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Energy Efficiency: Field Machinery Operation John Nowatzki Ag Machine Systems Specialist NDSU Extension Service Vern Hofman Professor Emeritus Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department Introduction Fuel Use by Field Operation Tractor Traction Technology
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Energy Efficiency:Field Machinery Operation John Nowatzki Ag Machine Systems Specialist NDSU Extension Service Vern Hofman Professor Emeritus Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering Department
Introduction • Fuel Use by Field Operation • Tractor Traction Technology • Regular Maintenance Schedule • Conservation Tillage • Energy Saving Practices
Fuel Use by Field Operation Gallons/Acre • Grain Drill .6 • Row Crop Planter .3 • Combine 1.3 – 1.9 • Round Baler .7 • Corn Chopper (pt) 3.3 • Mower/Conditioner .4 Farm Machinery Economic Cost Estimates For 2005 University of Minnesota
Fuel Use by Field Operation • Chisel Plow .6 • Moldboard Plow 1.3 • Field Cultivator .5 • Tandem Disc .4 • Stalk Shredder .7 Farm Machinery Economic Cost Estimates For 2005 University of Minnesota
Tractor Traction Technology • Bias or Radial Tires? Radials 5–7% Advantage Michelin Agricultural Tires
Tractor Traction Technology • Bias or Radial Tires? • Operate Radial Tire Pressures at 6 psi. • Operate Bias Tires at or above 14 psi. • Limit Tire Load to Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Tractor Traction Technology • Bias or Radial Tires? • Increase Tire Pressure when using Mounted Equipment • Tire Slippage: 8-15% • Higher range for 4WD Tractors • Check Tire Pressure Regularly • Note: Less Soil Compaction with Lower Tire Pressure
Tractor Traction Technology • Singles, Duals, Triples or Tracks? Duals and Tracks show Similar Efficiency
Tractor Traction Technology • Singles, Duals, Triples? Triples Reduce Efficiency
Tractor Traction Technology • Tracked Tractors • Less Slippage, Little Difference in Power Delivery • No “power hop” • Maintain Efficiency Over Wider Range of Conditions • Less Steering Control • Higher Costs Wheels Equally Efficient with 5% Wheel Slippage
Tractor Traction Technology • Other Traction Issues • Soil Compaction • Least: Radial Tires with 7 psi inflation • Most: Tires with 24 psi inflation • Tracked Tractors Usually Leave Narrower Field Track than Tires • Yield Effects • Iowa State Study: Tires Reduced Yield
Regular Maintenance • Periodic Engine Tune-up • Scheduled Filter Changes • Properly Adjusted Tillage Equipment
Conservation Tillage • Fuel Savings From No-Till Fuel Cost/Acre1 1. ND Farm and Ranch Business Management Annual Report 2005
Conservation Tillage • Strip Tillage
Conservation Tillage • Strip Tillage Effect on Corn Emergence I Day Sooner Than No-Till
Energy Saving Practices • GPS Guidance 5-10% Less Overlap
Energy Saving Practices • Tillage Costs • Is the Operation Necessary? • Use Right Gear and Throttle Setting. • Proper Ballasting and Tire Inflation
Energy Saving Practices • General Practices • Don’t Let Engine Idle Excessively • Use the Right Fuel • Match Tractor to Implement Size
More Information http://134.129.78.3/geospatial John Nowatzki, NDSU Extension State Specialist Telephone: 701-231-8213 Email: John.Nowatzki@ndsu.edu