Extension circular 762 R-54 is a revised version of extension circular 762.  It provides information and diagrams to assist a farmer in figuring out how much different fuels will cost over a year’s time

Kitchen, D. A.

Larsen, L. F.

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 1954 EC762 Revised 1954 Which Fuel for Farm Power? D. A. Kitchen L. F. Larsen Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist Kitchen, D. A. and Larsen, L. F., "EC762 Revised 1954 Which Fuel for Farm Power?" (1954). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 2264. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/2264 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. ~ AGRr A S ~ l1WHICH FUEL WER ? ~ E. c. 762-Si '1. • ? Revised, 1954 . 9-lta~ K ~ ? by t.J • • D. A. KITCHEN ~===-~~~~~ Asst. Extension Engineer F and L.F. LARSEN Tractor' Test Engineer University of Nebraska this folder will tell you what different fuels will cost over a year ' s time . used for wheel tractors, tracklayers, or power units. You have to know the rated horsepower and the fuel consumption in horsepower hours per gallon. Obtain these from the Nebraska Tractor Test Summary Sheet • . Bl~ING A NEW TRACTOR? Follow the instructions on the nomograph, working the problem for your present tractor and fuel first. The figure on line 3 represents your annual power requirements in horsepower hours. Big or small, a tractor will have to do that much work to do your job. Starting from this figure on line 3, work the problem for diff~rent fuels. Use t he specific fuel consumption as shown under Test H, colUUL~ 72, of the Nebraska Tractor Test Summary Sheet. SPECIFIC FUEL CONSUMPTION varies with different tractors. For example, the aver age for all diesel wheel tractors on the 1953 Tractor Test Summary Sheet, under the 10-hour rated load dra.wbar test, was 13.4 horsepower hours per gallon . Best was 15.19--poorest 12.09 . The figures noted for gasoline, tractor fuel, propane, and diesel on line 4 of the nomograph are averages from the 10-hour dra:wbar test for all wheel tractors of 15 or more drawba.r horsepower. (Currently manufactured and tested as of December 1, 1953) FOR BELT WORK, use the rated belt horsepower. The following averages in horsepower hours per gallon were taken from Test D: gasoline, 11.3 tractor fuel, 11.0; diesel, 15.2; and propane, 8 .9. FOR LIGHT AND VARYING LOADS use the horsepow~r shown in column 34 under tes t E; or use 60% of rated belt horse power. Average fuel consumption figures are: gasoline, 9 .1; tractor fuel, 8.9; diesel, 12.9; and propane, 7.4. MANY POWER UNITS have corresponding tractor models. If you are interested in a power unit not listed on the Nebraska Tractor Test Summary Sheet, you may be able to find the same engine as tested in a tractor. If no fuel consumption figures are available, use the averages as noted above under belt work. Use rated belt horsepower ( 85% of maximum horsepower). In no case use a greater horsepower than that recommended by the manu-facturer for your load conditions. FOR TRACKLAYING TRAC~ORS refer to test H on the Nebraska. Tractor Test Summary Sheet. Averages in drawbar horsepower hours per gallon are as follows: gasoline, 8.7j tractor fuel, 9 .7; and diesel fuel, 11.6 . Although no figures are available for propane, 7.0 would be a reasonable estimate. If your tractor or power unit is too large for the scale on the nomograph, use one half the rated horsepower and multiply the final result by two. Other factors influencing tractor choice often outweigh fuel costs.On the back of this folder, you will find some of them listed. The high first cost, for example, may rule out diesel for your use. Cold-weather starting may be a deciding factor. Consider all aspects carefully before making a choice. Then follow good maintenance practices for long and satisfactory service. EXTENSION SERVICE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATING W. V. L.AMBERT, DIRECTOR 16 0:: ~ f L&.l en a: 0 ~ 0 LLJ ~ 30 35 40 / 1fl~ '}led '}tJ TH~EE ST2AI6HT L/N€5 M If S1'~AISNr I.INE Tille II Pr:uAIT'S (i) AAJP @ C~DSSES r~IS LIAIE 40,000 Ar rNE NtJAI6E'i OF ND'l.SE'f:)al£1( N~. ~E~IIIKGP .FOR. Yl?£1A ./08. . ~ 1600 ~ 1400 ~ 1200 li-1 ~ IZl ~ p · 0 .......... ~ d ·iS . 8 ~ p:: li-1 ~ 0 30,000 / ~ ~ ~ ~ li-1 11. IZl ~ p 0 ~ ~ r£l 8: 0 ~ r£l IZl p:: 0 p::: 8,000 6.000 lO~ATE ~ PUEl AND CONSID£~1. SIIDWAI. R~ IJOt.I.IMN 7~ ~ r~Al!' S/16 ~ z 0 ...:l ...:l <r: zd OP:: l-lr£1 ~~ ~ ~!Zl ~p:: Cf.l~ zo 0~ Up:: ...:lli-1 ~6 ~P-i r:z:J rJj ~ c ::r The horsepower hours per gallon shown for different fuels on line 4 are average from tests on current tractors tested prior to 1954 . These are for whee tractors on the ten hour drawbar test. For power units and tracklayers, see in formation on the front of this folder. ~4 ~~. 1teed4 ? Y HEL.P YOO DECIDE .••. ~ PDIAI"r FOR rilE ,.~ACrOii! BEING ' . 411£~1116-ES AilE ~~ n> rESr II~ , ()~ rNif N£8'2ASI(A >ll resT .SUNINI~IlY ·r J:Dil FUeL IMPTION OF S'P6'e1~1e ACTOIZS. •.. +AVE. DIESEL 13.4 +AV£. 6ASOLIN£ 9.9 9 TRACTOR FUEL 8 ~ -AVE. PROPAHE 7.9 ~ 7 6 / / z 0 ~ ~ 30 ~ rj ~ 25 r£1 p... en 20 ~~ r£1 ) u 16 E-4 en 0 u / A 5TI/A16NT tiNE" rN~tJ 'b1AITS ON LINGS @ANP (j) 6/VIJ'S eosr 1N Pot.~A.es ~~ '/6"111~. STA~ WlrJ.I LINE" (i) AND /lEPEAT FO.I2 orNe£ ~U€LS ANP TRAC!1t:JJZ$'. f"~ 150 . ..... FUEtS _  FOR . FARM . TRACTORS_ Diesel Fuel Advantages 1. Convenient. Easy star ting, simple operation. 2. Widely used. Stable prices. 3. Easily serviced engines. 4. Lowest first cost of engine. 5. Good res ale of used tractors. 1. Easily serviceu engines. 2. Low first cost of engines . 3. Lower fire hazard. 4. Hp. hr. per gallon equal to gasoline. l. Highest engine efficiency. 2. Best part load economy. 3. Low fire hazard fn handling and storage of fuel. 4. Long engine life. 5. Good fuel distribution in-sured by injection system. 1. Clean burning. Minimum en-gine deposits and oil con-tamination. 2. Long engine life. 3. Good part load economy. 4. Good fuer distribution--fuel vaporizes before entering the manifold. 5. Smooth engine performance aided by high octane rating. Disadvantages 1. Power loss and valve trouble often result from combustion chamber deposits. 2. Fire hazards in storage and handling. 3. Pilferage 1. Two-fuel system needed for starting. Troublesome. 2. Cooling water and manifold temperatures must be high. 3. Fuel dilutes oil. 4. ~ngine depos its. 5. Low power for size of engine. 1. First cost of engine is hi~ ($400 to $800 above gasoline). 2. High compression makes a 12-volt electrical system or special starting equipment necessary. 3. Many shops are not weli equipped for repair of diesel engines. 4. Injectors may foul with excessive idli High first cost of engine and accessories ($150 to $400 above gasoline). • Converted engines often low in efficiency. Carburetors are difficult to adjust. • Least work per gallon of fuel. • Bulky tanks interfere with visi-. bility. Special (and high~priced) ' storage tanks are needed. • Fire hazards in storage & handling • In General A good fuel for small tractors and diversified j obs . Highes t fuel cost for the wo1·k accom-plished. Used in 80% of all tractors in the U.S.A. Us e1 in 50% of Nebraska's farm tractors. A good i 'uel for warm weather and all but light loads. Requires careful operation for best re-sults. Medium fuel cost for the work accomplished. Still widely used in Nebraska, but losing in popularity. Fuel may vary widely, in volatility, octane rating, and heat content allon -A good fuel f or tractors operating 800 hours and more per year. Lowest fuel cost f or >mrk done. This fuel is gaining in popu-larity, and will be available in smaller tractors. Extra care should be taken to insure clean-liness of fuel. Propane has become a popular engine fuel in some areas. At Nebraska prices, it is comparable to tractor fuel in terms of work per fuel dollar. Tractors should be used at least 400 to 500 hours per year to show any real saving over gasoline. Price of the fuel may vary greatly from one area to another, and may vary from season to season. Pro pert • Hard starti~g in cold weather. I======~========T========r=========== Fuel GASoLINE TRAcToR Heat content per gallon, in British thermal units (approximate) Work per gallon, in drawbar horsepower hours (from Nebr. tests of wheel tractors) Compression ratios of farm tractors (average of those tested at Nebra~ka) Approximate range of octane rating (anti-knock quality) 124 ,500 9 .9 6 . 3 :1 72-80 135 ,000 9 .9 4. 8 :1 30-40 DIESEL PROPANE 138 , 000 91,500 13 .4 7 .9 15:1 7 .0 :1 100 

EC762 Revised 1954  Which Fuel for Farm Power?

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Historical Materials from University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 
1954 
EC762 Revised 1954 Which Fuel for Farm Power? 
D. A. Kitchen 
L. F. Larsen 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist 
Kitchen, D. A. and Larsen, L. F., "EC762 Revised 1954 Which Fuel for Farm Power?" (1954). Historical 
Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 2264. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/2264 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - 
Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an 
authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
~ AGRr 
A S 
~ l1WHICH FUEL WER ? ~ E. c. 762-Si '1. • ? Revised, 1954 
. 9-lta~ K ~ ? by 
t.J • • D. A. KITCHEN 
~===-~~~~~ Asst. Extension Engineer F and 
L.F. LARSEN 
Tractor' Test Engineer 
University of Nebraska 
this folder will tell you what different fuels will cost 
over a year ' s time . used for wheel tractors, tracklayers, or power units. 
You have to know the rated horsepower and the fuel consumption in horsepower hours per 
gallon. Obtain these from the Nebraska Tractor Test Summary Sheet • 
. Bl~ING A NEW TRACTOR? Follow the instructions on the nomograph, working the problem 
for your present tractor and fuel first. The figure on line 3 represents your annual 
power requirements in horsepower hours. Big or small, a tractor will have to do that 
much work to do your job. Starting from this figure on line 3, work the problem for 
diff~rent fuels. Use t he specific fuel consumption as shown under Test H, colUUL~ 72, 
of the Nebraska Tractor Test Summary Sheet. 
SPECIFIC FUEL CONSUMPTION varies with different tractors. For example, the aver age for 
all diesel wheel tractors on the 1953 Tractor Test Summary Sheet, under the 10-hour 
rated load dra.wbar test, was 13.4 horsepower hours per gallon . Best was 15.19--poorest 
12.09 . The figures noted for gasoline, tractor fuel, propane, and diesel on line 4 of 
the nomograph are averages from the 10-hour dra:wbar test for all wheel tractors of 15 
or more drawba.r horsepower. (Currently manufactured and tested as of December 1, 1953) 
FOR BELT WORK, use the rated belt horsepower. The following averages in horsepower 
hours per gallon were taken from Test D: gasoline, 11.3 tractor fuel, 11.0; diesel, 
15.2; and propane, 8 .9. FOR LIGHT AND VARYING LOADS use the horsepow~r shown in column 
34 under tes t E; or use 60% of rated belt horse power. Average fuel consumption figures 
are: gasoline, 9 .1; tractor fuel, 8.9; diesel, 12.9; and propane, 7.4. 
MANY POWER UNITS have corresponding tractor models. If you are interested in a power 
unit not listed on the Nebraska Tractor Test Summary Sheet, you may be able to find the 
same engine as tested in a tractor. If no fuel consumption figures are available, use 
the averages as noted above under belt work. Use rated belt horsepower ( 85% of maximum 
horsepower). In no case use a greater horsepower than that recommended by the manu-
facturer for your load conditions. 
FOR TRACKLAYING TRAC~ORS refer to test H on the Nebraska. Tractor Test Summary Sheet. 
Averages in drawbar horsepower hours per gallon are as follows: gasoline, 8.7j tractor 
fuel, 9 .7; and diesel fuel, 11.6 . Although no figures are available for propane, 7.0 
would be a reasonable estimate. 
If your tractor or power unit is too large for the scale on the nomograph, use one half 
the rated horsepower and multiply the final result by two. 
Other factors influencing tractor choice often outweigh fuel costs.On the back of this 
folder, you will find some of them listed. The high first cost, for example, may rule 
out diesel for your use. Cold-weather starting may be a deciding factor. Consider all 
aspects carefully before making a choice. Then follow good maintenance practices for 
long and satisfactory service. 
EXTENSION SERVICE 
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE 
AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
COOPERATING 
W. V. L.AMBERT, DIRECTOR 
16 
0:: 
~ 
f 
L&.l 
en 
a: 
0 
~ 
0 
LLJ 
~ 
30 
35 
40 
/ 
1fl~ '}led '}tJ 
TH~EE ST2AI6HT L/N€5 M 
If S1'~AISNr I.INE 
Tille II Pr:uAIT'S (i) AAJP 
@ C~DSSES r~IS LIAIE 40,000 
Ar rNE NtJAI6E'i OF 
ND'l.SE'f:)al£1( N~. 
~E~IIIKGP .FOR. Yl?£1A 
./08. 
. ~ 1600 
~ 1400 
~ 1200 
li-1 
~ 
IZl 
~ p 
· 0 
.......... ~ 
d 
·iS 
. 8 
~ p:: 
li-1 
~ 
0 
30,000 
/ 
~ 
~ 
~ 
~ 
li-1 
11. 
IZl 
~ p 
0 
~ 
~ 
r£l 
8: 
0 
~ 
r£l 
IZl p:: 
0 p::: 
8,000 
6.000 
lO~ATE ~ 
PUEl AND 
CONSID£~1. 
SIIDWAI. R~ 
IJOt.I.IMN 7~ 
~ 
r~Al!' 
S/16 
~ 
z 
0 
...:l 
...:l 
<r: 
zd 
OP:: 
l-lr£1 ~~ ~ 
~!Zl ~p:: Cf.l~ 
zo 0~ 
Up:: 
...:lli-1 
~6 
~P-i 
r:z:J 
rJj 
~ 
c 
::r 
The horsepower hours per gallon shown for different fuels on line 4 are average 
from tests on current tractors tested prior to 1954 . These are for whee 
tractors on the ten hour drawbar test. For power units and tracklayers, see in 
formation on the front of this folder. 
~4 ~~. 1teed4 ? 
Y HEL.P YOO DECIDE .••. 
~ PDIAI"r FOR rilE 
,.~ACrOii! BEING 
' . 411£~1116-ES AilE 
~~ n> rESr II~ 
, ()~ rNif N£8'2ASI(A 
>ll resT .SUNINI~IlY 
·r J:Dil FUeL 
IMPTION OF S'P6'e1~1e 
ACTOIZS. 
•.. 
+AVE. DIESEL 13.4 
+AV£. 6ASOLIN£ 9.9 
9 TRACTOR FUEL 
8 ~ 
-AVE. PROPAHE 7.9 
~ 7 
6 
/ 
/ 
z 
0 
~ 
~ 30 
~ 
rj 
~ 25 
r£1 p... 
en 20 
~~ 
r£1 ) u 16 
E-4 
en 
0 
u 
/ 
A 5TI/A16NT tiNE" rN~tJ 'b1AITS 
ON LINGS @ANP (j) 6/VIJ'S 
eosr 1N Pot.~A.es ~~ '/6"111~. 
STA~ WlrJ.I LINE" (i) AND 
/lEPEAT FO.I2 orNe£ 
~U€LS ANP TRAC!1t:JJZ$'. f"~ 150 
. ..... 
FUEtS _  FOR . FARM . TRACTORS_ 
Diesel 
Fuel 
Advantages 
1. Convenient. Easy star ting, 
simple operation. 
2. Widely used. Stable prices. 
3. Easily serviced engines. 
4. Lowest first cost of engine. 
5. Good res ale of used tractors. 
1. Easily serviceu engines. 
2. Low first cost of engines . 
3. Lower fire hazard. 
4. Hp. hr. per gallon equal to 
gasoline. 
l. Highest engine efficiency. 
2. Best part load economy. 
3. Low fire hazard fn handling 
and storage of fuel. 
4. Long engine life. 
5. Good fuel distribution in-
sured by injection system. 
1. Clean burning. Minimum en-
gine deposits and oil con-
tamination. 
2. Long engine life. 
3. Good part load economy. 
4. Good fuer distribution--fuel 
vaporizes before entering the 
manifold. 
5. Smooth engine performance 
aided by high octane rating. 
Disadvantages 
1. Power loss and valve trouble 
often result from combustion 
chamber deposits. 
2. Fire hazards in storage and 
handling. 
3. Pilferage 
1. Two-fuel system needed for 
starting. Troublesome. 
2. Cooling water and manifold 
temperatures must be high. 
3. Fuel dilutes oil. 
4. ~ngine depos its. 
5. Low power for size of engine. 
1. First cost of engine is hi~ 
($400 to $800 above gasoline). 
2. High compression makes a 12-
volt electrical system or special 
starting equipment necessary. 
3. Many shops are not weli equipped 
for repair of diesel engines. 
4. Injectors may foul with excessive 
idli 
High first cost of engine and 
accessories ($150 to $400 above 
gasoline). 
• Converted engines often low in 
efficiency. Carburetors are 
difficult to adjust. 
• Least work per gallon of fuel. 
• Bulky tanks interfere with visi-
. bility. Special (and high~priced) ' 
storage tanks are needed. 
• Fire hazards in storage & handling • 
In General 
A good fuel for small tractors 
and diversified j obs . Highes t 
fuel cost for the wo1·k accom-
plished. Used in 80% of all 
tractors in the U.S.A. Us e1 
in 50% of Nebraska's farm tractors. 
A good i 'uel for warm weather and 
all but light loads. Requires 
careful operation for best re-
sults. Medium fuel cost for the 
work accomplished. Still widely 
used in Nebraska, but losing in 
popularity. Fuel may vary widely, 
in volatility, octane rating, and 
heat content allon -
A good fuel f or tractors operating 
800 hours and more per year. 
Lowest fuel cost f or >mrk done. 
This fuel is gaining in popu-
larity, and will be available in 
smaller tractors. Extra care 
should be taken to insure clean-
liness of fuel. 
Propane has become a popular engine 
fuel in some areas. At Nebraska 
prices, it is comparable to tractor 
fuel in terms of work per fuel dollar. 
Tractors should be used at least 400 
to 500 hours per year to show any 
real saving over gasoline. Price of 
the fuel may vary greatly from one 
area to another, and may vary from 
season to season. 
Pro pert 
• Hard starti~g in cold weather. I======~========T========r=========== Fuel GASoLINE TRAcToR 
Heat content per gallon, in British thermal units (approximate) 
Work per gallon, in drawbar horsepower hours (from Nebr. tests of wheel 
tractors) 
Compression ratios of farm tractors (average of those tested at Nebra~ka) 
Approximate range of octane rating (anti-knock quality) 
124 ,500 
9 .9 
6 . 3 :1 
72-80 
135 ,000 
9 .9 
4. 8 :1 
30-40 
DIESEL PROPANE 
138 , 000 91,500 
13 .4 7 .9 
15:1 7 .0 :1 
100 


https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3274&amp;context=extensionhist

EC762 Revised 1954 Which Fuel for Farm Power?

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

UNL | Libraries