Built 4 Business pulling tractor runs on 100% biodiesel
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.”
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.
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.