From simple things you can do like checking your tire pressure to leveraging the latest in agriculture technology, there are several ways farmers can increase fuel efficiency and save money.

When the harvest season approaches, we know the last thing farmers want to worry about is their fuel bill. That’s why we’ve pulled together some hints and tips for your to share with your farm customers to help boost fuel efficiency and save you money. 

1. Healthy Engine = Better Fuel Economy

Engine maintenance is key — maintain and replace your air intake filters in line with the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that enough air can enter the engine. Removing air intake filters and banging them on the tire to clean them is a bad idea. 

2. Minimize Time Spent at Idle 

If you leave your engine on while you’re taking a break or catching up with neighbors, you’re using fuel but not getting any value from it. It’s a simple change can save money. Extended times spent at idle can also have a negative impact on engine life. 

3. Easy, Tiger!

Aggressive driving can increase fuel consumption, so avoid using unnecessary throttle. Can cultivation be done in a higher gear or baling done in Eco PTO mode to reduce engine speed? Try it. Most modern tractors display fuel consumption information to help you decide. 

4. Get Your Tire Pressure Right

Low tire pressure will increase fuel usage, but remember when operating in a muddy environment, low tire pressures help increase traction and reduce wheel slip, which will actually reduce wasted fuel. Many tractors are now fitted with tools to assist in generating traction and minimizing wheel slip.  

5. Keep Radiators and Radiator Screens Clean

This will avoid any excess fan-on times and reduce the energy consumed by fan operation.  

6. Be Mindful of Excess Weight

Use ballast in the field to achieve better weight distribution and traction, which will reduce fuel consumption overall, but avoid carrying excess weight when hauling loads at higher speeds. Take wheel weights off when hauling straw and fill your fuel tank with only the fuel you need. Remember, if you need 50 gallons to do a job, having a full tank will mean you’ve carried around more than 500 pounds of additional weight throughout the day.  

7. Check Those Oils

Axle oil, rear axle oil and hydraulic oils should all be checked to ensure they are in-line with the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements and topped up where necessary. If the tractor is running low, it must work harder to cool the system, meaning more fuel is used.  

8. Using the Right Equipment Matters

Use the right equipment for the job — using appropriately sized equipment will help reduce your fuel bill. Don’t use a super heavy-duty tractor for grain carting, if a 140 horsepower tractor will probably do. 

9. Are You Using Those Features Correctly?

Use diff-lock and four-wheel drive appropriately. If these features aren’t used correctly, it can cause drag or wheel slip. You may have automatic settings to assist in using these features properly.  

10. Technology Can Be Your Friend

Make use of your vehicle’s features! Tools such as headland management, GPS coordination and field mapping have all been developed by OEMs to help you get the most out of their equipment. As a dealer, advise your customers on the best tools for their specific operation.

Cummins Performance Series
Tier 4 Final

A global power leader, Cummins designs, manufactures, distributes and services diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies. For over 60 years, Cummins has been delivering the most durable and dependable diesel power in the world for ag equipment, with a broad power range from 60 hp (45 kW) to over 800 hp (597 kW), including Tier 4 Final certified engines. For more information, visit cummins.com/industries/agriculture

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