Fossil-free biofuel approved for JCB X series excavators

JCB heavy products team leader Heath Vanrooyen with a JCB 245XR tracked excavator (Image credit: JCB)

Starting June 2026, this includes newly manufactured JCB 140X, 145XR, 150X, 220X and 245XR models.

The company said it will be the first in the industry to use B100 biodiesel in tracked excavators sold in Europe.

The fuel, which is also known as Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME), is derived from renewable biological sources. It contains no fossil diesel and is made from recycled vegetable oils, instead of virgin food crops.

JCB said it has conducted an extensive test and validation programme in conjunction with Syntech Biofuel to allow X series excavators to be operated with ASB B100 fuel.

The fossil-free fuel is compliant with BS EN 14214 and certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.

Group Product Innovation Director Richard Brooks said, “[Contractors] 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’s range, depending on demand.

“Customers operating machines with Syntech ASB B100 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 93% compared to standard diesel.”

JCB said it will provide full warranty cover for compliant B100 fuel when machines are specified with a B100 pack and supported by a JCB dealer B100 enhanced service contract.

A conversion process also allows engines to be returned to conventional diesel operation.