Energy Efficiency Farm Tips

Fuel Efficiency

Gear up and throttle down tractors, shifting to a faster gear and slowing the engine speed to maintain the desired field speed. This will decrease the fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent.
Match tractors to the weight of the load. The typical optimum pull is 40 per cent of the tractor weight.
Add or remove ballast to match the load when tractors are used for different field operations.
Keep tires inflated to manufacturer's recommendations.
Avoid idling and save up to ten per cent.
Perform multiple tasks on each pass through the field where possible.
Practice routine and timely maintenance on all farm equipment and implements.

Improve main driver efficiencies. If using electric motor drives, replace with high efficiency motors when required. This will improve efficiencies by up to ten per cent. If using natural gas, ensure optimum operation with regular maintenance and tune-ups.
Ensure pumps are operating at their highest efficiency by properly matching pump size to irrigation system. Routine maintenance of pumps should include inspection of nozzles, impellers and checking for water leaks.
Ensure sprinkler system is operating efficiently with proper installation of a pressure gauge and engine tachometer, which can detect inefficiencies due to worn components, engine problems or water leaks, which in turn saves energy.

For high temperature grain drying, consider a continuous flow dryer.
For low temperature aeration grain drying, consider automatic controls. Without automatic controls, monitor the drying process regularly.
If adding or replacing grain dryers, consider high efficiency models, which can generate savings in excess of 30 per cent.