Propane as Tractor fuel

[jaquetarr]

Gents,
Newbie here,
I did a search of this discussion line and did not find any reference to using Propane as fuel in tractors or small engines.
I remember on of my Uncles used Propane in his Ford tractor in the 50's - 60's. He was a big fan and was satisfied that due to the lack of combustion byproducts the engine wear was minimal and engine life extended. Oil always looked like it came from the can.

If anyone has Propane experience, I'd like to hear your story.
Rgds
tim

 

[rdbigfarmboy]

Propane was big in the middle of the country in the 50 to late 70s. Im looking for a good 50 - 80 hp propane tractor in my area.
Nothing new sold.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Propane was a fad back form the 30's to the 70's but when diesels got better they went by by. Propane has less btu's compared to gas so if a conversion was done you would lose about 15% of the power.

Chris

 

[Ductape]

I consider propane a sham around here. It wouldn't make any money-sense........ especially after paying all the hidden safety/delivery/maintainance/haz-mat/tank rental/etc/etc fees the propane companies charge.

 

[LBrown59]

Isn't Propane more costly than diesel ?

 

[ToadHill]

Not around here, but it shouldn't since it's a byproduct of other production processes.

 

[RalphVa]

Propane's A LOT more dangerous to have around. I worked with it as a chemical engineer for 31 years. We either had it as a refrigerant or as a combined refrigerant and solvent in the whole plant. The stuff pools because it's heavier than air. Of course, the butane additive in gasoline is equally as dangerous because it will pool in low spots.

I remember our tractor running it in the 50s. Had A LOT more power when we switched back to gasoline when the propane tank ran out, as it didn't last that long. The tractor almost leaped into the air with all that new power.

Think most of your engine wear is at startup if you use too heavy an oil or one with too big a 1st number, e.g. like 15w30 instead of 5w30 or 0w30. The oil pump just won't pick it up quick enough to provide lubrication to the overhead valve train.

Think the reason we used it in the 50s is that it was very cheap. Don't think it's really any cheaper than gasoline now, if you figure in the BTU/gallon of about 1/3 less. Propane density is 4.23 #/Gallon vs. about 7.5 #/gallon for gasoline. This is approximately the ratio of the Btu, e.g. 4.23/7.5.

Ralph

 

[jaquetarr]

I've seen where Propane is injected in diesel engines to aid combustion and where city busses and / or other engines have been converted to propane as it appears to be cleaner burning than gasoline.
It seems the consensus is that it is not economical to switch at todays prices.
There may be enviromental or political (buy US not Saudi) to convert but these do not seem to factor in to the discussion.
Rgds,
tim

 

[ampsucker]

agree with previous posts but will also add: main advantage of propane is long storage periods with no worry of fouling. we use it for the backup generator for this reason. in a tractor that is stored for long periods without use, i could see it being a plus. otherwise, there is no cost or btu/unit benefit to going with propane.

amp

 

[oldtractors]

I am looking for a propane tractor to use around my acreage. I contracted propane this year for $1.30/ gallon. Diesel is $2.80 (on road). Gas is $2.55. Propane doesn't go bad. It burns clean. I already have a truck come out and fill a 500 gallon tank whenever I need it. I have to go into town to buy gas in 5 gallon cans. Safety? All the fuels are flammable, so don't light them on fire when it is uncontrolled. Propane is no worse than gas. They even trust most people to use propane in their BBQ grill.

Why wouldn't I use propane?