Increases in diesel fuel prices and the need to conserve soil moisture have some farmers thinking about limiting spring tillage operations .
Fuel savings are in addition to wear and tear on machinery and the time devoted to labor.
Tractor engines and transmissions should be well maintained. Inflation pressure in rear and front tires should be correct for the axle loading. Although well-maintained diesel engines are efficient, tractor horsepower should be matched to the required load or task, if possible. If a large tractor must be used for a smaller drawbar load, shift the transmission up to a higher gear and reduce engine speed by throttling back. To make the most energy-efficient use of the tractor for heavy drawbar loads, the tractor should be properly ballasted.