Comparison Gasoline vs. Diesel

Nightrain1 · Jan 24, 2011

My old ztr was a gas kohler 20 hp and my new ztr is 28 hp perkins diesel. I have cut my fuel consumption in half plus a bunch more torque. I never was a fan of diesels until I seen firsthand how much more efficient they are. One day I will have a little turbo diesel car getting 45+ mpg also.

TripleR · Jan 24, 2011

No thanks, I grew up operating gas tractors and we still have three, but for power and fuel efficiency, you just can't beat a diesel; in my opinion anyway.

Gittyup · Jan 24, 2011

If you buy a diesel for fuel efficiency alone, you haven't done the math. The price difference will take years and years before you save enough fuel to justify the higher purchase price. Now you won't have to fill up as often, and there is no doubt that you get more working power with the diesel. Don't think I'd want a true tractor that wasn't diesel. But, it has very little to do with fuel economy.

In a garden tractor, I prefer gas. Start it; let it run for a minute or two, and go to work. Can't really do that with a diesel. And I like the quietness of a gasser too. Yeah, the new gas additives are a pain. I wish all gassers would switch to fuel injection for that reason. But, if used regularly, carburated gas works just fine. And properly cared for, a gasser will last just about as long as you'd ever need it to.

PoorMansCat · Jan 24, 2011

IF the modern gasoline technology makes it into the CUT market, I think it will be a strong seller.
Modern gasoline engines using computer controls and direct injection are creating more hp and a broader torque curve than ever before. Couple that with a small high efficiency turbocharger and you have a good combo for a CUT.
As much as we don't want it, the diesels are fixing to show up with ECU's, DEF tanks, NAC, SCR, etc.... not only is it going to complicate the every day operation of the tractor, it will increase operation and maintenance costs and increase initial purchase costs..
Rather than gasoline, I would opt for a Natural Gas or Propane engine tractor.

wolc123 · Jan 24, 2011

One area I still give the edge to gas is extreme cold weather operation. I use a gas tractor and a diesel for snow removal. When it is real cold, and I dont have time to plug in the diesel's block heater for an hour or so, that old gas tractor will fire right up on the first turn or two of the engine, and can be put right to work without much of a "warmup". There was also a time, not long ago, when diesel cost so much more than gas, that I could get work done cheaper with gas in spite of poorer fuel economy.

gengine · Jan 24, 2011

I've got a '69 massey 165 with a perkins diesel. That thing starts right up everytime, and has never had ether since I have owned it. It's only been between -20 and +10 ferenheit for the last month. I would have a hard time buying a gasser, the extra torque you get from a diesel is well worth it. The extra cost in my eyes outways the pain of a gasser. The lower torque of a diesel for when your really taxing the motor, a diesel keeps running, while the gasser dies.

Soundguy · Jan 24, 2011

cub cadet sold a gas engine large scut / small cut in the late 90's...

soundguy

NIXON · Jan 25, 2011

Soundguy said:
cub cadet sold a gas engine large scut / small cut in the late 90's...

soundguy

Just curious,but how'd that work out for them ?

Mace Canute · Jan 25, 2011

Gittyup said:
If you buy a diesel for fuel efficiency alone, you haven't done the math. The price difference will take years and years before you save enough fuel to justify the higher purchase price. Now you won't have to fill up as often, and there is no doubt that you get more working power with the diesel. Don't think I'd want a true tractor that wasn't diesel. But, it has very little to do with fuel economy.

In a garden tractor, I prefer gas. Start it; let it run for a minute or two, and go to work. Can't really do that with a diesel. And I like the quietness of a gasser too. Yeah, the new gas additives are a pain. I wish all gassers would switch to fuel injection for that reason. But, if used regularly, carburated gas works just fine. And properly cared for, a gasser will last just about as long as you'd ever need it to.

I think you've hit the nail on the head.:thumbsup:

RobertN · Jan 25, 2011

Wasn't that loosely based on the old Farmall Cub? Or am I thinking of something different? I know the Cub in modified version, and the Farmall-a(-100) made it to about '80.