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Less BTU means lower fuel economy. "If you get to B100, you suffer a 5% to 8% energy loss in the fuel," says Hall. "That is physics. There is nothing we can do about that."

However, the power loss becomes negligible at lower blend levels. "If you go down to that B2 to B5 range, the chances are you are not going to be able to see any noticeable difference in power," Hall states. For example, if B100 were 7% less efficient, and B5 contains only 5% biodiesel, the total difference in fuel economy would be only .35%.

"When you look at the amount of fuel that gets consumed on jobsites, if I were to switch to a B100 and see a 7% or 8% BTU difference, I think I would be scratching my head a little," says Borgman. "But in those lower blend ranges of B2 or B5, I would recommend that everyone use them."

Cold weather capability
Another common concern with biodiesel is its cold temperature performance. Yet, this is a concern with No. 2 diesel fuel in general.

"Biodiesel will gel in cold temperatures, as will No. 2 diesel," says Pearson. "Up to B20 can be used year round in all types of climates if it is properly treated," says Pearson. "B20 is handled in a similar fashion to No. 2 diesel - treated with additives or by blending with No. 1 diesel for year-round operability."