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Nebraska tracctor tests showed hp-hr/gallon for all the tractors they tested. Detailed test data showed that for several loads and gears. There's a paper back by Lester Larson (who ran the lab for that time period) about tractors tested from 1950 to 1975 that gives a little bit about each of the most popular tractors of that time frame. Its a good reference to look at. There are big books with detailed test data and some is on-line. Many tractor stores keep these books on hand for sale. One thing you will find is that the number of Oliver's to choose from will be a lot smaller than the number of AC WD and they will be fewer than the same vintage Deere and IH. The later the tractor (until the most recent decade) the poorer the fuel economy because the more power grabbing auxiliaris like power steering, hydraulics for three point, and power brakes. Untill recent times, the most fuel efficient tractors was a 2 cylinder 1958 JD. But unless you use a tractor (or truck or car) reeally hard and long, buying for fuel economy may not ever pay out if you have to pay a premium for the fuel economy. Small square balers take only about 20 hp to run, but when pulling a rack of hay behind, I found my MF-135 at 35 HP did OK. More gears in the transmissssion rather than fewer do help the baler bale better bales. And my '68 MF-135 is economical on fuel. Gerald J.
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