The foot –valve shown in fig. A is fuel-efficient because it has a wider mouth and larger area of opening.The bigger valve helps save diesel because less fuel and less power is needed to draw water from the well due to reduced friction & resistance…

Farmers in Gujarat save 10% diesel.

PCRA demonstrated to the farmers in Gujarat that they can save about 10% diesel by simply using a foot-valve with larger area of opening than the one with narrow area of opening. An efficient, low friction ISI mark foot-valve, though slightly costlier, pays back fast the extra cost by saving a lot of diesel.

Which type of pipeline helps save diesel?

The rigid PVC pipeline, with bigger diameter shown in Fig. A helps in saving diesel.
More diesel is require to pump water through small diameter pipes because it offers higher friction. If the pipe is bigger than the pump flange size, a reducer (see Fig. A) must be used.
A20 mm decrease in diameter increases the friction 3 times. If, in place of 100mm (4”) pipe, an 80 mm (3”) pipe is used, the loss due to friction for drawing the same quantity of water will be three times more, which will cause higher fuel consumption.Also pipes made of rigid PVC cause lower frictional loss as compared to pipes made of conventional galvanized iron. Such pipes thus help save fuel.

Which type of pipeline arrangement helps save diesel?
The one shown in Fig. A helps save diesel.

The pipeline arrangement shown in Fig. B has many bends and unnecessary fittings, which causes higher consumption.Each bend in a 80mm (3”) dia. pipeline leads to as much friction loss as an additional pipe length of 3 meters.Therefore, fewer the number of bends and fittings in a pipe, more the saving of diesel.

Which type of bend should be used in the pipeline?
The type of bend shown in Fig. A should be used.
Sharp bends and L-joints in the pipe lead to 70% more frictional loss than standard bends.

Which type of installation is better?
The one shown in Fig. A is better.
The pump works most efficiently when it is not more than 10 feet above the water level.
If the well is deep, the pump should be installed on a platform at the right height.

Which length of pipe helps save diesel?

The pipe of short length shown in Fig. A helps save diesel.
The pipe shown in Fig. B is unnecessarily high and would require more fuel for pumping water.
Studies reveal that a farmer can save 15 liters of diesel every month simply by reducing the pipe height by 2 meters.

Which transmission is better?
The transmission shown in Fig. A is better.

The belt in the second picture is old and worn out. It can slip or snap anytime, causing loss in the transmission of power and hence increased fuel consumption.
Checkpoints for efficient transmission

• Reduce the number of joints in the belt.
• Check and adjust belt tension frequently.
• Check alignment of the pump with the engine.

How to select the right type of pumpset?

The various pump sets available in the market require different quantities of diesel for pumping water. Therefore it is important to choose an ISI mark pump. But that’s not all.
The pump you select should be suitable for your well and your water requirements. It is not necessary that the pump that is good for your neighbouring farm is good for you too. If you give the following information to an expert, he will be able to help you choose the right pump.
1) The depth of your well.
2) The area of your field.

You should also select the right engine, which makes the pump run at the right speed. For this, consult an expert. The engine you choose should have sufficient horsepower (H.P.) to operate the pump. The expert can calculate the amount of power needed for your engine. It is always better and beneficial to go in for a well-known and good quality engine. Look for the ISI mark of quality on the engine.

To ensure a high level of operational efficiency of your diesel-powered engine, ensure the following:

• Engine should not emit too much smoke.
• Use correct grade of lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
• Engine should be fitted with an oil filter.
• Engine should have an air filter, which should be cleaned regularly.
• Engine jacket cooling water should be warm.

1) Know your tractor
Refer tractor manual to know about the maintenance and operation of your tractor.
Research shows that a badly maintained tractor wastes upto 25% of precious diesel.
Remember:

• When in doubt, check with an authorized garage or your dealer.

• Fuel tank
• Fuel pump
• Fuel injector and
• Fuel lines.

• Keep your battery, dynamo and self-starter in top running condition. If they are faulty they can force you to idle.

• Smoke from a tractor indicates overloading.

5) Does your tractor smoke too?
A tractor that smokes excessively wastes precious diesel.

Oversized implements or using the wrong gear, cause tractor smoke.
If your tractor continues to emit smoke, have it overhauled at a reputed authorized garage. Test nozzles and recalibrate the fuel injection pump. Faulty fuel injection can increase fuel consumption by 25%.
Remember:

• Don’t use oversized implements.
• Service the engine regularly.

Good air filtration is important since tractors often operate in dusty conditions. Research has proved that unfiltered air wears out cylinder bores 45 times faster and piston rings 115 times faster than normal.Good fuel filtration is important. Dirty fuel will endanger the engine. Use quality fuel filters and replace them as recommended.
Remember:

• Do not replace both fuel filters simultaneously.
• Clean air filters regularly.

• Remove ballasts after field operations are over.

• Maintain correct tyre pressure. Different tyre pressures are recommended for road and field work. Check your manual or ask dealer.

9) Match hauling capacity with load

Choose implement size and tractor operating speed to match your engine’s full horsepower. Run in the highest gear possible at which your tractor doesn’t emit smoke. If your tractor on full throttle accelerates even in the top gear, your implement is too small. A bigger implement or a multiple arrangement of implements may help you get the maximum benefit out of the tractor power and avoid diesel waste.You may consume upto 30% more fuel if you use undersized implements or operate at low speeds.
Remember:

• Consult an expert when selecting implements.

Plough according to a planned layout reduces idle running, backtracking and awkward turns. You will save diesel if you plough long furrows instead of short ones.
Remember:

• Your first openings must be straight and parallel.
• Side lands and headlands should be ploughed around the field continuously without reploughing the field.