Fuel takes up a lot of the operating costs spent on farming operations. Varying diesel fuel prices across the market and unreliable diesel storage solutions on top of extreme weather conditions all seem like the perfect recipe for stress!
Granted, the weather is much harder to control, but there are a bunch of things that you can do to save fuel on your farm.
Below is a list of fuel-saving best practices and quick wins that you can start immediately:
Besides its many advantages to soil health, no-till farming greatly reduces the number of times you spend on field operations, thereby saving fuel and fuel costs. Even minimum tillage can save you about 10 percent of fuel on your farm.
When you combine at least two field operations into one, you not only save on fuel but also reduce wheel traffic and soil compaction.
Example:
Taking the time to find out which tasks can be combined, or even which ones can be eliminated – particularly those that include machinery like tractors and other vehicles – can save you on diesel costs.
Poorly-maintained vehicles/machinery won’t serve you. Ensure that your tractors and other machines you use on your farm are all in good condition.
Here’s a simple checklist to guide you:
The right machinery for the job helps you avoid using an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Trips that aren’t necessary must be avoided. Bring all you need for the day to avoid going back. Additionally, vehicles must be switched off when not in use.
The right amount of ballast is important especially when you must deal with unstable ground or use your loader a lot. Ballasting your tractor enables it to have a proper traction or grip on the ground it’s making contact with. Too much or too little would consume an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Tyres that are not inflated correctly would damage them before their time, make the ride uncomfortable for you and compromise traction efficiency. Studies show that even just one under-inflated tyre can unnecessarily increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent.
Wheel slip is closely related to fuel-efficiency. In order to determine if slippage is costing you too much fuel, start by observing your tyre's print on the soil. The correct tyre print has a combination of both slippage and tread pattern.
With excessive slippage, you will lose an excessive amount of fuel due to wasted rotations. As a result, your tyres will deteriorate quickly!
On the other hand, a wheel slip that is too low could have something to do with a strained drive train, which means that there is an unnecessary amount of weight present. As mentioned earlier, extra weight will consume too much fuel.
Additionally, ensure that your wheels are in good working order.
When it comes to fuel-efficiency, everyone on your farm or property should be on board. Teach your staff to be mindful of the ways that diesel fuel can be wasted.
Related Article:
You can use the items listed here to be part of your fuel management plan. Keep a record of the changes you’re planning on making and see the before and after results.
Coerco poly diesel storage tank
To avoid fuel storage problems, store your fuel correctly. Check your fuel storage for any leaks or cracks or anything that might compromise or waste your fuel.
Quality diesel storage tanks and diesel transport units ensures that your diesel fuel is stored and transported safely. It minimises leaks or accidents that would result in downtimes. As a result, you'll experience a smoother workflow around your farm, experience zero interruptions so that you can get your products quickly to market.
Which tips do you think you’ll do first today?
Whichever one you do first, remember to complement your farm vehicles, machinery, and your overall energy efficiency plan with the right diesel storage and diesel transport solutions.
Related topic:
Diesel Storage: 7 Helpful Reminders and Tips for Purchasing Diesel