08.11.2007

Cat Malaga demonstration fleet to run on biodiesel

The machine fleet at the Caterpillar Malaga Demonstration and Learning Center will begin to use B20 (biodiesel 20) reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as carbon monoxide and particulate matter by up to 20 percent. B20 is composed of 80 percent petroleum diesel mixed with 20 percent biodiesel derived from vegetable oils.
Cat's 84-hectare facility supports a fleet of 70 machines and 10 large diesel engines that consume approximately 230,000 litres of fuel per annum. By using 46,000 litres of biofuel in 2008, the site will reduce its overall emissions and promote the use of alternate fuel sources.

Richard Garstin, Manager of the Malaga Demonstration and Learning Center said: “we’re leading by example as we receive over 12,000 visitors at Malaga each year and most of them attend a product demonstration. The use of biodiesel is a great opportunity to do our part in leveraging sustainable development business principles and setting a positive example for our customers.”

Caterpillar says that the average biodiesel emissions compared to conventional diesel emit 20 percent less unburned hydrocarbons, 12 percent less carbon monoxide and 12 percent less particulate matter.

Most Cat machines and diesel engines can use B20, and off-road machines with a Caterpillar C7 engine or larger can use B30.