AGCO Pushing Biofuel Limit

VANCOUVER - Nov 4/05 - SNS -- AGCO is working hard to increase the percentage of biofuel its engines can efficiently use, aiming for machinery capable of running on B100 biodiesel, containing up to 100% plant or animal based methyl esters.

Currently, the SisuDiesel and Cummins engine powered tractors are fully approved for B5 blends, but AGCO is actively reviewing B10, B15 or B20 blends. Trials designed to push the limits of current Tier III engine technology are even running B50 and B100 biodiesel fuels. Most older engines are approved for levels as high as B100.

Burning biodiesel in AGCO tractors is a win-win for farmers and nonfarmers alike," says Todd Stucke, general marketing manager, AGCO tractors. "Not only do biofuels raise the value of soybeans, sunflower and rape seeds and other biofuel seed stocks, but they also burn cleaner and pollute less. We are committed to ensure that B5 is but the first step in an aggressive biodiesel adoption program."

SisuDiesel Tier II engines with Bosch P Type in-line injection pumps and older SisuDiesel and Valmet engines are approved for B100 biodiesel. Other engines and their entire fueling systems are undergoing testing and review for use with biodiesel at levels above B5. For example, as biodiesel levels near B100, the increased fuel viscosity causes increased injection pressure.

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