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Farming for energy independence...
In the summer of 2003, we began using B-100 in all of our tractors except for an early 1960's John Deere, which we began operating on B-20. We also have an early 90's Kubota and a 2004 Bobcat, which we operate on B-100.
We particularly like Bio-Diesel because the exhaust is much less dangerous to our employees, it is bio-degradable, and it easily washes off the skin.
We found that B-100 worked fine in spring, summer, and fall, but in the winter, when temperatures got to the low 30's and into the 20's, it would congeal. We now go to a B-50 blend in November and back to B-100 in mid-March. This solved the cold temperature issue.
We also noticed the effect on natural rubber: we had to install new fuel lines on the Kubota, on the Bobcat (which has a Kubota engine), and on the hose on our bulk fuel tank. In addition, we repaired some seal leakage around the injectors in the Kubota.
These hurdles pale in comparison to the benefits we gain from using Bio-Diesel. In addition to being cleaner, non-toxic, and bio-degradable, using Bio-Diesel supports farmers and helps Oregon become energy independent.
Jim Gilbert
Owner and Manager
Northwoods Nursery/One Green World
28696 S. Cramer Rd.
Molalla, OR 97038
503-651-3737
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620 SW 5th Ave, Ste. 1225 