program,” added Darryl Brinkmann, an Illinois soybean farmer and NBB chairman.

Ethanol Producers and Consumers executive director Shirley Ball said she is impressed with New Holland's drive to utilize biodiesel in their agricultural equipment. “It's welcome news,” said Ball, a retired farmer's wife of Nashua, Mont. “This will help a lot of biodiesel companies, many of which the farmers are involved.”

Biodiesel usage in Montana has more than doubled in the past year, according to Howard Haines of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality office of Helena, Mont. Haines has been working with biodiesel development in Montana since 1982. “In 2005, when the Montana Legislature introduced legislation to benefit businesses providing biodiesel services there were only two biodiesel retailers in Montana,” said Haines. “Now, there are seven.”

Montana producers can access biodiesel fuel near Missoula, Mont., and in the Gallatin Valley area, said Haines. In addition, the “fleets in the National Yellowstone Park and National Glacier Park use biodiesel fuel,” he said. “The Bureau of Land Management uses it for its Charlie Russell management, as well.”

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from oilseed crops, primarily soybeans in the United States and canola in Canada, and animal fats. Montana biodiesel is produced from canola. It can be blended with conventional diesel. The biodiesel must meet the specified industry standard for fuel quality of ASTM D6751 to ensure optimum performance and durability of the engine.

“New Holland strongly recommends the use of approved fuels and compliance with strict handling, storage and maintenance requirements to maintain the integrity of the fuel,” said Recker.

The necessary technical advice and specific maintenance programs are available through New Holland's expert dealer network to ensure the biodiesel is handled properly and critical areas such as fuel hoses and injectors receive further inspection so customers can confidently work with high-quality B20 biodiesel blends without compromising the machine's performance or durability. The biodiesel industry has also instituted a voluntary fuel quality program called BQ-9000 for biodiesel producers and marketers.

In the United States, the National Biodiesel Board credits the 2005 federal biodiesel tax incentive and scores of state pro-biodiesel legislation for the dramatic growth in the biodiesel industry. The federal incentive is an excise tax credit that lowers the cost of biodiesel to consumers and is expected to continue to significantly increase biodiesel demand. The NBB estimates biodiesel consumption will increase to at least 150 million gallons in 2006, but depending on a number of other factors including crude oil prices, the industry projects that demand could be much higher during the next decade.

“Biodiesel is the future,” said Recker. “As the availability of fossil fuels becomes a greater problem, we need to look at alternatives. But they must also be cleaner, environmentally friendly alternatives. New Holland is renowned for its innovation and forward-thinking approach, and we are committed to bringing our customers the latest technology and the benefits it brings.”

Since biodiesel is produced from a natural product as opposed to petroleum, Ball said she believes the emissions are less odorous. “At least for the guys in the fields, the exhaust emissions will smell better,” she said of New Holland's decision to support B20 usage.

New Holland is a brand of CNH, a world leader in agricultural, utility and construction equipment. New Holland sells and services an innovative and diverse line of agricultural and utility equipment, including a full line of tractors as well as hay and forage equipment, harvesting, crop production and material handling equipment. Sales, parts and service are provided to customers by New Holland dealers throughout the United States and Canada. There are more than 1,200 New Holland dealerships located throughout North America.