Varying soil profiles and associated moisture contents make it almost impossible to single out the most fuel efficient tractor engine, unlike car performance which is measured on uniform bitumen strips all over the world
Nevertheless, the US-based Tractor Test Laboratory in Nebraska, is able to independently verify tractor engine fuel efficiency, power, and performance and then make available, relevant operational yardsticks.
At a farm level, however, the challenge remains of trying to reconcile the amount of gallons or litres being burned by a tractor operating at full load, and at rated engine speed, across not only a neighbouring paddock but but also on the return pass down the same paddock.
There’s also the issue of driving technique.
It is generally agreed that a tractor’s engine needs to be operated near its rated capacity, if it is to be operated to maximum efficiency.
But fuel can be saved by selecting a faster gear and slowing engine speed when undertaking lighter tillage and hay raking work.
It’s also commonsense to note that diesel engines shouldn’t generate excessive black exhaust smoke – a sure sign they are being overloaded.
At the end of the day, nothing beats local knowledge and this is where keeping accurate records of tractor fuel performance, under a variety of operating conditions may pay off – especially if it is possible to compare the performance of rival brands on the same or a similar property.
It is against this backdrop that engine manufacturers around the world are spending millions of dollars developing new-generation technology with climate change issues also climbing their agendas as emission targets become more stringent.
Not only must they meet Tier 3 targets, they must also come to grips with Tier 4 demands that require 90 percent Particulate Matter and Nitrous Oxide emission reduction levels by 2011.
Along the way tractor manufacturers are trumpeting the latest advances like compound turbochargers, wastegate turbo-charging, variable geometry turbochargers, exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction technology, to name but a few.
As well, there’s increasing interest in ‘Generation Two’ biofuels made from all manner of organic matter such as hemp, maize, poplar, willow.
Case IH recently extended its recommendations on use of biofuels to include B100 – or pure biodiesel – in more of its farm equipment.
In addition to its tractors, its new Module Express 625 module-building cotton picker and Patriot 3320 and 4420 self-propelled sprayers have been approved for B100.
Quite what’s in store in the face of seemingly endless hikes in the price of oil (currently around US$145/barrel) is anybody’s guess but rest assured engine designers are working overtime on the issue.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff