Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

why a diesel

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
wondering

07-20-2003 17:26:16




Report to Moderator

I,m wondering why a diesel in smaller tractors? I no they might run alittle longer than gas but the cost of repairs is more the fuel cost about the same maybe more. The cost of all the filters, injector cleaning, fuel pump, all this seems like it would be more than a gas tractor. I can understand a larger tractor but say something like a small compac tractor or even up to say 45 hp tractor what is the advanage? Twenty years ago the fuel pump on a 4020 was 1500$ to repair maybe more. What makes them so popular? In winter time you have to have no. 1 fuel or they jell on you seems like a pain. Thanks for your imput good or bad. By the way i,m neither buying or selling just run out of something to do nothing on tv and to hot to go outside!

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Cliff Neubauer

07-21-2003 17:56:24




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
We have both gas and diesel as well as an LP gas. If a diesel engine has fuel and cranks over it will start, gas engines have about a thousand variables that can cause them not to run. We change fuel filters on all of our tractors once a year as well as the coolant filters on the diesels. A good engine heater will solve the cold weather starting problems you might have with older diesels but when it is 10* or colder out I think any engine should be plugged in to avoid damage. Maintance might cost a little more on diesels but there is less of it so I would call that a wash. We have put almost 50,000 hours on the diesel tractor we have now and have only had to work on 2 injector pumps, one of which was due to not being set right from the factory. Our gas tractors still have their place but it is doing light work and only a few hundred hours a year.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Stan

07-21-2003 17:46:12




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
Torque is more a product of valve timing, than of stroke or fuel used.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Half right

07-22-2003 21:18:54




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to Stan, 07-21-2003 17:46:12  
Torque is a direct product of stroke and force (cylinder pressure) 1 lb push x 1 foot stroke = 1 lb-ft. However, torque is influenced by valve timing, through cylinder pressure, which is largely influenced by valve timing. This said, an engine with a 5 inch stroke will have twice the torque of an engine with a 2.5 inch stroke, given that they had the same cylinder pressure. That's the theory anyway. Generally, diesels are far more ecnomical to fuel, are more reliable with less maitenance, and will last a lot longer. If you work them at all, there is really no comparison. Gas engines always seem to have some stupid electrical problem or fuel problem. That's how I see it anyway.

Rod F.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ray

07-21-2003 08:34:33




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
I don't remember the quote now, but I agreed with it, as follows: If you use a tractor less than (??) hours per year, it is cheaper to have gas, setting aside the other advantages of diesel. (It seems like the hours were in the range of 1-200??) So, it all depends. If you are really working it, diesel is the way to go. I have a IH T-340 that I'm glad is gas, even though I wish I had the torque of diesel. If it was used hard, it would have been junked years ago after the trans/engine/undercarrige got too worn to be profitably repaired. As it is, even after sitting all winter, a battery charge and some fresh gas and it's ready to work. Yah, the cost per hour is higher, but maintenance is minimal, at least for me. I'm sure it depends on the tractor too, some (gas or diesel) require a lot more adjusting and maintenance than others. Just my $0.02.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
John Fugit

07-21-2003 03:15:17




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
Reality.... There are a million reasons why a diesel is better than a gas engine. There are a few that make a gas better. The final reason for choosing a gas burner is reality, with a dose of practicality. Some people use a tractor more than others. Some use them very little. Those folks don't need a home fueling complex. A good gas can will do. I have both. One tractor does nothing but take care of a 1/4 acre garden, and haul firewood. The old continental 4 cylinder starts with no effort, any time, any weather. I have a 60hp, a 95hp, and a 140hp tractor. They are diesel. They work hard. There are good reasons for both. And if using them a good deal is in the plan, a diesel might be the best way. But the gas tractors that are still around are very much in demand, for a good reason.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
KURT (mi)

07-21-2003 02:43:48




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
A diesel will give you better fuel economy in the long run a gallon of gas has 125,000 BTUs and a gallon of diesel has 135,000 BTUs. also a Diesel will give better torque. Too bad the car companies dont offer diesels in their cars. And a diesel will last much longer vs. a gas engine.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
RAB

07-22-2003 00:09:14




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to KURT (mi), 07-21-2003 02:43:48  
Re car companies - EVERY volume producer in Europe has a complete or near complete range of diesels in their lines. But there again, we have to pay much more tax on our fuel this side of the pond and it helps if it can take you that bit further on a litre.
Regards, RAB



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
bill

07-22-2003 11:17:29




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to RAB, 07-22-2003 00:09:14  
The auto writer for the Boston Globe has said (maybe more than once) that European diesel is cleaner than U.S fuel, and if the U.S. used the same fuel, diesel cars would be much more popular here.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ernie Bob

07-20-2003 22:52:51




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
EPA! They required tractors to meet emissions and it was to expensive to put the emissions equipment on a gas tractor for it to meet the emissions standards. They didn't have to do nearly as much on diesels for them to meet the emissions standards, therefor they don't offer gas engines in tractors anymore.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jeff From WI.

07-20-2003 21:45:17




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
Power!!! Power!!!& Power!!! You Can't Beat A Diesel On Power!!! Lugging And Torque... That's Why You Go With A Diesel.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
kyhayman

07-20-2003 20:29:10




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
Lots of folks may get mad at me but as I have said before, wouldn't take a gas tractor again if it was free. Diesels, fewer repairs they may cost more but in 20 years I have only had to rebuild 2 pumps, one was going when I bought the tractor and 1 was my fault (rusted fuel filter on a bulk tank). I use bulk delivered farm diesel, supplier blends a little #1 during the winter and I add some Power Service but I put STP in the wifes car. Cost, last tank (last week) for red dyed diesel .899/ gallon. Gas was $1.45. Economy, dieseld use about a 1/3 less fuel per hour, haven't used over 55 gallons of gas or diesel in a day since I got rid of my gas JD4030, it wanted 80 gallons a day in a long day. Safety, less chance for fire both from an escaping ignition spark and the vapor hazard with gas. Lastly, diesels may be a little more $$ to repair but seems like I'd have to always be cleaning plugs, drying out the distributor, or something on the gas ones.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Robert in W. Mi

07-21-2003 15:41:39




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to kyhayman, 07-20-2003 20:29:10  
Ky..., you hit the nail on the head!! And i'm with you!! I have several of each (gas and diesel), and there's NO question the diesels are better. My diesels start easier, have much better low end torque, and cost less to own!! Have you priced a carburator lately????? ????? ??

I had a Deutz that i sold with over 7000 hours on it. All i did to the engine was change the oil and fuel filters, and ajust the valves a few times!! I never had the pump off it, or cleaned an injector!! How much money did i save on NOT needing spark plugs and other electrical parts????? ?????

My friend always said gas was better. He never had a newer diesel. I kept telling him, try one and you will "never" have gas again. He finally bought a diesel tractor, and not long after that he sold the gas one, and wouldn't have another one!!!

Robert

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
buickanddeere

07-20-2003 20:19:05




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
Emissions regs for off road engines too. Easier to meet and keep in spec with a diesel. The perception of saving huge amounts of fuel money, sells well to.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
grouch

07-20-2003 18:43:28




Report to Moderator
 Re: why a diesel in reply to wondering, 07-20-2003 17:26:16  
Usually more torque, better fuel economy and less maintenance if used regular and properly.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Stan

07-20-2003 19:06:55




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to grouch, 07-20-2003 18:43:28  
They run cooler, the fuel helps lubricate the engine on startups. The pump on my Mitsu gave out and it cost $360 to rebuild, which I didn't think was excessive, considerin' what Volkswagon used to charge for their type 4 gasoline pumps.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
jls

07-20-2003 20:16:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to Stan, 07-20-2003 19:06:55  
while back Cummins got $1800 from me, I like to tow with it but my farm tractors are all GAS!. they sit for months on end, I can work on them, and they cost a lot less because used deisels bring more money. By the way, gas tractors are usually rated as higher in hp and at 4mph there really isn't a lot of difference



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
MPK

07-20-2003 20:47:39




Report to Moderator
 Re: Re: Re: Re: why a diesel in reply to jls, 07-20-2003 20:16:01  
You never have problems with moisture condensation on diesels. On gas the ignition can get wet in humid conditions, then they don't start.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy