Maximize Efficiency

By Lauren Bongard

Maximizing fuel efficiency is more than a buzzword; it’ s a smart way to cut operating costs while keeping your planting schedule on track. With a few practical tweaks, you can save fuel without sacrificing productivity.

Match Equipment Size to the Task

Using the right sized equipment is crucial for fuel efficiency. Operating a large tractor for tasks that a smaller one can handle leads to unnecessary fuel consumption. On the other hand, using equipment that’ s too small for the job can overburden planting machinery, causing it to burn more fuel and wear out sooner.

So before you start a job, assess each task and select the equipment that best fits the job’ s requirements. For example, if you’ re pulling a planter or sprayer, calculate the required horsepower based on the implement’ s weight and field conditions. Matching equipment size will conserve fuel and reduce maintenance costs over time.

It’ s also smart to evaluate your equipment regularly to identify machinery you don’ t use often or that’ s bigger than you need. Replacing underutilized and oversized equipment with more efficient models can save you a lot of green.

Optimize Tractor Speed and Gear Selection

Operating at the correct speed and in the appropriate gear can significantly impact fuel consumption. Techniques like shifting up and throttling back, which involves shifting to a higher gear while reducing engine throttle, allow you to maintain the same field speed at lower engine revolutions per minute( RPMs), reducing fuel burn. This method can save fuel without compromising performance.

A study at the Iowa State University Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm explored techniques to reduce fuel consumption. It found that gearing up and throttling down can cut fuel use by 10 % to 20 %, depending on the tractor model and workload.

Other smart moves include avoiding excessive idling and using cruise control when possible. Idling for more than five minutes wastes fuel and unnecessarily wears engines. Similarly, modern tractors that have cruise control systems automatically optimize speed and RPM for maximum efficiency.

Maintain Proper Tire Inflation

Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing tractors to work harder and burn more fuel. According to research by Michelin, a tire that’ s 20 % underinflated can increase fuel consumption by 10 %. That means a tractor that uses 50 gallons of fuel per day with underinflated tires can use an extra 5 gallons in a day— costing more than $ 20 more per day at current fuel prices.

To combat this, regularly check and maintain tire pressure according to manufacturer recommendations. For most tractors, this means checking tires weekly during planting season. You can also invest in radial tires or tires with central tire inflation

36 | 515-574-2203 | 515-574-2189 | March 2025