Can Tractor Run on Kerosene?, Know the Combustion, Factors, & Cost in 2024

Kerosene as a tractor fuel gained popularity in the early 20th century. This article, explores the feasibility of using kerosene in tractors compared to gasoline. The article also gives highlights upon cost of fuel and comparison, and which is the best amongst them.

Kerosene has swiftly become a primary fuel for farm tractors, overtaking gasoline in the last decade. This shift is rooted in historical oil engine development, and comparative costs highlight kerosene's prominence. Kerosene offers higher heating value than gasoline, potentially leading to lower fuel consumption. However, the complete combustion of kerosene requires stricter conditions than gasoline.

Though the principles of combustion remain similar for kerosene and gasoline, practical applications show gasoline allows more flexibility in creating ideal conditions. Four classes of liquid fuels—alcohols, gasoline, common kerosene, and low-cost heavy-oil fuels—are used in internal combustion engines.

Also Read:- Top 3 Swaraj Mini Tractors to Buy in 2024: Features & Price

Early tractors struggled with burning kerosene efficiently at varying loads due to its heavy and less volatile nature. According to analysis, it was found that engines that were governed earlier presented additional challenges for using kerosene, demanding precise control of fuel-air ratio, temperature, and compression. Water injection could be used to regulate heat and improve combustion efficiency. The report also emphasizes the importance of thorough fuel-air-water mixing for successful kerosene usage.

Fuel consumption in tractors varies, with kerosene tractors showing an average consumption of 0.963 lb. per b-hp-hr. in 1919 tests. However, advancements in oil-burning tractors reveal improved efficiency, with records as low as 0.550 lb. of kerosene per b.hp-hr.

Also Read:- Pre-Harvest Equipment Inspection: Complete Guide from Tractor to Harvester in 2024

The higher heating value per gallon of kerosene suggests kerosene tractors should consume less fuel than their gasoline counterparts. Challenges arise due to kerosene's heavier, non-volatile, and higher viscosity nature. Ignitibility, flame propagation, preignition, and engine cracking further complicate kerosene utilization in throttle-governed engines.

Overall, while tractors can use kerosene, mastering its efficient combustion requires meticulous attention to various factors compared to gasoline.

Also Read:- Top 5 Sonalika Tractors Under 30 HP in 2024