The director of biofuels with John Deere says the company’s Field to Freight initiative demonstrates a commitment to utilizing biofuels produced by their farmer customers.
Nate Green tells Brownfield, “Intentionally trying to set an example for other fleets that hopefully they get interested in seeing what’s possible in their own fleet operations.” He says, “The more biofuels that we can utilize, the better it’s going to be for ultimately farmers.”
The fleet’s five semis that transport parts across the country were converted to use B100 by Optimus Technologies, whose founder and CEO, Colin Huwyler, says the first-of-its kind initiative offers an opportunity to further prove the fuel’s legitimacy.
“Our technology has over two hundred fifty million miles of proven operation across thirteen hundred trucks deployed nationally,” he says.
He says the two-tank system utilizes regular diesel on start-up but then shifts to full B100 use once the fuel reaches optimum temperature.
“The biodiesel tank is heated. It’s heated from the engine’s waste heat. As soon as the parameters are met, it’ll switch over.” He says, “Gelling’s not a concern with the system because it’s fully heated and it’s monitoring the parameters of the fuel tank and the filters.”
Green says other partners include Penske and Chevron, whose Seneca, Illinois plant is expected to supply over 85,000 gallons of B100 for the fleet this year.
