Built 4 Business pulling tractor runs on 100% biodiesel

Photo: Illinois Soybean Association

The Johnson family has been competing in tractor-pulling competitions for more than 20 years, and four years ago they made the decision to fuel their pulling tractor with 100 percent biodiesel. “We saw the gains that we can produce in horsepower,” said Kevin “KJ” Johnson. “Before, we produced around 17,000 horsepower. With biodiesel, we’re seeing anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 horsepower.”

Photo: Illinois Soybean Association

Using B100 not only provides more reliable engine performance, but it also results in fewer carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment. Illinois biodiesel production creates more than 2,000 jobs around the state and reduces U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

KJ and brothers Travis and John have been participating in tractor pulls for most of their lives thanks to the influence of their father. The Johnson brothers compete with the biodiesel-powered pulling tractor in competitions held by the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association. While the brothers do the driving, KJ notes that the most important Built 4 Business team member is their father. “He doesn’t drive it anymore, but he’s the driving influence behind everything,” KJ said.

Photo: Illinois Soybean Association

The Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program is proud to partner with the Johnson family to celebrate their wins and showcase the numerous benefits of biodiesel.

You can catch the Built 4 Business pulling tractor at these upcoming competitions this summer:

• July 22, Christian Co. Fair – Taylorville, Illinois
  

• July 23, Menard Co. Fair – Petersburg, Illinois
  

• July 26, Madison Co. Fair – Highland, Illinois
  

• July 30, Champaign Co. Fair – Urbana, Illinois
  

• July 31, Adams Co. Fair – Mendon, Illinois
  

• Aug. 1, Effingham Co. Fair – Altamont, Illinois
  

• Aug. 2, Coles Co. Fair – Charleston, Illinois
  

• Aug. 4, Brown Co. Fair – Mt. Sterling, Illinois
  

• Aug. 13, David Lashmett Memorial Truck & Tractor Pull – Winchester, Illinois
  

• Aug. 20, American Thresherman’s Assoc. – Pinckneyville, Illinois
  

• Aug. 25, Will Co. Fair – Peotone, Illinois
  

• Sept. 4, Central States Threshermen’s Reunion – Pontiac, Illinois
  

• Sept. 10, Calhoun Co. Jr. Fair – Hardin, Illinois

For more information on biodiesel and ISA’s efforts to create a sustainable future, visit ilsoy.org/biodiesel.