Fuel Saving Strategies

[candersen10]

What are people doing to save fuel/reduce fuel consumption?

On our farm we've stopped leaving equipment running (i.e. turning it off when we get out assuming it's warmed up). We try to use foot throttles when possible to optimize engine load and run machines in higher gears/at lower RPMs when possible. We also check air and fuel filters pretty regularly thinking that if those are clogged efficiency will fall.

Any other brilliant strategies to cut consumption?

 

[Zebrafive]

On the 6415 I only engage mfwd when I need it.
In cold weather for the 2030 I will use the block heater, then it will start easy and be warmed up sooner for putting it to work.
I use the smallest tractor that will get the job done.
I use a fuel additive.

 

[candersen10]

On the 6415 I only engage mfwd when I need it.
In cold weather for the 2030 I will use the block heater, then it will start easy and be warmed up sooner for putting it to work.
I use the smallest tractor that will get the job done.
I use a fuel additive.

Is it better to use a smaller tractor running flat out or a larger one at lower RPMs? Also, with MFWD, I've always thought that if you are pulling anything on a surface besides pavement, it can actually save fuel by reducing wheel slippage - am I off here? I turn it off when traveling fast on roads (although on the deeres it engages as soon as you touch the brakes), but otherwise leave it on pretty much all the time for tillage, digging, mowing, etc. What sort of fuel additive do you use and does it work?

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you aren't doing ground engaging activities, i.e. mowing, then no need for 4 wd as you wont be getting wheel slippage and the 4 wd does take some power to turn the wheels. I use 2 WD when mowing so I can turn sharper without so much brake assist.

According to one TBN member who compared using large tractor vs smaller (I think is was SoundGuy), when mowing with a smaller tractor with a narrower mower deck vs larger tractor with wide deck, it will take about the same amount of fuel, you just finish faster with the larger tractor.

Where you would save fuel is using a smaller tractor for applications that don't require a lot of HP, like spraying chemicals for instance. No need to put a 200 HP tractor pulling a 200 gallon tank of water when a 40 HP would do fine.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I also like to use my multi-speed PTO and crank the speed up to 750 by using higher gear (it has 540,750 &1000 speed) then throttle back to 60% of PTO speed so the mower isn't over-speeding too much. I then use a higher gear to match the groundspeed that I am comfortable with and in which the tractor handles the mower without straining. By reducing the engine speed from 1950 to around 1500, I THINK I am saving fuel since there is little load on the engine when mowing pasture weeds. I don't do that with heavy brush mowing though.

 

[hosscat]

Not that I have any real big tractors (95hp max), but I try to use the smaller tractor when I can. No need to hook up a 70 HP tractor to rake hay when my old FORD 4000 will do just fine and use much less fuel. Speaking of which, can anyone explain why my older non turbo Ford tractors use much less fuel then newer (similar HP) tractors. Example, my old ford 5000 (69hp) uses far less fuel then my 2012 5065E john deere? I assume its because they have tuned and turbos the crap out of a smaller engine and it takes a lot of fuel to do so.

 

[Zebrafive]

Is it better to use a smaller tractor running flat out or a larger one at lower RPMs? Also, with MFWD, I've always thought that if you are pulling anything on a surface besides pavement, it can actually save fuel by reducing wheel slippage - am I off here? I turn it off when traveling fast on roads (although on the deeres it engages as soon as you touch the brakes), but otherwise leave it on pretty much all the time for tillage, digging, mowing, etc. What sort of fuel additive do you use and does it work?

I would not use a smaller tractor if I had to run it flat out.
If wheel slippage is excessive use mfwd. My JD also engages when brakes applied.
I use JD summer formula. Hard to tell if it makes a difference. More for peace of mind.

 

[jenkinsph]

If you are concerned about reducing fuel use the best way to do it is by improving the way you accomplish your tasks. A minute or two of planning how to most efficiently get the job done will often make a big difference in fuel use, time and wear on the machines. The other things mentioned above will also help and I use the economy pto where possible. I don't idle the engines much anymore compared to years ago, seems most people used to leave the diesels running all day.

 

[Zebrafive]

I never understood the endless idling.

 

[Tx Jim]

Zebrafive
I think that idea got started from OTR drivers letting their trucks idle on eating/coffee breaks. What I really.really hate to hear is a diesel pickup with muffler removed sitting in front of a convenience store or fueling up idling while driver is shopping.