20 percent biodiesel suitable for Valtra’s Common Rail engines

06.11.2006

Engine manufacturer Sisu Diesel is continuing tests with biodiesel fuels. If the results of these tests are favourable, it is possible that greater concentrations of biodiesel could be used in the future. The previous limit for Common Rail engines was a blend of 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent normal diesel.

The biodiesel fuel must be esterified and comply with EN 14214/ASTM D 6751 norms. Non-esterified, cold-pressed or other biodiesel fuel that does not conform to these norms may not be used.

Valtra’s engines do not need to be modified before using biodiesel. Whenever a blend of more than 5 percent biodiesel is used, however, the engine oil, oil filter and fuel filter must be changed twice as often as required by the normal service interval. In addition, SisuDiesel recommends that a separate pre-filter be fitted between the fuel tank and engine if biodiesel is used regularly. The water filter should be checked frequently and carefully, as biodiesel is more liable to absorb condensed water than normal diesel fuel.

Biodiesel can also corrode painted surfaces, plastics and rubber, so extra caution should be taken when filling the fuel tank. On the other hand, biodiesel degrades naturally, so any overflow can be simply rinsed off. Engine performance with biodiesel is the same as with normal diesel.

Valtra Inc.

More information:
Mauno Ylivakeri, R&D Manager, +358 (0)40 5088 718, mauno.ylivakeri@sisudiesel.com

www.valtra.com

Valtra Inc. develops, manufactures, markets and services Valtra tractors. Valtra is the leading tractor manufacturer in the Nordic countries and the second most popular brand in Latin America. Net sales in 2005 amounted to 874 million euros and the number of employees to 2400, including SisuDiesel and Valtra do Brasil. Total production in Finland and Brazil amounted to 18,000 tractors. Valtra is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation.

Back