About one third of the total energy consumption needed in agriculture is spent on fuel, so introducing fuel saving measures can play a significant part in reducing input costs and improving farm profitability.
What affects fuel usage?
The crop being grown
for example sugar beet and potatoes use a lot more fuel compared to cereals. For grassland the crucial factor is the number of silage cuts removed. For fruit and viticulture fuel consumption is quite high due to the number of cutting processes.
Farm size
this has a strong influence on fuel consumption. Apart from the crop being grown, farm size is the most decisive factor in fuel consumption.
Fuel proportion of tractor costs
Diesel represents more than one third of total tractor costs. This does depend on the diesel price though.
Energy flow of the tractor
This incorporates the traction power, torque and hydraulic power of the tractor. A lot of the used energy is lost, potentially in the form of cooling or exhaust gases, and slipping and rolling resistance losses in transmission.
Fuel consumption for different agricultural works
There are significant differences due to varying power requirements. There are also variations due to site conditions, e.g. soil type, condition, and moisture level, working speed, machine type and maintenance level and driver characteristics.
It is possible to achieve variations of more than 50% in relation to the average values stated for different cultivations
| Working process | Fuel consumption (l/ha) | Comments (width / depth of operation) | |
| Average value | Variation | ||
| Stubble processing | 9.1 | 5-18 | 3-6m |
| Disc Harrow | 10 | 7.2-12 | 3-6m |
| Spade rotary harrow | 6 | 6m | |
| Soil loosening | 19.8 | 18.3-21.3 | 35-38cm deep |
| Ploughing | 21.8 | 15-30 | 18-30cm deep |
| Milling | 15.9 | Up to 20 | 2-3.3m |
| Rotary harrow solo | 12.7 | 8-22 | 3m |
| Mulching | 12.9 | 10-17.6 | 2-3.3m |
| Rotary tiller and drilling machine | 14.2 | 10-20 | 3-4m |
| Universal drilling machine | 10.8 | 8-18 | 3-4m |
| Chemical fertilisation | 2.2 | 1-1.3 | 12 to 24m |
| Plant protection | 2 | 0.75 – 3.4 | 12 to 24m |
| Harvester cereals | 19.6 | 15-25 | 5 and 6 shaker (110 to 275 PS) |
| Harvester rape | 22 | 17-30 | |
| Transport of cereals | 4.4 | 4-5 | 12 to 18t |
Table source: “Strategies for saving fuel with tractors” Efficient 20 project, IEE/09/764/SI2.558250
Actual situation of fuel consumption
It is important to measure the fuel consumption of the different tasks completed on farm. By comparing the actual values with standards you can find starting points to reduce fuel usage.
Click here to download the table of standard values for different cultivation activities.
What are the different ways to measure actual fuel consumption?
1. Measuring the actual use at the filling station. Fill the tank up before and after each work task. The actual use is recorded along with a description of the task. This may be unreliable, or cause problems due to air bubbles in the tank. This method is only advisable for longer works with a minimum of a quarter of the tank.
2. Refitting the measuring equipment. These systems take the data from the CAN-bus tractor control system and can show the exact fuel consumption for different tasks. With this method it is possible to document the actual consumption, the average consumption and the total consumption after the work, allowing you to calculate the load on the motor. Comparative tests have shown that the accuracy of different systems has not always been great. However the consumptive trends are consistent – if fuel use rises, the indication on the measuring equipment will rise also. It also has the benefit that the driver can look at the display and realise the effect of his driving style on the fuel consumption.
3. Fuel consumption measurements at the tractor terminal. For most of the modern high performance tractors, a reliable measuring system for fuel consumption is part of the standard equipment. If this is the case, the consumption is shown at the tractor terminal. The actual, average, and total rates of consumption can be seen, and it can again be easily identified how the fuel consumption is being affected by the driving style
Source: Adapted from Efficient 20 Fuel Saving Measures – Training Handbook IEE/09/764/SI2.558250
In field measures
Through undertaking some of these specific measures it will be possible to become aware of where savings are in terms of fuel and time.
Specific measures of soil tillage
Reducing energy-wasting cultivations
By direct sowing or using mulch, fuel consumption can be reduced efficiently. Through not loosening the soil before sowing 20% extra fuel can be saved. Direct sowing needs only 11% of the fuel that is needed for conventional ploughing.
Combining tasks together
Unnecessary operations should be avoided. One treatment with a seedbed preparation machine will need 5-9 litres of diesel per ha. When choosing working methods, some operations may easily be combined thereby reducing the total number of field operations reducing fuel consumption and time.
Fuel Saving by combining operations
| Operation | Method of operation | Mechanisation | Fuel consumption (l/ha) |
| Sowing of cereals | separated | seedbed combination (5m, 67kW, 2 treatments), seed drill (3m, 45kW) | 14.8 |
| combined | rotary harrow with seed drill (3m, 67kW) | 11.6 | |
| -20% | |||
| Preparation of wilted silage | separated | mower (28m, 54kW) and rotary tedder (5.5m, 45kW) | 7.8 |
| combined | mower with conditioner (2.8m, 67kW) | 5.9 | |
| -24% |
Source:”Strategies for saving fuel with tractors” Efficient 20 project, IEE/09/764/SI2.558250
Avoidance of soil compaction
Compaction increases the required power and also the fuel consumption. On average fuel consumed per ha rises from 13.2 – 15.3 l/ha when the soil is compacted. For more information on reducing the risk of soil compaction click here.
Improving soil structure – biological loosening
Stimulating soil activity through the biological loosening of the soil will reduce the traction and fuel demand of the tractor. One example of this is the application of organic manures; as applying FYM or slurry has been found to lower the traction demand during ploughing by up to 38%. An active soil and better soil structure will reduce fuel consumption. It is important to ensure that you are working in the field at a time when you are not going to damage soil structure.
Optimal working depth or cultivation
During cultivation about 150 tons of soil has to be moved per ha per cm of working depth. Therefore the fuel consumption rises with increasing working depth. The soil should never be cultivated deeper than the soil and the crop require. By adapting the working depth, fuel can be saved even when the soil conditions are changing and the yield stays constant. When ploughing, for every 1cm deeper that you plough, you will use between 0.5 and 1.4 extra litres of diesel.
Adjust working intensity
Different soil conditions and crops allow different working intensities when cultivating various seedbeds. PTO driven cultivation equipment is able to adapt the working intensity by the PTO speed, the driving speed as well as the equipment gearbox. If the soil is cultivated too deep, the risk of mud silting is high (especially on silty soils).
Working intensity depends on:
- Speed of rotation equipment
- Diameter of equipment
- Driving speed
The higher the working intensity, the more fuel is needed, try and adapt the working intensity to suit your particular needs.
Optimal adjustment of working width, speed and engine power
Longer working width – allows for shorter routes on the field and less turning time, which leads to a higher work rate and less fuel consumption.
Using a higher driving speed for increasing work rate will mean a higher power and traction demand and higher fuel consumption. For increasing the work rate of the tractor, it is a good idea to increase the working width rather than the speed.
Optimal adjustment of equipment
For a lot of machinery, adjustment to the field conditions has a significant influence on their power requirement and as such to their fuel consumption. A wrong adjustment of the plough (wrong traction point) may lead to an increased traction demand of between 10-30%. The wrong traction point and plough gradient can increase diesel consumption by up to 33%. For each working step, it is important to adjust the equipment for optimal performance.
Maintenance of equipment
By maintaining cultivation equipment correctly it is possible to achieve a positive fuel saving effect. Sometimes alterations that can include welding new bits onto ploughs, can lead to “soil pasting” and therefore increased traction and fuel demand.
Example: Diesel consumption of a 4 furrow plough
- A normal plough with no alterations or mends =100%
- Flat bar steel welded onto mouldboard = 116%
- Used point welded on the point of a plough shoe = 134%
Specific measures for forage harvesting
Reduce the number of operations – combine cultivations together
By combining working steps, the number of treatments will be reduced, at the same time the demand for power needed for equipment as well as their weight will increase. It is good practice to avoid any working steps that are not immediately necessary. An example is preparing wilted silage, if grass is cut with a mower conditioner rather than mowing and tedding separately it is possible to save more than 20% of fuel.
Adjustment of cutting intensity
For harvesting equipment like choppers, loaders or round balers the fuel consumption will rise with a shorter cutting length. Using cutting equipment needs more energy, the power demands of a round baler increases by 35% when cut material is baled. If you reduce the cut length of maize silage from 13 to 10mm up to 13% more fuel is needed. Therefore don’t make the cutting length shorter than needed. Adapt the cutting length of the harvester to the demands of your farm.
Maintain equipment
Blade sharpness – blunt blades increase the power requirement – leading to increased fuel consumption of more than 1 litre per hour.
Optimal adjustment of working width, speed and engine power
The larger the working width, the shorter the driving distance is for cultivating a specific area. This leads to a high acreage performance and therefore to a reduced fuel consumption. If the driving speed is increased to enhance the power, the power and traction demand will be increased along with the fuel consumption. An example is for a forage harvester for maize, if the working width is increased from 6-9m the fuel consumption is reduced from 0.6 – 0.43 litres per tonne fresh mass. To increase work rate, the working width and the swath size and not speed should be increased. It is important to remember that larger working widths may reduce the number of passes but will also raise the weight of the equipment in most cases so the timeliness of operation will be crucial to avoid damaging the soil.
Source: Adapted from Efficient 20 Fuel Saving Measures – Training Handbook IEE/09/764/SI2.558250
Maintenance and field size
Only through careful maintenance can you be sure that the energy is being removed from fuel efficiently.
Issues with lack of maintenance
Not enough air in the fuel / air mixture
This leads to a deterioration of efficiency.
Reasons may include:
- Polluted air filter
- Leaky charge air pipe
- Incorrect injector setup
- Incorrect valve clearance
Too much air in the fuel / air mix
Reasons may include:
- Incorrect injector setup
- Defective fuel feed pump
- Leaky fuel pipes
- Failure of engine control system
The best way to keep constant engine power is careful maintenance; fuel energy can then be transformed most efficiently.
What maintenance should be undertaken?
Regular maintenance
- Check tyres for damage
- Clean oil cooler, air filter, intercooler radiator and coolant radiator
- Exchange polluted fuel filters
- Repair leaky fuel pipes and check for fluid leaks from hydraulics
- Check oil and change at regular intervals
- Walk round to check for any defects, faults or excessive wear
Replace or repair any worn parts or faulty components as soon as is practical. Carry out a full service on all equipment at scheduled intervals as outlined in the tractor’s manual.
Ensure that implements are regularly maintained and properly fitted including:
- Front / rear end loaders
- Mower / disc cutter
- Scrapers / graders
- Tillers
- Trailers
- PTO driven equipment
A 5-10% loss of fuel efficiency could result from increased friction due to lack of correct lubrication of motor and gear parts. Pay attention to easy maintenance options when buying a tractor; for example accessibility of the cooling system and whether it has a ventilator with adjustable wings – to allow reversal of ventilation direction and adjustment of power consumption.
Maintaining tyre pressure
The importance of the correct tyre pressure
Traction efficiency is significantly influenced by the tyre pressure. Road resistance is produced from the rolling motion of the vehicle. Rolling resistance will depend on the friction between the tyres and the road surface, the speed, vehicle weight, construction, pattern, and pressure of the tyres, adjustment of the track and the ground condition or road surface.
Radial tyres (compared with diagonal tyres) have softer flanks as such the footprint of the tyres is longer leading to a reduced soil pressure and less slipping which leads to a fuel saving. Tyres should be big and wide, and when driving on the road the pressure needs to be quite high to minimise the rolling resistance.
When working in the field, have the tyre pressure as low as possible to help reduce soil pressure and slipping. For heavy traction work (e.g. ploughing) tyre pressure has to be increased, otherwise there is a risk that the tyre may slip on the rim. Studies have shown that reducing the tyre pressure can reduce fuel consumption as well as traction. Lower tyre pressure leads to a lower track depth of the tractor in the field. This lower track depth helps to reduce soil compaction, and as such fuel can be saved at the primary tilling operation.
Good practice for driving on the road
Drive with the highest tyre pressure possible which will give:
- Higher load capacity of tyres
- Lower rolling resistance
- Lower diesel consumption
For example increasing the tyre pressure up to the maximum allowable value will give a diesel reduction of 15% compared to the tyre pressure being the minimum required value.
Adjusting tyre pressure
When adjusting tyre pressures for field work and driving on the road, special control systems can be implemented. These can be quite expensive and need time for adjusting between the road and the field, however the benefits include soil protection and fuel use reduction. Manual or automatic systems are available and price will vary depending on the system you choose.
Climbing resistance
Arises from the force of gravity when driving uphill that has to be overcome. It depends on the level of slope and the total weight of the vehicle.
Tips for driving on a slope:
- Change gear in time to a gear that is well adapted to the slope
- Run the engine as long as possible
- Change gear only when necessary
- Change into a higher gear directly after the slope
- Accelerate before you reach the bottom of the valley.
- Use momentum for following the slope
- Adopt a sensitive driving style
Ballasting of tractor
Ballasting influences the efficiency and energy use of operating tractors. Some tips for using ballast include:
- Tractors should be as light weight as possible and as heavily weighted as necessary
- Ballasting during heavy pulling work reduces slippage
- Remove ballast for light pulling work and PTO work
- Avoid empty rides with ballast
- 1t of ballast increases diesel consumption by 1l/hr
- Needless ballast is needless soil pressure
- Tractor should be loaded only up to the needed weight
- Additional weight has to be easily and quickly attachable and detachable
Maintenance of filters
- Usually both primary and secondary filters are used to collect small particles. This protects close machine tolerances inside the engine from wear
- Replace filters periodically, as restricted flow starts to impact combustion efficiency
- Trials have shown that after filters are replaced, average tractor power output increased by 3.5% without further modifications
- Consistent filter replacements maintain the tractor’s power output which is noteworthy
- Example (Feb 2011) – A new tractor currently costs approximately £450 per hp depending on it’s size and options. If you can make an additional 3.5% of power available on a 200hp tractor this equates to adding 7hp, a value of nearly £3,300 when considering the initial costs of a new replacement tractor.
- Fuel flow though the throttle could be reduced by 3.5% to produce an equal power level after the filters were replaced. Fuel use savings on smaller (~140hp) tractors are estimated to be 105 gallons per year. Larger tractors would save proportionally more depending on use.
Impact of farm structure
Field size
The bigger the field, the shorter the time needed for turnings in the field and the transfer between different fields. Studies have shown that where practical, a field size of 5ha will achieve the best economic effect.
Field form
The impact of field form on the fuel consumption is mainly by the reason that there is less turning and fuel consumption in regular size fields than irregular fields. The optimal field form is a rectangle.
| Plot form (rectangle =100%) | Plot size | ||||
| 1ha | 2ha | 5ha | 10ha | 20ha | |
| Square | +18% | +16% | +12% | +9ha | +7% |
| Equalateral triangle | +15% | +14% | +13% | +10% | +8% |
| Acute sided triangle | +24% | +23% | +19% | +16% | +13% |
Distance between fields
The larger the travel distance between fields and between farm and fields the more fuel has to be consumed for transporting goods. Changing the field size, the field form and the distances between the different fields are more longer term activities but can make a difference in terms of fuel consumption.
Source: Adapted from Efficient 20 Fuel Saving Measures – Training Handbook IEE/09/764/SI2.558250
Optimising tractor use in the field
There are 4 key indicators when comparing tractor engine data – power output, torque, fuel consumption, and specific fuel consumption
Engine data
Engine power
This is defined as the amount of mechanical work performed during a certain period of time. The rated power (which is what is mostly quoted in instruction manuals) is the power at the rated engine speed (this is not always the max power).
Development of torque and power output
When the engine speed rises the power output increases. After initial friction losses, and major heat losses have been overcome, the engine reaches its maximum torque when the cylinder is optimally filled (a well-balanced mixture of air and fuel). When the speed rises further, the torque will decline due to the increasing flow resistances and the short break time of the valve.
Fuel consumption
Specific fuel consumption for a given tractor is declared in g/kWh and measures the efficiency of an engine. If it is then multiplied with the rated power (kW) and divided by the fuel density (g/l), the actual fuel use (l/h) can be calculated. Optimal values occur at just below 200 g/kWh. Mostly they range between 215 and 220 g/kWh.
Due to modern exhaust gas regulations, the specific fuel consumption has tended to rise during the last few years, which is related to preventing nitrous oxide emissions. At low engine temperatures less Nitrous oxide is emitted, but fuel consumption will rise.
The most efficient fuel consumption can be reached when the tractor is operating at about 60% of the rated engine speed.
Engine performance and fuel saving
Engine load
In practice the load of a tractor engine ranges between 10-80%. Driving with the same power in a lower speed range can save fuel. For example, driving with a power output of about 60% of the rated power and about 92% of the rated engine speed will result in a fuel consumption of 260g/kWh. However if the driver is successful at reaching the same power output (60%) at 64% of the rated engine speed, either by selecting the right gear or by managing the continuously adjustable transmission in an exact manner, the specific fuel consumption will decrease to 230g/kWh.
General guidelines are that the higher the torque, and the less power required, the higher the specific fuel consumption. Engines will run most effectively at a load of 60-80% of the rated power and at 60-70% of the rated engine speed. Good practice is to try and drive within this range.
Use of the hand throttle
For longer works in the field when the engine speed and driving speed should be constant, driving with the hand throttle is recommended. By using the hand throttle, speed fluctuations can be avoided and no fuel is wasted. Modern tractors are also equipped with an “electronic” hand throttle; thereby more engine speeds can be recorded and recalled by pushing a button.
Gear
To run the engine in the most efficient way for saving fuel, the gear system has to be able to achieve an optimal correlation between power, engine speed and driving speed. To be able to achieve this, an important precondition is precise gear shifting.
By having a power shift transmission system and a continuously adjustable transmission, this allows you to change speed without having to interrupt the power flow or stop. For example, when working on areas with uneven slopes or soils, you can adapt the tractor speed (engine power) directly to the specific conditions, allowing time and fuel to be saved. Power shift transmission also has the advantage compared to conventional gearboxes that each gear can be split and shifted up and down under load.
Continuously adjustable transmissions system
By continuously adjusting the speed with the throttle the driving speed can be adjusted to the specific operating requirements. For this reason the engine can always run within the operational load range. Some of the continuously adjustable gear systems allow you to reduce the engine speed considerably when driving on the road with maximum speed, allowing fuel savings. An integrated engine and gear management system allows a constant power range for the engine, saving fuel and relieving driver burden.
Hydraulic system
Tractor mounted equipment requires increasing amounts of power and specifically more hydraulic power. A higher hydraulic power can be provided by a larger volume flow.
In conventional constant power hydraulic systems, the full volume of the pump flows through the lines even when idling. This results in power loss in the hydraulic system. Because of this, larger tractors now use load sensing hydraulic systems which are equipped with a variable pump which is able to adjust the volume flow in relation to the required hydraulic power. It is possible to reduce the lost power by 3-4kW.
Wheel slip
Why is wheel slip important?
When tyres are turning faster than the ground speed of the tractor, tyre slip will occur. When tyre slip occurs, less than 60-70% of the power of the engine is being used to pull an implement through the soil. This could be as low as 50% on sandy or light soils. Most of the power that is lost occurs when the tractor is transmitting power from the tyres to the soil.
How do I optimise wheel slip while maintaining efficiency?
There needs to be a degree of slip between the tyres and the soil surface to drive efficiently. With limited slip, the tractive efficiency (the ratio of drawbar power to axle power) is improved, as well as providing a safety valve against stock overloads that could damage the power train.
The degree of slip that you have is important; if there is too little slip the tyres will be anchored to the soil. Too much ballast will make this worse.
For optimal efficiency slip should be near the peak tractive efficiency. This occurs between 8 and 15% slip depending on soil conditions.
For every 1% past optimal slip, you will lose an equivalent 1% in productivity and reduce energy efficiency.
How do I measure wheel slip?
Tractors and tyres should be maintained to optimise wheel slippage at 10-15%. Less will result in the use of too much fuel energy to move the wheels, whereas too much (more than 15%), will result in excess tyre spin and energy loss through the tyre which is non-productive.
To determine per cent wheel slip
- Place a mark on the inside of the tyre that you can observe from the tractor seat
- Mark off a distance of 100 feet part way into the field.
- Determine the circumference of the tyre (place a string around it), or multiply the diametre of the tyre by 3.142.
- Drive the 100 feet with the field operation in progress, and count the number of revolutions of the tyre
- Multiply the number of revolutions by the circumference of the tyre and divide by 100 (to give you a percentage).
How to adjust wheel slip
If excess slippage occurs (where it is more than 15%) you may need to:
- Add weights
- Change the air pressure
- Add dual wheels
- If the tyres are worn out, buy some new ones
If the slippage is less than 10%, you can remove weights and check the tyre pressure.
Source: Adapted from Efficient 20 Fuel Saving Measures – Training Handbook IEE/09/764/SI2.558250
Travel speed and fuel efficiency
The speed at which you drive the tractor in the field and the load that it is pulling both have a major influence in the fuel efficiency of the equipment. Running equipment at the optimal speed and load can save significantly on fuel costs.
What is the optimal travel speed?
Field travel speed is a major factor in matching the right tractor to the right implement. For many field operations the optimal travel speed is 5-7 miles per hour because most implements are designed to perform high quality work at these speeds.
Travel speeds below 4mph result in low field capacities, poor soil mixing for tillage operations and reduced life of the drive train; the exception occurs with operations like planting where precise control is important.
If you drive at high speeds, this will generally increase the maintenance requirements, increase tyre wear and reduce the life of the implement. Driving at high speeds can also increase compaction by breaking down the soil aggregates.
Field speeds may be limited by rough ground, operator skill or downed crops.
How do I optimise fuel efficiency?
- Most tractor engines have the highest fuel efficiency when operated at or near their rated speed and load (at maximum power), for more information click here.
- Primary tillage implements that are properly matched to the tractor achieve the best fuel efficiency in the field, as they will pull loads at the fastest speed possible within the acceptable speed range for the implement.
- Using these techniques will also reduce the time required for field operations and stock loads on the drive train.
- If the tractor and implement are not matched with resulting partial engine loads, increasing travel speeds by gearing up and maintaining a full throttle setting to achieve near maximum engine power will usually increase the fuel required. The additional power required for this increased speed and draft more than offsets the fuel efficiencies gained by running the engine at maximum power.
- While this common practice does not save fuel, it will reduce time requirements. This time saving may be more valuable than the additional fuel requirement if more timely operations result in reduced crop losses.
Fuel versus time considerations
In the ideal world, field operations should require the least possible fuel and time. However many operations don’t require full tractor engine power, even at the fastest travel speed acceptable for high quality work. Studies have indicated that tractor loading in the field, usually averages about 55% of maximum power.
- It may be an option with some of these light loads to combine operations together, thereby decreasing time requirements and increases fuel use efficiencies by utilising more of the tractor’s power.
- A different option with lighter load conditions is to shift to a higher gear and slow the engine speed to maintain the desired field travel speed. This has been shown to result in 15-30% fuel savings.
- Normally operations that require engine loads of 65% or less of the tractor’s maximum power can be performed by gearing up and throttling down. However check the operator’s manual for specific recommendations. It is generally safer to reduce the engine speed by 20-30% of the rated RPM.
- Don’t overload the engine, as this will cause engine wear, overheating and excessive smoke.
- If you are shopping for a new tractor, consider getting one with a constantly variable transmission, as this transmission will adjust the gear ratios and engine speed to optimise the tractor’s performance based on the load type.
Ballasting tractors for optimal fuel efficiency
Why is ballasting important?
Tractor ballasting influences the efficiency and energy use of operating tractors. Ballasting will determine the amount of slip in any given field condition affecting fuel consumption, field operation time and tyre wear.
In addition to the effect of the total tractor weight ( on compaction, transmission life, tyre life and tractor stability), the way that the weight is distributed between the axles has a huge impact on performance.
Over ballasting a tractor wastes fuel due to increased rolling resistance and increases drive train wear and soil compaction. However if a tractor is under ballasted, the tractor will waste fuel from excessive tyre slip and cause premature tyre wear.
Distribution of ballast
Position most of the tractor weight over the drive axis.
2WD tractors – the front axle must be carrying enough weight to provide steering control and stability.
True 4WD tractors should have equal amounts of weight on both drive axles while operating under load. However because of weight transfer, it is a good idea to ballast 4WD tractors with more weight on the front axle.
| Tractor type | Front weight | Rear weight |
| 2WD | 25% | 75% |
| Front wheel drive | 40% | 60% |
| 4WD | 60% | 40% |
Check the wheel slip in the field to refine any ballasting requirements. Maintain the proper weight distribution when adding or removing ballast according to the tractor type.
Ballasting good practice
- Do not exceed the tyres recommended load carrying capacity (use the tables in the manual)
- Using dual tyres doesn’t allow the max loads to double; maximum loads are generally 88% greater than when using single tyres.
- Consult the operator’s manual for the Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) limits. Make sure that the total weight of the tractor is less than the maximum ROPS total.
- If using ballast as solution to the tyres, care must be taken not to overfill the tyres, and if using dual wheels, only fill the inside wheels, as ballasted outer duals can be difficult to handle.
- Ballasting non powered front tyres is not recommended because of possible steering and control problems especially at transport speeds.
Ballast, field speed and slip
Ballast is the important link between field speed and drive wheel slip. If there is too much ballast there can be power loss from increased rolling resistance, soil compaction and high mechanical loading on axles and bearings. If there is not enough ballast too much slip will occur, as well as high tyre wear and lost productivity.
Good practice for selecting ballast, optimising field speed and slip
- Select a relatively high field speed above 6mph
- Select an implement width that matches this speed with the available drawbar power of the tractor
- Ballast the drive wheels to obtain a slip that is near the optimal slip for the particular soil conditions.
Source: Adapted from Efficient 20 Fuel Saving
EFFICIENT 20 is a European funded initiative to help farmers and foresters to reduce their fuel usage by 20%. Fuel use in farming machinery represents more than 50% of the energy consumed in agriculture, so introducing fuel saving measures brings significant cost savings to farming businesses.