John Deere Biodiesel Fuel Approval - Equipment & Machines

Lenexa, Kansas (December 3, 2001) -- John Deere has approved the use of soy-based Biodiesel in all of its diesel-powered products. This announcement is just the latest step in John Deere's ongoing 35-year commitment to the development of bio-based alternative fuels that benefit both the environment and the agricultural community. "We're excited to be able to support the use of Biodiesel in our products,"notes Ted Breidenbach, Manager of Worldwide Engine Engineering for John Deere Power Systems. "Biodiesel is a valuable tool for helping reduce engine emissions. It also stands as one of the linchpins in the movement to develop alternative uses for commodity products that can ultimately deliver more value to our producer customers. "The quality of Biodiesel as a fuel source has improved tremendously in recent years" Breidenbach adds. "We're confident that when it's used per factory specifications it will generate the performance producers have come to expect from their John Deere equipment."

After thorough testing and analysis John Deere engineers have developed the following guidelines to help ensure optimum use of Biodiesel:

1. Check the specs! Customers should consult with their local fuel suppliers to be sure the Biodiesel fuel meets the ASTM PS 121-99 or DIN 51606 fuel specifications.
2. Biodiesel by definition is biodegradable The higher the concentration of Biodiesel in a fuel blend, the more susceptible the fuel is to degradation and water absorption. While rapeseed methyl ester (RME) concentrations up to 100% have been run successfully, concentrations of up to five percent Biodiesel have shown improvement in fuel lubricity while minimizing the potential problems associated with fuel degradation.
3. Operators should keep storage and vehicle tanks as full as possible to prevent moisture. Storage tanks should be protected from extreme temperatures and extended storage of Biodiesel fuel should be limited. Routine monitoring of the fuel's water content is also recommended. Following these guidelines will ensure normal warranty coverage on products fueled by Biodiesel blends.
4. Users of John Deere Emission Certified Engines, are responsible for obtaining any appropriate local, state, and national exemptions required for the use of Biodiesel.

John Deere will continue to support further development and use of Biodieseland additional alternative uses for agricultural commodities. This commitment is evident in the company's support of renewable fuels legislation and in John Deere's ongoing exploration and use of soy-basedresins to replace sheet metal on products. An example of this technology is the Harvest Form panels that will be used on John Deere Combines built in 2002. These panels are made from a special polymer derived from corn and soybeans. "These are exciting technologies that will have long-term benefits for producers, consumers and every citizen with environmental concerns," Breidenbach says. Biodiesel can also be used in older model tractors and engines.

Please check with your local John Deere dealer or fuel supplier for details. One of the world's oldest and most respected enterprises, John Deere form of worldwide.

Barry E. Nelson

Ph: 913-310-8324

Fax: 913-310-8394

E-mail: NelsonBarryE@JohnDeere.com