Now more than ever, let’s maximise farm fuel efficiency.
While throughout the rest of the year 1,000 litres might last a few days, in the busy spring and summer time, it might not last a day. A mid-size contracting fleet in Ireland can burn upwards of 10,000 litres in a week. with the average contracting fleet cutting an average of 100ac of grass silage per day. A basic cost analysis indicates that a 100hp tractor costs €50/hour before a harvester, bailer or trailer has been accounted for.
Coupled with other rising input costs, farmers and contractors alike must make the most of fuel this busy season. Here are our top tips for achieving maximum fuel efficiency this year:Â
Both around the farm and on the road, every minute of machine use counts. Laying out fields in a way to minimize turning and covering the same ground twice as well as planning on-road travel routes means less time in operation. Installing cattle grids in places instead of gates can also save engine time wasted while opening gates.Â
While your fuel is in storage, especially in the Summer months, heat can evaporate stored oil. Keeping your storage tank in cool shade and keeping it painted light in colour means more of your is maintained as usable liquid.
Do not leave fuel lying idle for more than 6 months; biofuel additives in diesel can lead to sludge forming which causes blockages when you come to use the fuel. Machinery kept in storage may also suffer from this problem.
Regularly replacing lubricants and air/fuel filters can reduce fuel use while increasing horsepower. Maintaining and replacing air intake filters in line with the manufacturer’s specifications ensures that enough air can reach the engine.
All of that air comes in through the air filter, so if the tractor has been working in dusty conditions you will very likely have gathered enough dirt to partially block the filter. It will need to be cleaned regularly.
Unscrew the air filter cover and pull it out. Tap it on your hand or your knee to knock much of the dirt out of it. If it is very dirty, blow it out using compressed air.
Maintaining correct tire pressure and alignment helps minimize resistance and increases fuel efficiency. The machine’s owner’s manual will provide the optimal inflation pressure. Bare in mind, when working in a muddy conditions, low tyre pressure can give you better traction and reduce wheel slip, which will actually reduce fuel usage. Many tractors now have tools to help you generate traction and minimise wheel slip.
Campus Oil is one of the leading suppliers of fuels to the agricultural sector for over 30 years, we supply a full range of agricultural fuels including Gas Oil 10ppm (Low Sulphur), Gas 0il 1000ppm (High Sulphur), Kerosene, Road Diesel (DERV) and Unleaded Petrol.
With Campus, fuel quality is guaranteed as all our fuels come
direct from the terminal to your tractor. All our agricultural fuel complies fully with the latest Department of Agriculture standards.
Our local depot network ensures we can guarantee fast delivery times combined with strong local knowledge. You can speak directly with one of our experienced Territory Managers or our dedicated Agricultural Team based at our head office in Bray. For further details please lo-call 0818 839 839
If you are having trouble with our Pay@Pump network, please call us on (01) 592 3909 or fill in the form below and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
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