Rajan Wilcox
The amount of fuel used by a combine harvester per acre varies depending on the type of crop, weather conditions, and machine model. For example, a Deere 55 roundback may have higher fuel consumption than a Deere 4400 Gas/straight gear, which uses 2.6 gallons of fuel per acre for beans and 3.1 gallons per acre for corn. Fuel usage also depends on the harvest conditions, with one user reporting that their combine harvester averaged 1.21 gallons per acre in one year and 1.08 gallons per acre the previous year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption per acre | 0.48-2.6 gallons |
| Fuel consumption per hour | 5.5-22 gallons |
| Fuel burned per acre | 0.72-2.1 gallons |
| Fuel usage per bushel | 0.028 gallons |
| Fuel usage per hour (S680) | 22-24 gallons |
| Fuel usage per hour (S77) | 120 gallons in 9 hours |
| Fuel usage per hour (540 Challenger) | 0.55 gallons |
| Fuel usage per hour (8120) | 1.74 gallons |
| Fuel usage per hour (Gleaner) | 8.5 gallons |
| Fuel usage per hour (MF 860) | 25.833 litres |
| Fuel usage per hour (JD 9760) | 16 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel usage varies with harvest conditions
Weather conditions during the harvest can also impact fuel usage. For instance, a combine owner mentions that their S77 uses around 120 gallons of fuel in 9 hours when it's snowing, but this decreases when there is sunny and warm weather. Another user observes that their combine used more fuel when straight-cutting canola due to the late maturity of the crop, requiring a quicker dry-down.
Terrain layout is another factor that influences fuel efficiency. Cutting in mile-long fields, for instance, can help improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the load on the combine can impact fuel usage, with one user noting that their combine was most fuel-efficient at 90-98% engine load, spiking in fuel use when pushed over 100%.
The operator of the combine also plays a significant role in fuel usage. A user observes that watching the gallon-per-acre usage is more important than the gallon-per-hour usage, as the work achieved from a gallon of fuel matters more. The operator's skill and techniques can impact the overall fuel efficiency of the machine.
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Fuel efficiency differs with machine type
Fuel efficiency does differ with machine type, and there are many variables that can affect fuel consumption. For example, the type of crop being harvested, the age and model of the machine, and the weather conditions can all impact how much fuel a combine harvester uses.
Some older machines, such as the Deere 55 roundback, are remembered for needing constant refuelling. Newer machines, such as the Deere 4400, are more fuel-efficient, with a fuel consumption rate of 2.6 gallons per acre for beans and 3.1 gallons per acre for corn. However, even with newer machines, fuel efficiency can vary depending on the crop. For example, the New Holland TR70 4wd 3208Cat achieves 2.4 gallons per acre for beans and wheat but only 1.6 to 2.1 gallons per acre for corn.
Machine type and engine type also play a role in fuel efficiency. For instance, the Gleaner F2 diesel 6 achieves 1.1/1.2 gallons per acre, while the Gleaner F with a gas engine uses about 2 gallons per acre. Similarly, the MF 860, with a capacity of 310L fuel in the tank and a run time of 12 hours, achieves 0.028 gallons per bushel in canola. In contrast, the JD 9760, with a fuel consumption rate of 16 gallons per hour, is used for 70 bushels of wheat.
Terrain layout, unload times, and header width can also impact fuel efficiency. For example, cutting in mile-long fields can improve fuel efficiency, and a bottleneck in the unloading auger can increase fuel consumption. Additionally, the age of the machine can affect fuel efficiency, with older machines tending to be less fuel-efficient due to older technology.
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Fuel usage depends on the crop
For example, a Deere 55 roundback combine consumes 2.6 gallons per acre when harvesting beans and 3.1 gallons per acre when harvesting corn. Similarly, a New Holland TR70 4WD 3208Cat combine uses 2.4 gallons per acre for beans or wheat and 2.4 gallons per acre for 6-row corn.
The type of engine and its control system can also impact fuel consumption. For instance, a MF 860 combine with a full tank can run for 12 hours, consuming 25.833 litres of fuel to produce 1200 bushels of canola in dry conditions.
Harvest conditions can also affect fuel usage. A combine operator reported that their machine burned 0.72 gallons per acre cutting 35 bushels of spring wheat, 1.28 gallons per acre for 85 bushels of winter wheat, and 1.74 gallons per acre for 50 bushels of winter canola.
Additionally, the age of the combine can be a factor. Older combines with computers may not provide accurate readings of fuel consumption, while newer technology offers improved accuracy.
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$82.58
Fuel usage depends on the engine type
Another factor that affects fuel usage is the size and power of the engine. Larger and more powerful engines tend to use more fuel. For example, the S680, which is a larger and more powerful machine, uses 22-24 gallons of fuel per hour, while the 540 Challenger with a 7-cylinder Sisu engine uses only 0.55 gallons per acre in 50 bushel wheat.
The type of crop being harvested also plays a role in fuel usage. For instance, a Gleaner F2 diesel engine uses 1.1-1.2 gallons per acre when harvesting beans, while a Gleaner F gas engine uses about 2 gallons per acre. Similarly, the MF 860 uses 0.028 gallons per bushel when harvesting canola, while the JD 9760 uses 16 gallons per hour when harvesting 70 bushel wheat.
Additionally, harvest conditions can significantly impact fuel usage. For example, the 8120 engine uses 0.72 gallons per acre when cutting 35 bushels of spring wheat, but this increases to 1.28 gallons per acre when cutting 85 bushels of winter wheat. Weather conditions can also affect fuel usage, with machines using more fuel when there is snow in the forecast and less fuel when there is warm and sunny weather.
Finally, the efficiency of the engine and the age of the machine can also impact fuel usage. Newer machines with more efficient engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than older machines with less efficient engines. For example, newer vehicles with improved technology provide more accurate readings of fuel efficiency than older vehicles.
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Fuel usage depends on the operator
Terrain layout is another important consideration. Cutting in mile-long fields, for instance, can help improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, the header width, grain cart, unload times, and max load can all impact fuel usage. One user observed that their neighbour, by cutting a field on an angle, averaged 10 acres per hour per machine, demonstrating the impact of field conditions and operating strategies on fuel efficiency.
The type of engine and its control system can also influence fuel usage. A user reported that their MF 860 combine harvester used 0.028 gallons per bushel in canola, while another user's JD 9760 machine averaged 16 gallons per hour in 70 bushel wheat. The age and condition of the machine also play a role, with older vehicles sometimes providing less accurate readings.
Lastly, the operator's driving style can significantly affect fuel consumption. Aggressive driving or operating at speeds above the optimal range can lead to increased fuel usage. One user noted that their machine became a "pig on fuel" when pushed over a 100% engine load. Therefore, it's important for operators to be mindful of their driving habits and machine settings to optimize fuel efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel consumption of a combine harvester depends on the type of crop being harvested, the weather conditions, and the combine model. For example, a Gleaner F diesel combine consumes around 1.1-1.2 gallons per acre, while a Deere 4400 Gas/straight gear combine consumes around 2.6 gallons per acre for beans and 3.1 gallons per acre for corn.
The fuel efficiency of a combine can be affected by various factors such as the header width, grain cart, unload times, terrain layout, and the skill of the operator. Additionally, the type of crop and harvest conditions can also impact fuel usage. For instance, a combine may use more fuel when harvesting in cold and snowy weather compared to warmer and sunnier days.
To improve fuel efficiency, combine owners can consider the following:
- Monitoring fuel usage per bushel, ton, or tonne, and comparing it with other machines.
- Ensuring that the combine is not constantly powered at 100% engine load, as this can spike fuel usage. Operating within the 90-98% range is more fuel-efficient.
- Optimizing header width, grain cart usage, and terrain layout to minimize fuel consumption.
