Impressive Fuel Economy

[lmichael]

So, really very pleased with how efficiently this G2160 runs. I topped off the tank prior to winter and stuck the battery maintainer on it. Early in the spring I began putting the machine to work. Leaf cleanup, core aerating, mowing, also pulling the Fimco sprayer, slit aerating and mowed down neighbor's severely over grown lot, and yet with all this work only about 1/2 tank or so used. Had I been doing that kind of work with my old Simplicity Sovereign (V twin, 20hp Kohler) I would have gone through at least 8 gallons or more of gasoline. I am impressed

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yea diesels beat the snot of of gas for efficiency under work loads.

 

[ve9aa]

When I replaced my old Murray gasser mower with the 3cyl diesel TG I almost could not believe how much less fuel I burned. Probably about 1/2 or thereabouts.

 

[lmichael]

Yep, just got in again today from working it for about an hour or so, fuel is still above the light starting to blink. Not sure if "normal" but my light will begin to blink here and there with about 2 gals left and go steady with about 1 gal left. Book says it holds 6 IIRC

 

[BruceP]

Diesel engines are about 1/3 more efficient than gasoline.

My VW diesel would EASILY acheve 56MPG on road-trips. A 14 gallon tank of fuel would take me about 800 miles. My VW once went from Vermont to Colorado and back to Vermont on 6 tanks of diesel. (3 drivers, engine never cooled off)

• One reason is because gasoline engine is CONSTANTLY pulling a vacuum against the throttlebody....whilst Diesel has no throttlebody and is allowed to breathe as much air as it wants at all times. (no vacuum-load on diesel engine)
• Another reason is because Diesel-fuel contains MORE ENERGY per gallon than gasoline. (especially when ethanol is added to the gas which has even less energy than gasoline.)

To maximize a diesel fuel-economy, it is best to add some CETANE enhancer to the fuel. Be aware that
diesel additives ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING for the engine when compared to gasoline snake-oil claims.
Adding CETANE enhancer actually adds more energy to the fuel. (up to a point)

Diesel Fuel Additive - Power Service

We are America’s largest manufacturer of technologically advanced diesel fuel additives for diesel engines in essential industries.

powerservice.com

 

[lmichael]

Oh I already knew all those things. This is just the first diesel engined device I've ever owned. IDK it is actually cheaper to run it since diesel is so $$$$ around here, but it's amazing how little of it is actually used

 

[BruceP]

Oh I already knew all those things. This is just the first diesel engined device I've ever owned. IDK it is actually cheaper to run it since diesel is so $$$$ around here, but it's amazing how little of it is actually used

I hear you.... when I owned my VW diesel, the cost of diesel was FARRRR less than gasoline. I keep a spreadsheet of every vehicle I own (cars, motorcycles, scooter...etc) The VW diesel cost less per mile than my motorcycle.

At some point, the taxes on diesel went WAYYYY up (about the time they converted to UltraLowSulferDiesel) and the cost per gallon surpassed gasoline.

 

[lmichael]

IDK, I guess if I knew where I could by offroad diesel maybe I could save some $$$. Trouble is I can't find anywhere I can go for it to simply fill my cans

 

[GeoHorn]

Diesel engines are about 1/3 more efficient than gasoline.

My VW diesel would EASILY acheve 56MPG on road-trips. A 14 gallon tank of fuel would take me about 800 miles. My VW once went from Vermont to Colorado and back to Vermont on 6 tanks of diesel. (3 drivers, engine never cooled off)

• One reason is because gasoline engine is CONSTANTLY pulling a vacuum against the throttlebody....whilst Diesel has no throttlebody and is allowed to breathe as much air as it wants at all times. (no vacuum-load on diesel engine)
• Another reason is because Diesel-fuel contains MORE ENERGY per gallon than gasoline. (especially when ethanol is added to the gas which has even less energy than gasoline.)

To maximize a diesel fuel-economy, it is best to add some CETANE enhancer to the fuel. Be aware that
diesel additives ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING for the engine when compared to gasoline snake-oil claims.
Adding CETANE enhancer actually adds more energy to the fuel. (up to a point)

Diesel Fuel Additive - Power Service

We are America’s largest manufacturer of technologically advanced diesel fuel additives for diesel engines in essential industries.

powerservice.com

Horthit: https://www.truckpartsandservice.co...mprovers-the-not-so-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

and

Diesel Cetane Improvers: Busting Myths

Learn the truth about diesel cetane improvers and how they impact fuel performance and engine efficiency. Bust myths and misconceptions about cetane ratings and additives.

www.bellperformance.com

 

[BruceP]

Diesel Cetane Improvers: Busting Myths

Learn the truth about diesel cetane improvers and how they impact fuel performance and engine efficiency. Bust myths and misconceptions about cetane ratings and additives.

www.bellperformance.com

Thanks for the article which re-enforces my comments regarding cetane. This is the very reason I said "up to a point". There is a limit to the benefits to adding cetane-improver.

Certainly, the additional benefits of keeping the fuel-system clean and lubricated cannot be understated either. This is why I ALWAYS add a capful of PowerService when I fill the fuel tank.

 

[GrizBota]

I keep track of fuel usage on all my vehicles and equipment (except push mowers and chainsaw power heads and the like).

My L3830 uses right at 1.0 gallons per hour brush hogging with a 5’ rotary cutter. My B2601 uses just under 1 gallon per hour with a 54” MMM deck mowing at 2 inches. Those are typically the most fuel intensive activities I have for each tractor. I’m sure some folks have other experiences, that’s just my experience.

 

[GeoHorn]

I am also impressed with the frugality of diesel of my M-Kubota tractor… All day shredding thick grass and only a few gallons of diesel…. Pretty amazing.