At 95, Ian McLeod's power bills are virtually non-existent while his farm ute costs only a few dollars a week to run. How does he do it?

A Sustainable Power System

Ian McLeod, a 95-year-old farmer, has found a way to power his farm ute and house using waste vegetable oil. In a world where sustainable and affordable energy is a priority, Mr. McLeod's innovative approach stands out.

When Mr. McLeod purchased a SsangYong ute for $1,800 online, people thought he was mad. However, he saw the potential in using vegetable oil as fuel due to the history of diesel engines. He deliberately chose an engine that could run on low-grade fuel, unlike modern engines that require high-grade fuel.

Mr. McLeod collects waste vegetable oil from local restaurants in 20-litre drums to power his vehicles and house. He has set up a system in his shed to purify the oil using mechanical inventions he created.

Mechanical Ingenuity

Mr. McLeod's mechanical skills have been honed over decades, starting from his childhood when he built his first steam engine at the age of eight. His ability to innovate and create machines has been a lifelong passion that has now led to his unique power system.

Despite facing challenges in his early years, Mr. McLeod found solace in working on machines and engines. This passion not only gave him confidence but also paved the way for his current sustainable energy project.

Toil, Grit, and Perseverance

Together with his wife Shirley, Mr. McLeod has overcome various challenges throughout their farming journey. From the tough times during the Depression to the innovative farming techniques they developed, the McLeods have always found a way forward.

Mr. McLeod's knack for rebuilding and redesigning machinery has been instrumental in their farming success. He has a history of buying broken-down equipment and transforming it into efficient tools for their farm.

Challenges Bring Opportunity

Mr. McLeod's ability to see opportunities in challenges has been a driving force behind his success. From rebuilding tractors to creating new machinery for their crops, he has always looked for ways to improve efficiency on the farm.

As they reflect on their long life on the land, the McLeods continue to live quietly and sustainably, finding ways to overcome obstacles and thrive in the face of adversity.

Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation