The B100 diesel, of a type known as Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (or FAME), is made from recycled vegetable oils, using a process called transesterification. It will be available to buyers of newly manufactured JCB 140X, 145XR, 150X, 220X and 245XR models from June 2026. JCB will provide full warranty cover for use of the fuel, when machines are specified with a B100 pack and supported by a JCB dealer B100 enhanced service contract.
When machines are offered for secondhand sale, JCB says that a straightforward conversion process will allow engines to be returned to conventional diesel operation, helping protect residual values and ensuring suitability for the used machinery market.
The company says that it is the first to offer this equipment with 100% biodiesel, claiming that other engine manufacturers have only approved the use of 10% or 20% (B10 or B20) biodiesel mixed with fossil fuels.
The fuel is supplied by Syntech Biofuel, and the companes worked together on an 鈥榚xtensive鈥� test and validation programme. It is compliant with BS EN 14214 and certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.聽
Group product innovation director Richard Brooks said: 鈥淭his milestone development is in direct response to major contractors asking for excavators capable of running on B100. They now have a practical fuel option that delivers genuine carbon savings and one that, in the future, could be extended to other products in JCB鈥檚 range, depending on demand.
鈥淭he use of B100 biodiesel complements JCB鈥檚 market-leading battery electric and hydrogen combustion technologies as alternatives to conventional diesel power, providing customers with another route to carbon reduction and sustainable operation. Customers operating machines with Syntech ASB B100 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 93% compared to standard diesel, delivering an immediate and significant step towards net zero without compromising performance.鈥�
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