Deere Expands Ethanol Tractor Trials to Nebraska and Illinois

John Deere is expanding its field trials of ethanol-powered tractors to Nebraska and Illinois this fall. The company's director of biofuels, Nate Green, shared updates on the 9.0-liter E98-powered machinery at the American Coalition for Ethanol conference in Minneapolis.

The project aims to create a significant market for corn ethanol without sacrificing power and torque characteristic of traditional diesel equipment. Prototypes have already completed intensive testing in Kentucky, logging 17-hour days during the harvest season.

Deere has four units currently operating in the U.S., with two more undergoing testing in Brazil. The company reports that the tractors are performing well in real-world conditions, though a commercial launch remains four to five years away.