New fuel efficiency course for farmers

8:34am Thursday 17th July 2008

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Rural business services company 7Y Services has launched a series of tractor efficiency courses which could help farmers shave thousands of pounds off their diesel costs.

Nick Tilt, director of farmer-owned 7Y, based near Leominster, said efficient tractor operation could save farmers £5,000 to £6,000 per year.

“Tractor dealers suggest that a good operator will save 25% fuel but this is dismissed by many purchasers as sales talk.

“There is a great deal of truth in these claims, providing the operator knows how to maximise the vehicle’s efficiency.

“On a tractor using 400 litres at today’s price of £0.68 pence per litre, this equates to a £68 saving per day, £476 per week at harvest time and potentially £6,000 per annum.

“This will be welcome news to farmers and food producers struggling to maintain margin against a backdrop of spiralling costs. But it will require a rethink regarding machinery operation. The sophisticated engine and gearbox computer management systems fitted in today’s tractors are designed to maximise fuel and performance efficiency, yet many farmers and temporary drivers are unsure of how to make the most of this technology.

“While our courses do include instruction on how to throttle back and cut engine power they also explain how to make best use of the technology installed in the tractor and to recognise when a mach-ine is operating efficiently.

“Other topics include depth of cultivation, use of ballast and tyre pressures, and how maintenance and servicing can improve fuel usage.”