Being able to change certain engine characteristics for specific applications could achieve greater fuel efficiency from existing machinery. Farmers Guardian reports.
Changing where a tractor’s peak power is available is becoming a popular option for farmers looking to trim fuel costs when running certain implements that do not require pto power.
It is a common reason for users looking at engine remapping to better match tractor power to certain applications or implements. Change to the engine control is not focused on increasing top end power, but changing the power and torque delivery in the mid-range to offer peak power at a lower rpm.
Gareth Jones from Avon Tuning says for jobs that do not require a pto, such as haulage work, fuel savings can be achieved by adjusting how the engine performs.
“If a tractor achieves peak power at 2,000rpm, it must always be revving near its limit to achieve it. By changing certain parameters in the ECU, the peak power can be delivered at 1,600rpm, meaning the tractor does not have to work as hard,” says Mr Jones.
Modifying
Modifying these characteristics allow operators to run in a higher gear at lower rpm to benefit from the additional lower-down peak power. This is noticed when ploughing or cultivating, especially if the implement has made the tractor work consistently at its limit before a remap.
“Fuel savings of between 5 per cent and 10 per cent are achievable in some situations,” says Mr Jones.
In the Field
Chris Rodgers had a remap installed on his 2010 Claas Axion 810, taking power from 203hp up to 241hp and a torque increase from 1,603Nm to 1,908Nm, measured at the pto, and while the extra power was noticeable, it was the power delivery at the mid-range point that has helped reduce fuel consumption.
After Mr Rodgers bought the tractor, he found he was running at a higher rpm to get the most from the engine when hauling grain, grass and straw, which makes up the majority of his work.
“I am using around 3litres/hour less fuel than before the remap for hauling trailers. Before the remap, some of the hills that I had to drop down four or five gears in the past to get up, I now only need to drop two and would not be taking the revs up to the usual level,” says Mr Rodgers.
It has allowed Mr Rodgers to tailor his current machinery to better suit his workload. However, he is an advocate of testing tractor output on a dyno before a remap is added.
“I think it is essential to know your tractor’s output before any work is done, as the repercussions of remapping a poorly engine could be costly,” adds Mr Rodgers.
Insurers view – NFU Mutual
NFU Mutual advises that farmers who modify or adjust machinery to increase performance, should communicate any changes to their insurer, or risk the insurance being invalid.
She says “For farmers looking to increase horsepower and improve fuel consumption, it is important there is not a risk of exceeding the limits of the machine. Under the general conditions of your insurance policy, you may be required to tell your insurers if any vehicle on your policy is modified in any way. In terms of how it would affect insurance, that would depend on the circumstances and your insurer would want to understand the reason for the change.”
