Save on fuel costs by following top tips

He outlines a list of practical fuel-saving options for growers in this week's new look Crops* - full of the same trusted technical and management advice, industry insight and comment, but delivered in a clearer, easier to read format, more carefully targeted at the nation's top arable producers.

The list of 21 common-sense tips has been drawn up for American growers, but many are applicable in the UK, he said. He believes many farmers should be able to save at least 10% on their fuel use by making a few operating changes, paying closer attention to routine maintenance and spending a little on fuel saving ideas. "For example, for every pound saved by reducing excessive wheel slip by 5%, you may save 10 pounds because it also means 5% less time in the field."

Here are a few of his tips, see Saturday's new look Crops magazine for more!
* Ballast - Four-wheel drive tractors should have about 60% of the total weight on the front and 40% at the rear
* Switch off - Substantial fuel can be saved by not idling diesel engines for more than 10 minutes
* Filters - change air and fuel filters on schedule - dirty filters restrict air flow and cut power
* Fuel injectors - clean fuel injectors if you see black smoke coming from the exhaust

(Source: fwi.co.uk)