URBANDALE, Iowa - The Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Biodiesel Board applaud the announcement by New Holland that it supports the use of 100 percent (B100) biodiesel in all equipment with New Holland-manufactured diesel engines.

“This is a significant step toward recognizing the engine safety of biodiesel and the many benefits of using this renewable fuel, says Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development.

“The ISA, National Biodiesel Board, and the soybean checkoff have invested more than $50 million in research and development, with many dollars dedicated to original equipment manufacturers for engine testing, research and education. It’s exciting to see those investments pay off,” says Kimberley.

New Holland now offers nearly 80 percent of its products with diesel engines as available to operate on B100 biodiesel. New Holland has also asked other suppliers of diesel engines used in New Holland-branded products to test and approve higher levels of biodiesel.

New Holland made its B100 recommendations after real-life testing on a 1,500-acre research farm at Penn State’s College of Agriculture. After nearly two years of use, the tractors have performed with no adverse effects in performance or maintenance, according to Glen Cauffman, the Penn State manager of farm operations and services.

Paul Trella, New Holland director of product marketing for under-100 horsepower tractors, says that New Holland is committed to manufacturing equipment that is compliant with biodiesel use, and to providing top-rate biodiesel support for their customers.

“It’s essential to use high-quality biodiesel produced to ASTM D6751 standards from a reputable supplier who can offer consistent fuel quality to ensure optimum performance and engine durability. With the proper use of approved fuels, it is also essential that biodiesel be used in strict compliance with proper handling, storage and maintenance requirements to maintain the integrity of the fuel,” says Trella.

“Iowa’s biodiesel manufacturers are recognized as leading the nation in the production of high-quality biodiesel. New Holland’s leadership in promoting B100 in their diesel engines is a great example of their confidence in biodiesel as a superior fuel,” says Randy Olson, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board.

Details and recommendations for use of the New Holland models that run on B100 are available from www.newholland.com/na/biodiesel.

Additional information about using blends above 20 percent biodiesel may be found on the National Biodiesel Board Web site at http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/Biodiesel_Blends_Above%20_20_Final.pdf.