Your agricultural business can sometimes end up using more fuel than expected, especially if you’re doing any kind of bulk hauling in and out of your location or if you’re using multiple vehicles for different reasons throughout the day. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of fuel that you need to use in your agricultural business to save money without sacrificing efficiency or productivity. Below are some tips that can help you reduce fuel costs in your agricultural business.
Monitor your Oil Levels
The best way to keep your fuel levels constant and save money is to monitor them regularly. With some basic tools, anyone can keep an eye on how much fuel is actually being used over time. You’ll soon notice patterns that indicate where and when you’re using more fuel—and it just might shock you. Oil fuel distributors shropshire would be happy to help if you are struggling with your oil level monitoring.
One of the most obvious ways to cut fuel costs is to use less fuel, but unless you have a tractor equipped with low-rolling resistance tires or aerodynamic plough discs (both of which reduce drag), there isn’t much you can do about how fast your vehicle travels. However, by taking note of where and when you tend to use more fuel than normal, you may discover opportunities for cost savings by making adjustments.
Consider Alternative Fuels
Gasoline and diesel are among some of the most expensive fuels you can use in a vehicle. You can reduce your transportation costs by using alternative fuels like natural gas, biodiesel or ethanol—which may have less impact on your budget and leave more money for other important expenses. For example, if you own a truck, install a natural gas fuelling system that runs off liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that is distributed through a reliable fuel distributor near you.
Don’t Overfill Tanks
Overfilling your diesel or petrol tank could result in you needing fuel before you can make it back for a refill. To keep your business operating at maximum efficiency, avoid overfilling your tanks; get into a habit of checking both levels regularly and only filling up when necessary. The simplest way to prevent overfilling is making sure you always have an accurate fuel gauge; they’re cheap and easy to install.
Protect your Fuel from Thieves
Because farm equipment requires large amounts of fuel, it’s important that you take steps to protect your fuel from theft. The most popular method is a metal lock box attached directly to your tank. Thieves typically don’t have sophisticated tools capable of breaking through a metal lock box, and even if they do manage to steal your fuel, it’s difficult for them to offload it without being seen. That makes these boxes a low-cost solution for keeping your inventory safe from thieves.
Think About Maintenance Checks
If you’re using agricultural equipment to help run your farm, you might be able to save fuel costs by carrying out regular maintenance checks on your vehicles. For example, have a qualified mechanic inspect your engines and perform maintenance checks every few weeks (or more often if needed). Doing so will help to ensure that your engines last longer, reducing the need for expensive replacements down the line.