Tractor Performance: diesel vs gas

[Soundguy]

I thought somebody already dispelled the myth that diesels use 50% less fuel than a gasser...

Can't remember the page.. but someone posted the #'s of btu's per gallon of fuel. there was certaintly a difference.. but not twofold..e tc.

soundguy

 

[john_bud]

These acerbic quips are uncalled for and truly detract from the threads here.

I'm going to make an adjustment that will greatly increase the reading pleasure for myself anyway..

{click}

Ahh.. that's better.

soundguy

Somebody just got put on the "ignore" list. What a wonderful invention....

jb

 

[Matt_Jr]

I don't know the percentage of differences in fuel economy between gas and diesel but we all know there is a difference and diesel wins. Diesel wins in power too when involving tractors. Even A V12 diesel is being used in racing that is blowing away the competition. When comparing equally matched horsepower ratings of engines diesels win in torque every time.
Example. HP=torque x rpm/5252. Torque=hp/(rpm/5252).
A 22hp gasser that gets peak hp at 3600 rpm has 32 ft/lbs of torque. A 22 hp diesel that is rated at 3200 rpm has 36 ft/lbs of torque. Yes, a very small differance but still a differance. Play with the numbers when using higher and lower hp ratings and you'll see where the advantages of diesels really shine in torque. The formula used is the same formula dynomometers use to calculate hp from torque measured. The rpm's used are from Kohler, Briggs n Straton engines and kubota diesels.

Yes older diesels can be a little bit uncooperative in extremely cold weather, but that can be over come with a little upgrading and preperation. Ever had a choke problem on an old gasser? How 'bout a float stick? How 'bout a bad temp sensor on a fuel injected engine? Map sensor? MAF sensor? Coked throttle body? Bad PCV valve? Vacuum leak?

I know gas engines can be reliable if maintained properly but that's the point. When these things go bad it's when you need them most. I know, I fix'em for a livin'. Diesel engines are just plain reliable. I don't have to fix very many diesels. 99.9% of what I fix is powered by gasoline and it's not 'cause my customers don't have diesels either.

Since a diesel engine spins at rpm's that are much lower than a gasoline engine it will last that much longer. Can you get 300,000 miles out of a gasser. Sure, but how many tune ups are required. How much more fuel did it use. If I had to do it over again my truck would be a diesel. I wish my Prius was.

Yes diesel parts are more expensive. A diesel engine is the same to rebuild as a gas. The parts are just a bit heavier. Other than initial cost and having to bleed the fuel system if you run out of fuel I can't think of a single reason why a modern gas powered engine would be better than a diesel.
Time for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

 

[genusCastor]

Thanks for all the responses. It's been good to hear all the opinions. I think I'm gonna do a diesel, maybe mostly just because I haven't had much experience with them and I'm curious.

Plus I want to sniff some good stuff while I'm tractorin'.

- djb

 

[Egon]

Somebody just got put on the "ignore" list. What a wonderful invention....

And just for asking a question??

 

[patrick_g]

Thank God for fuel injection and electronic ignitions is my point of view, if I never see another carburetor or set of points in my lifetime it'll be too soon.

And I am quite sure there are many others who will say the same thing.

Amen. Although the highest level of automotive technology I possess as regards "tune up type stuff" is setting the mechanical valve lifters on an air cooled VW, setting the ignition advance and such after putting in new points, plugs, and condensor in the VW but I'm not as proficient with the carb.

I can do the VW. It is the highest level of automotive tuning I am proficient at. I'd prefer hydraulic lifters and pointless electronic ignition (which is available after market for VW.)

If it has to work hard, then it is diesel for me. Whether or not I can personally rebuild an engine is not an issue. I have rebuilt Chevy 6 and a Willys 4 and would be happy to not do it again. It was fun, I was young, but have better things to do now.

Pat

 

[MossRoad]

Cub Cadet. I didn't see where you had specified ag/utility.. or i wouldn't have offered that as a possibility. But CC did have a ? big scut.. or small cut as a gasser. In the late 90's I remember looking at one at an agco dealers lot... cute.. and I like things with spark plug wires... I can usually get them to run without any (high magic)..

soundguy

Cub still had a gasser in 2001 I believe. That is the year I bought my Power Trac PT425, which is also gas, although not a "real" tractor, but still outworks any diesel tractor of the same size and weight except in plowing dirt, which I do not do.

 

[MossRoad]

they start INSTANTLY

Maybe in VA... probably not in IN at -20 on the coldest day of the year when you need it to work the most.

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks for all the responses. It's been good to hear all the opinions. I think I'm gonna do a diesel, maybe mostly just because I haven't had much experience with them and I'm curious.

Plus I want to sniff some good stuff while I'm tractorin'.

- djb

I think you are making the correct decision, but not because you want to sniff the fumes.

 

[flusher]

Cub still had a gasser in 2001 I believe. That is the year I bought my Power Trac PT425, which is also gas, although not a "real" tractor, but still outworks any diesel tractor of the same size and weight except in plowing dirt, which I do not do.

Today CC offers the 5252 with a 25 hp air-cooled Kohler gas engine and the 5254 with a 25 hp liquid-cooled Kawasaki gas engine

cub cadet lawn mowers

These things have Cat 1 3pt hitch, rear and mid-ptos, hydrostatic drive and ROPS.

Are these CCs true SCUTS or glorified lawn and garden tractors? Your guess is a good as mine. My 21 hp (engine) Kubota B7510HST diesel has the same stuff and definitely is considered to be a SCUT.