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Fuel efficiency in transport applications
Following an extensive road test conducted by technical experts from the Schleswig Holstein Chamber of Agriculture in Germany on behalf of John Deere, the company’s newly designed DirectDrive transmission with double clutch technology has proved to be a highly fuel efficient and time saving alternative to existing continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Designed to complement the results of the standard PowerMix test, which focuses on field applications at speeds of less than 16kph, a road test was set up to assess the fuel and extra liquid consumption of three tractor makes covering four models from 237 to 261hp (maximum ratings), under varying load conditions. The 165km test track featured flat roads, junctions and hilly sections with slopes of up to 12 per cent. Before testing, each of the tractors was prepared in the same way, with identical tyre pressures and ballast. 28 28
The tractors were driven unladen and with an 18-tonne trailer filled with gravel, and four drivers from German contractors were hired to perform the tests. After each drive, the machines were refuelled with diesel and, except for the two diesel-only John Deere tractors, with AdBlue. Throughout the test, fuel temperatures and machine performance details were recorded, as well as tractor speeds and test track related data. In total, the operators drove more than 5000km to achieve reliable test results. Of the four machines, the John Deere 6210R equipped with DirectDrive recorded the lowest total liquid (diesel plus additive) consumption per kilometer in both categories, ie with and without the trailer. Total cost of the fuel used by the 6210R with its innovative transmission was five per cent less than the average cost of the combined fuel and liquid used by the four tractors.
Improving Efficiency While Tackling Climate Change: Borders Farmers Show Others How It’s Done By Moira Gallagher, Agricultural Consultant, SAC Consulting
The agricultural industry is helping Scotland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. SAC Consulting (a division of SRUC) is working with Robert and Jac Neill of Upper Nisbet Farm, near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders to promote practical measures that can be made on farm to reduce greenhouse gas losses while benefiting the farm business. The Neills are part of the Scottish Government-funded Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC) initiative run by SAC Consulting. One of the things the Neills looked at in their first year as a FFBC climate change focus farm was onfarm renewables. An energy audit carried out by SAC Consulting’s energy specialist Jim Campbell identified that there could be potential to meet the farm’s existing electricity demand of around 5000 kWh/year from wind or solar photovoltaic energy. Potential sites suitable for a turbine were identified with reasonable exposure in the prevailing wind direction and far enough away from farm buildings and cottages. Using the national database provided by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Carbon Trust database it did look like the sites chosen
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had potential with annual wind speeds of 5.5-6.7m/s at range of heights above ground. The key recommendation was however was to carry out on-site monitoring. In partnership with their landlord’s Lothian Estate, the Neills erected an anemometer late last year and have been recording wind speeds for the last nine months. The information has been invaluable as it has recorded much lower speeds than predicted making any wind project at Upper Nisbet unviable under present conditions. The new grain shed and drier, which was used for the first time this harvest, has presented the opportunity to closely monitor energy usage. With the new weigh bridge Robert has been able to record crop tonnage and moisture removal against kerosene and electricity usage for each batch dried. The data will be used to inform efficient drier operation and will provide real information to compare this system against a potential biomass fuelled drying system, which even if not installed at Upper Nisbet will give useful information to other farmers thinking about installing a renewable system for grain drying. More information about Upper Nisbet and the other focus farms can be found at www. farmingforabetterclimate.org