Increasing fuel efficiency is within farmers’ control
However, efficiencies can always be made inside the farm gate, as outlined by Dermot Forristal, at the Teagasc Oak Park centre.
His fuel efficiency check list is:
* Estimate current fuel consumption, using purchasing records, brim-to-brim tractor fills, or tractor electronic fuel meters.
* Consider fuel consumption when selecting tillage systems. Min-till can halve fuel costs in crop establishment.
* Only cultivate the soil as deep as necessary.
Reducing depth will save fuel and total machine costs.
* Match machines within your system as far as possible to avoid having high-powered tractors working inefficiently with smaller implements.
* Choose specific types, makes and models of machines with fuel consumption as a key criterion. Difference in fuel use can be substantial.
* Drive efficiently, by planning field work carefully to maximise working time in the field, and ensuring that diesel engines are correctly loaded.
* Maintain tractors and implements carefully to ensure they can operate efficiently.
* With diesel engines, clean air filters are essential for low fuel consumption. Clean fuel filters are needed to avoid restricting power and to protect the delicate fuel system. The correct lubricating oil specification and a proper functioning cooling system can also impact on fuel use.
* Be careful about getting a tractor’s power output increased either electronically (known as chipping) or mechanically (older tractors). Despite the claims, some fuelling adjustments can adversely affect fuel consumption. It depends on the tractor engine, the type of electronic adjustment (chipping or sensor signal processing), and the adjustment carried out.
* With many machines, proper maintenance frequently has a role in energy saving, by allowing the machine to work more efficiently or to be set or adjusted more precisely for the work required.
* Repairs to soil engaging parts need to be carried out carefully. For example, welding hardwearing steel to plough boards or shares may appear economic, but can increase plough draft and fuel use.
