Gas vs Diesel Usage when running equipment

[Doyle670]

I know this topic has been beat to death but I would like to know if anyone knows how much more fuel a gas tractor will use compared to a diesel tractor.


I know all the advantages/disadvantages with power, torque, durability, longevity, compression, which is how all other Gas vs Diesel thread turns out.

For example, i'd like to know how much more fuel a 50hp gas tractor will use compared to a 50hp diesel tractor under load(chopping corn, baling).

If anyone can speak from experience that would be great.

Any answers are greatly appreciated.

 

[RaydaKub]

I can't say anything about the fuel usage. But I remember my dad telling me about my uncle and cousin. He had 2 Case 400's. One was gas, the other diesel. My cousin took the diesel out for the day and my uncle took the gas. They were pulling the same plow all day long and my uncle lapped him several times. He complained about it and for the evening, they swapped. This was some time in late summer (wheat ground maybe?) so it was hot. With the cooler air of the evening, the diesel took over and my cousin got lapped several more times. :laughing::laughing:

 

[Doyle670]

Sounds like experience might be a factor here....:laughing:

 

[slowzuki]

At full load, gas uses 25-40% more depending on the era of tractor. Low compression old gas engines are terrible per hp on fuel.

Part load and idling the diesel uses even less.

 

[Doyle670]

That's probably about what I would've guessed. There are quite a few good deals around me on older john deere's that are gas.

I like to explore all options when looking at equipment. There are a couple john deere 2010's and 4020's for sale but they are gas.

Just thought maybe it might be worth looking into them.

So if there is a 25-40% increase in fuel using a gas tractor but yet 10% savings on price of gas compared to diesel, it brings it down to 15-30% increase in fuel usage.

Thanks again.

 

[Winmac]

Depending on your usage the gas tractor may require yearly replacement of ignition parts, plugs, points, etc. When servicing. If your gasoline is as poor as what is sold around here it may degrade fouling the carburetor if the tractor were to sit idle any length.
On the other hand diesels are more costly to repair when trouble arises.

 

[Soundguy]

I know this topic has been beat to death but I would like to know if anyone knows how much more fuel a gas tractor will use compared to a diesel tractor.


I know all the advantages/disadvantages with power, torque, durability, longevity, compression, which is how all other Gas vs Diesel thread turns out.

For example, i'd like to know how much more fuel a 50hp gas tractor will use compared to a 50hp diesel tractor under load(chopping corn, baling).

If anyone can speak from experience that would be great.

Any answers are greatly appreciated.

fuel usage on a gasser is going to depend quite a bit on the carb.

I have 2 identical tractors, one with a MS carb, and the other a zenith.

both doing the same work.. same engine size, etc.. the zenith drinks about 25% more fuel.

If I am using above 50hp.. I really, really hope to use a diesel to do it not a gasser

tractor speaking..

 

[MHarryE]

FYI I picked an old tractor that came with either gas or diesel, the I-H 806, then looked up the Nebraska tractor test fuel usage at full power. The gas used 24% more per HP hour than the diesel. Of course the economy of that 50 y/o diesel sucks compared to today's tractors but I can't think of a real comparison from today's tractors.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I know this topic has been beat to death but I would like to know if anyone knows how much more fuel a gas tractor will use compared to a diesel tractor.


I know all the advantages/disadvantages with power, torque, durability, longevity, compression, which is how all other Gas vs Diesel thread turns out.

For example, i'd like to know how much more fuel a 50hp gas tractor will use compared to a 50hp diesel tractor under load(chopping corn, baling).

If anyone can speak from experience that would be great.

Any answers are greatly appreciated.

I just looked up some data from the Nebraska Test of a gas and diesel Ford 3600 with 8 spd tranny for another question. While I was at it, I looked at the fuel type comparison during the test.

At a nominal power of 36.5 hp, @ 2120 rpm, the diesel consummes 2.44 g/hr and the gas engine at 36.3 hp @ 2100 rpm consummed 3.42g/hr. That's~ 40% more fuel consumption for the gas variant versus the diesel at the virtually the same power output and speed.

 

[Doyle670]

I just looked up some data from the Nebraska Test of a gas and diesel Ford 3600 with 8 spd tranny for another question. While I was at it, I looked at the fuel type comparison during the test.

At a nominal power of 36.5 hp, @ 2120 rpm, the diesel consummes 2.44 g/hr and the gas engine at 36.3 hp @ 2100 rpm consummed 3.42g/hr. That's~ 40% more fuel consumption for the gas variant versus the diesel at the virtually the same power output and speed.

Good comparison Jerry, thanks. I really prefer a diesel, for me the engine braking is a huge plus. My little 1900 with a full load of firewood on the trailer, does not require me to use any brakes while coming down out of my woods. But a similar weight gas tractor, you're riding the brakes the whole way.

The price on the older gas John Deere's do look appealing though. As far as working on them, if it's gas I will be able to do all the maintenance and work on it, even if it includes internal engine fixes.

Something I have to think about I guess.