Improving Tractor Fuel Efficiency
Your tractor is a vital part of your business, but it’s not going anywhere without fuel. These massive machines tend to guzzle fuel like nobody’s business, costing you time and money on refueling. We here at Boehm Tractor Sales know how important those factors are to you as well, so we’ve put together some tips for maximizing your tractor’s fuel economy. For more tips, or to see the tractors we have for sale, contact our store in Shiner, Texas, today!
Minimize Idle Time
Engine idling is one of the worst culprits when it comes to unnecessary fuel consumption. This is more than wasteful, it's potentially damaging to your engine itself! That, plus the impact on the environment, mean that idling is a great thing to avoid. If you’re going to be idling for a bit, it’s best just to shut the engine off.
Gear Up, Throttle Down
“Gear up, throttle down,” also called GUTD, helps save fuel by finding the perfect balance between work and fuel usage while operating below 70% of the tractor’s capacity. Simply shift to a higher gear and slow the engine RPMs without losing speed. To find that sweet spot, operate for a short time at the desired speed and throttle setting, then quickly open the throttle. If the engine speeds up immediately, you’re set! If it doesn’t, shift down a gear or up the RPMs and repeat.
Tire Pressure
Your tires have an optimal psi level, and being over- or under-inflated can impact fuel efficiency. Use a tire gauge, preferably early in the day when it’s cold, and adjust your tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Fuel Injection System
If your tractor’s starting to slow down a bit, check your fuel injectors. These can get dirty and cause inefficient combustion, losing you power and function. If they get jammed entirely, fuel won’t reach the engine. With these issues, it’s best to bring your tractor in to a professional, like the staff in our service department here at Boehm Tractor Sales.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping up with preventative maintenance and your normal maintenance schedule can help prevent many of the above mechanical issues, thereby improving your fuel efficiency. For instance, your fields are full of dust and debris that can clog up your air filters, reducing overall performance. Replace these regularly!
We hope these tips help you keep your tractors running at the optimal level! If you want more advice on saving money, improving performance, or general maintenance, or if you’re on the market for a new tractor, contact us at Boehm Tractor Sales. We proudly serve the people of Shiner, Seguin, and Austin, Texas—let us serve you today!