Gas is sometimes a better choice now adays for some part-time users. But for a tractor that gets used a lot, a diesel in most cases is a lot cheaper to run. There are a few exceptions, especially if you put a big diesel tractor on a very small load. Some big diesels doing very light work are worse fuel hogs than a correct-sized gas tractor doing the same job.
I got raking hay a few weeks ago with my 300 Deere. Mine is a diesel and the other tractor there was a Deere 300 with the gas engine. My diesel used approx. 1 1/2 gallons of diesel per hour and the gas tractor used 2 1/2 gallons per hour. Right now - here in central New York, diesel is $3.38 per gallon and gasoline is $2.83 per gallon. So, do the math.
Downside to the diesel is the extra costs often involved in repairs and maintenance - and the fact that few "gas engine" mechanics know how to work on injectors and injection pumps. So, they send the stuff out and a $25 repair turns into a $700 repair.
Regardless of the claims that diesels are more simple, they're not. Just happen to have much of the fuel system and ignition system in a cental unit that many do not know how to work on.
A diesel presents more problems to deal with in extreme cold weather. Also needs more battery. As for torque? Many gas engines have exactly the same torque and torque curve when they have the same bore and long stroke. In fact, a gas engine, if equal in bore and stroke to a diesel, will have more power, not less. But, stick a turbo on a diesel and things change.
I'm not trashing diesels. They are by far the best for any serious work. But, for some people and limited useage, they are often more costly overall, not less.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Restoration Story: Fordson Major - by Anthony West. George bought his Fordson Major from a an implement sale about 18 years ago for £200.00 (UK). There is no known history regarding its origins or what service it had done, but the following work was undertaken alone to bring it up to show standard. From the engine number, it was found that this Major was produced late 1946. It was almost complete but had various parts that would definitely need replacing.
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
1964 I-H 140 tractor with cultivators and sidedresser. Starts and runs good. Asking 2650. CALL RON AT 502-319-1952
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
