Friday, 21 April 2023 07:55

Veggie oil set to power tractors

Written by  Staff Reporters
Kubota has announced that its new tractors are suited to running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Kubota has announced that its new tractors are suited to running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

While we have become accustomed to vehicle manufacturers offering alternative fuel sources for its ranges, other than New Holland with its commercially available T6 Methane tractors, the agricultural landscape is firmly fixated on diesel power.

With the realisation that current battery technology does not lend itself to agricultural situations, tractor manufacturers have looked a little more closely at alternative fuels to power their compression ignition (CI) engines. Kubota is the latest to announce that its new tractors are suited to running on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The company has also confirmed that it is possible for its new dieselengine tractors to run on both HVO and GTL (gas to liquid) which will contribute to a lower carbon footprint for Kubota IC engines.

As a manufacturer of industrial engines, tractors, grounds care and construction equipment, Kubota has realised that HVO, which is synthesised from vegetable oil and fat, is likely to become increasingly popular due to its environmental benefits. GTL meanwhile is synthesised from natural gas, therefore its contribution to reducing total carbon emissions is somewhat reduced.

Having undergone extensive trials to evaluate any effect on the performance and achieving a clean bill of health, Kubota has confirmed that that any paraffinic fuel that complies with the European standard EN15940 is suitable for use across its range of diesel engines. The company also notes that there is no need to flush fuel tanks or change filters, as HVO and GTL, meeting the EU standard, are safe to mix with common diesel.

There are changes to existing maintenance intervals or warranty conditions when using these fuels, although operators may notice a slight degradation in engine performance when using them due to the lower energy density of paraffinic fuels, compared to diesel.

More like this

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the Italian Eima Event, taking away an innovation award.

Combine harvester put through its paces in Oz

Twelve months after its release, the all-new John Deere S7 combine harvester has been put through its paces across a range of grain-growing regions, so producers can see first-hand its potential productivity and efficiency benefits.

Local experts in pregnancy scanning, calf disbudding

Made in New Zealand is a feature that looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, producing productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week Machinery Editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at Ultra-Scan, catching up with franchisers Glenn Chambers and Bianca Bothma.

New seed drill tech coming

Incorporating Vaderstad's latest seed drill technology, the Proceed V 24, is said to improve precision and increase planting efficiencies for New Zealand farmers and growers from the 2026 season.

Power Farming and Topcon join forces

Over the last half-decade, the rapid adoption of GPS, guidance and a host of management and data recording functions has emphasised the need for a knowledgeable and reliable product and support provider.

Featured

Farmer input needed to combat FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on livestock farmers to take part in a survey measuring the financial impact of facial eczema (FE).

Editorial: Escaping Trump's wrath

OPINION: President Donald Trump's bizarre hard line approach to the world of what was once 'rules-based trade' has got New Zealand government officials, politicians and exporters on tenterhooks.

Wool pellets to boost gardens

With wool prices steadily declining and shearing costs on the rise, a Waikato couple began looking for a solution for wool from their 80ha farm.

National

Miraka CEO steps down

The chief executive of Taupo-based dairy company, Miraka – Karl Gradon - has stepped down from the role for personal…

Machinery & Products

Bigger but not numb

When you compare a RAM 1500 or Chevrolet Silverado to a Ford Ranger or a Toyota Hilux, you will understand…

Good just got great

Already well respected in the UTV sector for performance, reliability and a competitive price point, CFMOTO has upped the ante…

Nedap NZ launch

Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

O Canada

OPINION: Donald Trump's focus on Canada is causing concern for the country’s dairy farmers.

Plant-based fad

OPINION: The fact that plant-based dairy is struggling to gain a market foothold isn’t deterring new entrants.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter