Save fuel while increasing productivity on your farm
With fuel contributing heavily to a farmer’s input costs, every fuel increase has an effect on the farm’s bottom line. In South Africa, we have recently experienced a considerable rise in fuel costs which has had a negative effect on all of those who rely on machines with internal combustion engines. In this article we will look at a few fuel saving tips that can save tractor operators on running costs.
The tips are focused in the following areas:
- Tractor efficiency, operation and maintenance
- Implement efficiency
- Field practices and cultivation efficiency, including precision agriculture
- General farm efficiency
Tractor efficiency, operation and maintenance
One of the easiest ways to achieve fuel efficiency is to ensure that farm vehicles and equipment are maintained by following the maintenance plan as set out in the operator’s manual. A well-maintained tractor operates efficiently, thus consuming less fuel. Some maintenance practices that can help save fuel include changing the air filter, checking the fuel filters, ensuring the tires are properly inflated, and ensuring that the engine is in good condition.
A study by the University of Maryland on 50 tractors showed that fuel consumption was reduced by almost 15% after a full service. In addition, the maximum obtainable horsepower of those same tractors increased by an average of about 11% - University of Maryland
Refrain from labouring the tractor engines. Avoid quick starts and minimise idling because they waste fuel and are hard on equipment. Letting an engine idle for 10 minutes during an average day can easily add up to 60 minutes a week and 20 hours per year wasting a great amount of fuel. To lessen the load on the engine and promote fuel efficiency, rather slow down the engine speed and shift up to a higher gear to maintain your desired speed.
Using the right fuel for your tractor is crucial in saving fuel. Ensure that you use the recommended fuel type and grade as indicated in the manufacturer's manual. Using the wrong fuel can cause the engine to work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Implement efficiency
Match the tractor size to the implement that you will be using in the field. Use smaller tractors for lighter loads and larger tractors for heavier loads. This will save energy and reduce frustration in the field. Overloading your tractor can also cause it to consume more fuel. Ensure that you do not overload your tractor beyond its recommended capacity. Overloading causes the engine to work harder, thus consuming more fuel.
It is also suggested that you ensure that you get the right tractor for the job. You might not need to use a large tractor for spraying, spreading manure or smaller tasks. Choose the smallest, lightest and most appropriate tractor for the job for the best fuel economy.
Cultivation efficiency
Planning your route can help save fuel. Avoid driving your tractor in a zigzag pattern or through rough terrain. GPS guidance systems and auto-steer technology are tools that can be used to find the most efficient routes around a field and can eliminate skips or overlaps on the field and reduce the amount of time spent on a field, saving time, as well as fuel.
Following precision agriculture principles can help to reduce the fuel cost. If you know your numbers, such as the amount of fuel it takes to establish, grow and harvest a tonne of maize on your farm it will be easier to reduce costs. Using simple data, can help to identify areas for cost-saving.
General fuel storage
Invest in proper fuel storage equipment and store you diesel in approved, well-maintained, secure aboveground storage tanks. Stored incorrectly, fuel can deteriorate and proper storage will prevent fuel loss due to evaporation, leaks and theft. The correct storage will also prevent contamination of fuel from water, sediment or rust.
