10 Secrets for Using Less Tractor Fuel and Pocketing Big Money

With the price of fuel skyrocketing, we want to share secrets for operating your tractor more efficiently --- while pocketing a lot of money.

From simple things you can do like checking your tire pressure to leveraging the latest in agriculture technology, there are several ways you can increase your fuel efficiency and save money.

When the harvest season approaches, we know the last thing farmers want to worry about is their fuel bill.  That’s why we’ve pulled together some hints and tips for your to share with your farm customers to help them boost their fuel efficiency and save big money.

Get the Right Equipment

Use the right equipment for the job.  Purchase appropriately sized equipment that will help reduce your fuel bill.

Example --- Don’t use a super heavy-duty tractor for grain carting, if a 140 horsepower tractor will probably do.

Use the Equipment Correctly

Use diff-lock and four-wheel drive appropriately.

If these features aren’t used correctly, it can cause drag or wheel slip.  You may have automatic settings to assist in using these features properly.

Take Advantage of the Technology

Make use of your vehicle’s technology.

Tools such as headland management, GPS coordination, and field mapping have all been developed by OEMs to help you get the most out of your equipment.

Maintain Engine 

Engine maintenance is key.

Maintain and replace your air intake filters in line with the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that enough air can enter the engine. Removing your air intake filters and banging them on the tire to clean them is a bad idea.

Minimize Engine Idle Time

If you leave your engine on while you’re taking a break or catching up with neighbors, you’re using fuel but not getting any value from it. It’s a simple change that can save money. Extended times spent at idle can also have a negative impact on engine life.

Drive Calm and Cool 

Aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption --- so avoid using unnecessary throttle.

Can cultivation be done in a higher gear or baling done in Eco PTO mode to reduce engine speed?  Try it.

Most modern tractors display fuel consumption information to help you decide.

Maintain Tire Pressure 

Low tire pressure will increase fuel usage --- but remember that when operating in a muddy environment --- low tire pressures help increase traction and reduce wheel slip, which will reduce wasted fuel.

Many tractors are now fitted with tools to assist in generating traction and minimizing wheel slip.

Keep Radiators and Radiator Screens Clean

This will avoid any excess fan-on times and reduce the energy consumed by fan operation.

Maintain the Correct Weight 

 Use ballast in the field to achieve better weight distribution and traction --- which will reduce fuel consumption overall --- but avoid carrying excess weight when hauling loads at higher speeds.

Take wheel weights off when hauling straw.  Fill your fuel tank with only the fuel you need.  Remember, if you need 50 gallons to do a job --- having a full tank will mean you’ve carried around more than 500 pounds of additional weight throughout the day.

Check Your Oil Often   

Axle oil, rear axle oil, and hydraulic oils should all be checked to ensure they are in-line with the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements and topped up where necessary.

If the tractor is running low, it works harder to cool the system, meaning more fuel is used.

Hopefully, this brief article and video have helped you better understand how to maximize fuel efficiency and save big money.  

If you need any further help or have any questions about fuel efficiency, tractors, implements, parts, or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

If you are looking for old, vintage, classic, or new tractor parts, send us a part request.

Team Tractor Ranch - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.