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	This Axor 2543 L not only boasted a host of safety systems such as the Telligent roll control, Telligent braking system and Telligent Lane Assistant but also the special retrofit package to accommodate the use of biodiesel as an alternative fuel.

After visiting the IAA Truck Show held in Hannover, Germany, last year, FleetWatch editor, Patrick O'Leary returned with news that leading truck OEMs were gearing up rapidly for the adoption of biodiesel. Here is his report...

It was interesting to see on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the IAA show in Hannover that the company is now offering a retrofit kit for the Axor (with OM 457 LA) and Actros production series that enables them to run on biodiesel free of problems. I also saw, for the first time on my overseas travels to Europe, a tanker outside of the show with huge biodiesel signage all over it.

In times of enduringly high fuel prices, it can pay to convert to biodiesel and with prices for a litre of biodiesel some 15 cents cheaper than conventional diesel, many truck fleet operators in Europe are now taking a closer look at this environmentally sound fuel. On the other hand, running a vehicle on biodiesel also creates certain disadvantages, including much shorter intervals between oil changes. If these are not observed, sludge accumulation can result in engine damage.

It is to avoid such problems that Merc has introduced the retrofit kit which consists of modified pumps for the fuel-injection unit, a preliminary fuel filter with heated water separator and an additional tank for conventional diesel to run the auxiliary heating.

Retrofitting creates a number of advantages. Firstly, intervals between oil changes are significantly longer and approach the same length of time required for engines which run on conventional diesel. Secondly, the preliminary fuel filter prevents the actual fuel filter from becoming clogged. A retrofit also largely stops the pumps and the injection nozzles from gumming. And lastly, continuing to run the auxiliary heating on conventional diesel preserves its normal service life.

Biodiesel is also catching on in South Africa as evidenced by this test vehicle spotted by FleetWatch operating in KwaZulu Natal around the Hluluwe area. It's one of the alternative ways to go.
 

Biodiesel is also catching on in South Africa. This test vehicle was spotted by FleetWatch's editor operating in KwaZulu Natal area near Hluluwe. Not sure who's testing but we'll try to find out.