NBB and Cummins have some fun with biodiesel

Photo: Joseph Sanders Photography

March 12, 2018

BY The National Biodiesel Board

The rugged growl of an old diesel engine and the steady purr of newer diesel models could be heard across the Missouri River as the National Biodiesel Board’s Director of Sustainability, Don Scott, joined a group from Cummins Inc. for some high-powered diesel fun. The crew from Cummins was passing through Missouri while road testing a group of vehicles equipped with Cummins’ recently released R2.8 Turbo Diesel engine. Scott invited them to rev their engines and ride through Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge as they crossed the state, and they took strong interest in Don’s road-tested (and off-road tested) family truckster.

Cummins engines power nearly every type of vehicle and equipment on earth, from fire trucks and 18-wheelers to berry pickers and 360-ton mining haul trucks. Cummins recently released these 2.8L engines for the aftermarket, which represents the first time Cummins has sold engines specifically for aftermarket conversions. Folks like Scott, however, have been repurposing used Cummins industrial engines to accomplish the goals of increased fuel economy and increased reliability for a decade. In 2008, Don converted a Jeep Wagoneer using a Cummins engine to gain fuel economy and to burn biodiesel instead of gasoline while camping, exploring and taking family outings. 

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“I joined NBB, because I wanted to protect the environment, but also because I wanted to do so while driving diesel trucks,” Scott said. “We take our work seriously creating jobs and reducing emissions by growing the biodiesel industry, but every so often we get to have a little fun in the process. Driving is essential to our economy and our social interactions, and it’s a great way to see and appreciate the outdoors.”

Cummins and Scott filmed a short video on the Cummins Inc. Instagram where the roaring diesel engines can be appreciated in full. All new Cummins Engines are approved to run blends of biodiesel up to 20 percent. Don has been proudly running B20 in his Cummins Engine for more than a decade.

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“All major original equipment manufacturers producing diesel vehicles for the U.S. market support at least 5 percent biodiesel,” Scott said. “As the biodiesel industry grows, we look forward to seeing more OEMs follow Cummins’ lead in supporting higher biodiesel blends in the years to come.”

Cummins Inc. designs, manufactures, sells and services diesel and alternative fuel engines from 2.8 to 95 liters, diesel and alternative-fueled electrical generator sets from 2.5 to 3,500 kW, as well as related components and technology. Cummins serves customers through their network of 600 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 7,400 dealer locations in more than 190 countries and territories.

 

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