Tractor Maintenance To Conserve Energy, a new publication from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension, explains how routine maintenance and small adjustments in day-to-day operations improve fuel efficiency and total energy costs.
To help farmers protect their investments in machinery, the publication illustrates tractor fuel and air filter replacement recommendations to improve fuel consumption and power output. It also addresses cool-down idling time for newer models. Additional topics include engine temperature, fuel selection and fuel storage.
“The mix of fuel and air inside a tractor’s engine directly affects its fuel efficiency and the availability of engine power,” says Mark Hanna, ISU Extension ag engineer. “On average, research shows that the simple act of replacing a tractor’s fuel and air filters results in an immediate 3.5% increase in engine power output.”
The publication is part of a series of farm energy conservation and efficiency educational materials being developed through the Iowa Farm Energy Conservation and Efficiency Initiative.
Download the publication.