Hello everyone
A few years ago we purchased a CAT 416B backhoe (see image), last year we started running a 50/50 mix of diesel and filtered (75micron)used veg oil. We were able to do this during the summer months when the high temp. kept the veg. oil viscosity closer to that of diesel. The performance improved, along with a distinct deep fried smell coming out the exhaust.

This year I'm considering putting a conversion on the machine from this seller in Canada: http://www.plantdrive.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=6
The basic kit needs a few other items such as a second tank, one tank for veg oil the other for diesel (which is used at start-ups and shut downs).
I'm just wondering if anyone out there has played around with an older backhoe fuel conversion and what your experiences might have been. I don't see any issues with this I know several people who have converted their diesel vehicles, but it seems age of the vehicle plays into how successful you are. Older seems to be better so I'm hoping this older CAT (1996 era) might be the same.

Nice! I myself am looking to do a fuel conversion on a tractor but my fuel choice is wood. The trouble of course is I need to convert to a spark plug system due to virtually all modern tractors running on diesel.

Jamie, I just bought this one from my brother. I will have to try adding veggie oil. Where do you get it?

Filtered finer than factory fuel filters and usually you are fine with a mechanical pump diesel.

Fitting a small pony tank for pure diesel isn't usually too much of a problem if you can keep it under 20l. A jerry can can be strapped about anywhere, or a similar shaped racing fuel cell. You can find cheap tanks, it is just figuring out one that fits: http://www.surpluscenter.com/Truck-Trailer/Fuel-Tanks-Caps/4-GALLON-FUEL-TANK-28-1648-A.axd

Amedean Messan wrote:Nice! I myself am looking to do a fuel conversion on a tractor but my fuel choice is wood. The trouble of course is I need to convert to a spark plug system due to virtually all modern tractors running on diesel.

You dont have to convert to a spark system just because your using wood. Have a look at charcoal slurry. If you can make peanut butter then alternative diesel is just as easy.

r john wrote:

Amedean Messan wrote:Nice! I myself am looking to do a fuel conversion on a tractor but my fuel choice is wood. The trouble of course is I need to convert to a spark plug system due to virtually all modern tractors running on diesel.

You dont have to convert to a spark system just because your using wood. Have a look at charcoal slurry. If you can make peanut butter then alternative diesel is just as easy.

Or you use it as dual fuel--keep running a little diesel/veggie to create ignition but majority of power from the woodgas.

Thanks for all the great replys...
I'm using this filter in a 74 micron mesh size
to filter the used oil I receive. Utah Biodiesel

The kit to convert my backhoe is around $450.00, I'm pretty certain I will be purchasing this soon. I'll let you know how it goes.

This post has not had any love in a while and I was very interested in seeing the results! Hope to do this in some CAT dozers in the future.