JBX
Bronze Member
Hi Big Dave,
This email is a comment on an email from a year ago but thought maybe it was worth commenting on.
I have been using biodiesel in 2 of my Kubota's for the last 2 years with no apparent harm. I have run it at 20% (B20) on up to 100%, and the only thing I have noticed is a very slight reduction in HP, but the engine definitely runs quieter and I think smoother.
I apparently made the mistake of notifying Kubota marketing about this and that's when the stuff hit the fan.
Here is the email that I received back, with some rather amazing claims that the Kubota corporation makes about biodiesel;
"Steve,
I recall the article we did in our newsletter Kubota Country on your JiggleBug Express and am glad to hear you are still at it -now with your new BX2200. Your use of "biodiesel" is interesting - however, this is not an approved fuel for our diesel engines. Here are the reasons: Kubota does not approve the use of Bio Diesel for the following reasons:
1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have approved our engines for only Number 2 Diesel fuel.
2. This Bio Diesel may cause cold weather starting and lowered horsepower by at least 7%. Kubota will not authorize the adjustment of horsepower to compensate.
3. Fuel consumption is expected to raise by approximately 15%.
4. Spilled fuel will cause the paint on the tractor to melt.
5. Rubber parts in the fuel system will deteriorate quickly causing service to be required on this system at 1000 hours or 2 years
6. As we have not tested this application, we could not guarantee that it would have no negative effect on the injection system. For this reason, we would not approve warranty for failed injection system components.
7. The compounds in this fuel are more flammable than diesel fuel and special attention to prevention of fires is required. This will require extra care in handling.
Our policy is that we do not publish stories about products being used in ways that are not "engineering approved." Your use of biodiesel eliminates our opportunity to run an update. Thanks for your interest and your loyalty to Kubota products. Pat Carroll National Manager Advertising & Public Relations"
This kind of dampened my enthusiasm for Kubota, not for biodiesel. If New Holland comes back and accepts biodiesel for their equipment, I may go from orange to blue. I intend to check with John Deere and others too.
Sincerely,
Steve
This email is a comment on an email from a year ago but thought maybe it was worth commenting on.
I have been using biodiesel in 2 of my Kubota's for the last 2 years with no apparent harm. I have run it at 20% (B20) on up to 100%, and the only thing I have noticed is a very slight reduction in HP, but the engine definitely runs quieter and I think smoother.
I apparently made the mistake of notifying Kubota marketing about this and that's when the stuff hit the fan.
Here is the email that I received back, with some rather amazing claims that the Kubota corporation makes about biodiesel;
"Steve,
I recall the article we did in our newsletter Kubota Country on your JiggleBug Express and am glad to hear you are still at it -now with your new BX2200. Your use of "biodiesel" is interesting - however, this is not an approved fuel for our diesel engines. Here are the reasons: Kubota does not approve the use of Bio Diesel for the following reasons:
1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) have approved our engines for only Number 2 Diesel fuel.
2. This Bio Diesel may cause cold weather starting and lowered horsepower by at least 7%. Kubota will not authorize the adjustment of horsepower to compensate.
3. Fuel consumption is expected to raise by approximately 15%.
4. Spilled fuel will cause the paint on the tractor to melt.
5. Rubber parts in the fuel system will deteriorate quickly causing service to be required on this system at 1000 hours or 2 years
6. As we have not tested this application, we could not guarantee that it would have no negative effect on the injection system. For this reason, we would not approve warranty for failed injection system components.
7. The compounds in this fuel are more flammable than diesel fuel and special attention to prevention of fires is required. This will require extra care in handling.
Our policy is that we do not publish stories about products being used in ways that are not "engineering approved." Your use of biodiesel eliminates our opportunity to run an update. Thanks for your interest and your loyalty to Kubota products. Pat Carroll National Manager Advertising & Public Relations"
This kind of dampened my enthusiasm for Kubota, not for biodiesel. If New Holland comes back and accepts biodiesel for their equipment, I may go from orange to blue. I intend to check with John Deere and others too.
Sincerely,
Steve
