10 WAYS TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY ON YOUR FARM

Tractors and other farm equipment can consume a lot of energy, so it makes sense to take practical steps to improve their efficiency.

These are some examples: ​​​​​​​

• Maintaining equipment properly. Replacement of air and fuel filters, as well as lubricants, on a regular basis, can reduce fuel consumption while increasing horsepower. Repairing leaking valves and piston rings boost engine performance and, as a result, energy efficiency.

• Reclaiming old fuels and oils is one method of reducing energy consumption by using fewer fossil fuels

• Tillage reduction to save fuel. Because the soil is tilled less intensively and less frequently in conservation tillage systems, it consumes less fuel than in full tillage systems. These tillage practices may also allow for faster seedbed preparation, fertilizer application, and seeding. Carbon credits are also available for such practices.

• Throttling back and gearing up. Changing gears and lowering the throttle speed can result in fuel savings. Make certain that the engine is not overloaded; excessive black smoke indicates overloading.

• Reducing wheel slippage To reduce tire wear, some wheel slippage is required. The optimal level is typically 10%, but the actual level varies depending on the type of tractor, speed, and implementation used.

• Correctly ballasting tractors Properly ballasted tractors with recommended tire inflation rates can improve fuel consumption and tractor efficiency by allowing for the appropriate amount of tire slippage for the tractor, implement and field conditions.

• Matching the size of the implement to the tractor. Using a large tractor for light loads is inefficient because it requires more horsepower to move the larger tractor. If possible, producers should consider using a smaller tractor. Using a smaller tractor to perform operations that require more horsepower, on the other hand, can overload the smaller tractor, reducing its fuel consumption and efficiency.

• Choosing the best engine and travel speeds. When operated at or near rated speed and load, or maximum power, most tractor engines have the highest fuel efficiency. The best fuel efficiency in the field for primary tillage implements properly matched to the tractor is achieved by pulling loads at the fastest speed possible within the acceptable speed range for the implement.

• Increasing the efficiency of field operations. Field efficiency refers to the time it takes to complete an operation versus turning and other nonproductive time. Excessive time spent turning around at the ends of short, wide fields or overlapping tillage operations within a field can result in increased fuel consumption. Efficient road travel planning can also save fuel.

• Fuel storage allows you to save fuel before it enters the tractor. To reduce fuel evaporation, keep aboveground fuel storage tanks shaded and painted a light color.

Also Read:- Let's Learn How to Take Tractor Performance Test