There are many ways you can reduce farm fuel costs, and many are quick-wins, which mean they won’t cost anything to start with, and will save fuel immediately.
The key factors are:
- choosing the right-sized tractors and machinery
- operating it to
- regular maintainance to keep it running efficiently
- driving for efficiency
DRIVE FOR EFFICIENCY: ECO-DRIVING!
There are good fuel cost savings to be made by adjusting your driving technique. Fast acceleration and hard braking, as well as carrying extra weight can all contribute to higher fuel consumption compared to more moderate driving.
The RACQ provides advise on driving to cut fuel costs through ecodriving, with 11 simple tips.
There are a number of useful fact sheets with good tips on saving money through eco-driving. The ecoBiz Fact Sheet: Efficient Driving and Fleet Management provides advice on choosing vehicles and driving to save energy.
See also the AgInnovators page on Adaptive driving – the skill factor in fuel efficiency.
FARM VEHICLES
It’s easier to save on fuel costs when you have the right-sized tractors and machinery. Consider estimating your tractor power needs and choosing the most suitable size, rather than buying the highest horsepower-per-dollar model.
The AgInnovators website includes fact sheets and a guide on Estimating Tractor Power Needs with an 8 step assessment to help choose the most suitable tractor for the job.
LIGHT VEHICLES: CARS, UTES AND VANS.
The Green Vehicle Guide – helps you by rating new Australian vehicles based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions.
SMALL – MEDIUM TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.
Truck Buyers Guide – provides tips and guidance on selecting fuel efficient trucks.