Efficiency: The key factor in farm profitability
In the current economic climate, agricultural diesel represents one of the highest variable costs for any farm. Achieving high efficiency in agricultural machinery is not only a matter of respecting the environment, but also a strategy for business survival and growth. Every litre of fuel saved translates directly into an increase in net profit margin per hectare.
The impact of fuel on agricultural costs
Fuel consumption does not depend solely on the tractor engine. Factors such as soil resistance, implement design and working speed play a decisive role. It is estimated that poor choice of implement or poor maintenance can increase diesel consumption by up to 30%, seriously penalising the profitability of the season. When machinery is not optimised, the tractor has to work harder to overcome resistance, generating heat and friction instead of effective forward movement.
How to choose more efficient machinery
To maximise agricultural machinery efficiency, the choice of implement should be based on three fundamental pillars that directly affect consumption:
Structural and traction design: Implements should offer as little resistance to forward movement as possible. A poorly designed angle of attack on a subsoiler, for example, forces the tractor to slip more than it should.
Power-to-weight ratio: An implement that is too heavy for the task at hand forces the tractor to work at higher revs. The key is robustness without unnecessary weight.
Versatility and combined equipment: The most efficient approach is to perform several tasks in a single pass. By using equipment that simultaneously decompacts and refines the soil, we drastically reduce engine hours per hectare and the number of manoeuvres at the headlands.
Practical tips for farmers
Even with the best machinery, smart management makes a difference to the fuel bill:
Precise depth adjustment: It is vital to work only to the necessary centimetres. Unjustified deepening can increase consumption exponentially due to increased soil resistance.
Ballast and tyre pressure management: Ensuring that the tractor has optimum grip prevents slippage, which is one of the biggest sources of energy waste in the field.
Maintenance of cutting elements: Worn blades or tips lose their original profile, which increases friction and the force required to penetrate the ground.
Cost savings with JYMPA equipment: The Non-Stop Hydraulic System
At JYMPA, we have spent decades perfecting equipment that optimises traction effort. A clear example is our range of subsoilers with a hydropneumatic system. Unlike rigid systems, this mechanism allows the arm to smoothly avoid obstacles without having to stop the tractor or suddenly reduce speed.
The arm design on JYMPA equipment features a curved profile designed to reduce pulling effort by approximately 15% compared to standard models. This allows the tractor to work in higher gears and at lower revs, achieving superior agricultural machinery efficiency. By reducing the traction effort, the engine works more stably in its maximum torque zone, which translates into direct savings in litres per hour.
Impact on productivity and profitability
Investing in efficient machinery has a very fast return on investment (ROI). By reducing the number of passes and hourly consumption, farmers not only save money on fuel, but also:
Reduce mechanical wear: Less traction effort means a longer service life for the tractor’s tyres, transmission and engine.
Optimise time: By being able to work at a constant and efficient speed, more hectares are covered in less time, which is crucial in short weather windows.
Improve soil health: Fewer passes mean less compaction from tyre traffic, which promotes crop growth.
Conclusion
Agricultural machinery efficiency is the sum of advanced technology and conscious use of equipment. At JYMPA, we work every day to make our machines your best allies in reducing operating costs and increasing productivity.
Do you want to optimise your fleet’s consumption? Explore our soil preparation solutions at JYMPA and discover how intelligent engineering can transform the profitability of your farm.