Maximizing Agricultural Equipment Fuel Efficiency

Modern agricultural equipment is more powerful, efficient, and convenient than ever, but for any machine that relies on a power source like gas or a battery, you still have to be careful about running the power source down.

We here at New South Tractor want to help you get the most out of your tools, so we’ve put together some tips for maximizing your agricultural equipment’s fuel efficiency, below. To learn more, or to see the agricultural equipment we have for sale, contact our store in Newton, North Carolina, today!

Minimize Idling

We’re all familiar with workplace interruptions. Sometimes you just need to put your work on hold while you sort something else out, and it can be tempting to keep whatever engine or motor you’re using running. However, idling is one of the biggest sources of fuel waste, and depending on the equipment, it can even damage the engine!

When possible, avoid idling. Obviously turning the engine on and off too many times can also be wasteful, so to balance that, only idle the engine if it’s going to be for a few minutes or less. Anything more and turning it off will be better in the long run.

Gear Up, Throttle Down

Any machinery that uses multiple gears, like tractors, can benefit from the “GUTD” method. This involves finding the perfect balance between power output and fuel efficiency whenever you’re operating below 70% of the equipment’s capacity. Essentially what you do is shift to a higher gear while lowering the engine’s RPMs and trying to maintain speed. You’ll need to operate at the desired speed and throttle for a moment, then quickly open the throttle. If the engine speeds up immediately, you’ve found that balance! If it doesn’t, downshift or up your RPMs and repeat until it does!

Tire Health

Any agricultural equipment with tires needs them in good shape if it’s going to use fuel efficiently. Tire pressure, for one thing, has a huge impact. Overfilled tires may slip and skid while underfilled ones can drag or snag. Both scenarios make the engine work harder to travel the same distance.

Tread level is also important. Low tread can cause the same slippage as overfilled tires and is dangerous to boot.

Fuel Injectors

If your equipment uses fuel injectors, they should be a major suspect any time the engine starts slowing. They can get dirty and lower the efficiency of your engine’s internal combustion, and if they’re jammed completely fuel won’t get to the engine at all. 

We hope these tips help you get the most out of your agricultural equipment! For more information, or if you want to see the equipment we have in stock, contact us at New South Tractor. We proudly serve the people of Newton and Asheville, North Carolina. Let us serve you today!