MFA Oil
By Kelli Kent

Save a little energy for your bottom line

In 2004, citizens of the United States consumed 133 billion gallons of gasoline. The next closest country was Japan with 15.5 billion gallons.

In a country where the number of people on the go is steadily increasing, the demand for fuel grows every day. It’s simple economics. As the demand increases, so does the cost, making it ever more crucial to obtain the maximum possible energy yield from your fuel without increasing the supply. In households where the average number of vehicles is two to three, gaining maximum efficiency saves not only time, but money.

Tips included here pertaining to engine, tires, operator and fuel storage will increase energy yield if practiced faithfully.

The engine
The “heart” of any vehicle is its engine. It is vital to keep the engine properly and regularly tuned, because a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50 percent.

Check fuel injectors for dirt and rust. Dirty fuel injectors can cause inefficient fuel combustion and loss of power. For example, if a tractor’s injector is plugged, the tractor will run on five cylinders instead of six, which causes a loss of both power and efficiency.

Filters are another of the key components that help support a clean and efficient engine. Regularly checking and replacing fuel and air filters can save up to 10 percent of fuel consumption.

Finally, it is essential to use the proper viscosity oil for the vehicle. Oil that is too thick (high viscosity) can decrease power and lubrication and increase fuel consumption. Oils that are too thin will not provide the protection needed in the engine and drive train.

The tires
The tires are the “arms and legs” of the vehicle. They support the brunt of its weight and load, so keeping them properly inflated is important. Tire pressure that is just 4 psi low can increase fuel consumption by 8 percent.

Tires that show excessive wear should be replaced. Worn tires have poor traction and will increase fuel consumption and tractor wear.

Specifically for tractors, it is necessary to use proper ballast; drive wheel slip should be no more than approximately 10 percent for greatest efficiency.

The operator
There are several simple tasks that an operator can perform that will significantly increase energy yield and decrease wasted time and fuel consumption.

First and foremost: Reduce speed. Acceleration consumes fuel, so the faster you start up and drive, the more power you need and the more fuel is consumed. Speeding can reduce fuel efficiency up to 33 percent.

Next, use cruise control on the highway. Driving at a steady speed will use less fuel.

Third, avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine if there is a long wait.

For maximum efficiency and reduced power and fuel losses, use the right size tractor for the job. To reduce wear on the drive train and decrease fuel consumption, operate tractors in higher speed gears and lower throttle settings.

Avoid using big tractors for small loads and vise•versa. Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold engine start can use as much fuel as a longer trip when the engine is warm. Out•of•route miles account for between 2 percent and 5 percent of total vehicle mileage.

Fuel storage
Finally, proper fuel storage is essential to increase energy yield and maintain energy supply. Proper storage slows down the fuel evaporation rate which, if neglected, can lead to financial loss for the farm. It is first important to note that gasoline evaporation is higher than that of diesel fuel and increases with higher temperatures. With that in mind, here are four suggestions related to fuel storage that will help increase energy yield:

Paint tanks white. This reduces fuel loss by up to 40 percent compared to dark•colored tanks.
Shade tanks if possible. This will further decrease fuel loss by over 40 percent.
Use a pressure vent cap. Direct venting of the tank fumes is restricted until a slight pressure has built up in the tank.
This will further reduce fuel loss by 50 percent.
Use double-walled tanks. This significantly reduces fuel loss and has built-in spill containment.

Implementing and continuously practicing these suggestions will have a positive effect on your energy supply and yield as well as your pocketbook. Although they are small, simple ideas, when used in conjunction with one another, they can drastically reduce wasted fuel and wear on your vehicle.

Kelli Kent is sales development coordinator for MFA Oil.

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