UK-headed plant machinery manufacturer J C Bamford Excavators Ltd (JCB) has announced the launch of a B100 biodiesel ready option in newly manufactured JCB 140X, 145XR, 150X, 220X and 245XR excavator models from June 2026.
Many engine suppliers have approved the use of B10 or B20 biodiesel fuels only, whereas JCB says it is set to become the “first in the industry” to deploy B100 biodiesel, which contains no fossil diesel, in tracked excavators sold in Europe.
This 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’s range, depending on demand, commented Richard Brooks, Group Product Innovation Director at JCB.
JCB has conducted an extensive test and validation programme in conjunction with Syntech Biofuel to allow its X Series excavators to be operated with Syntech ASB B100 fuel.
The fuel is compliant with BS EN 14214 and certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard.
JCB will provide full warranty cover for compliant biodiesel fuel when machines are specified with a B100 pack and supported by a JCB dealer B100 enhanced service contract.
The use of B100 biodiesel complements JCB’s 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 percent compared to standard diesel, delivering an immediate and significant step towards net zero without compromising performance, Richard Brooks said.
A straightforward conversion process also allows engines to be returned to conventional diesel operation, helping protect residual values and ensuring suitability for the used machinery market.
