How Growers Can Understand Their Machine’s Utilization Reports

When we think about changing the way we’ve always run our tractors, often, the next thought is, “Why should I?” This is a natural next thought for practical farmers, especially when they’ve already invested in people, fuel and other inputs. As pragmatic people, we want to make operational decisions based on gathered evidence. In recent months, every farmer knows from experience what the USDA reported, which is that farm production costs are on the rise. Now more than ever, many farmers are looking for resource saving strategies. One that might be overlooked is analyzing your tractor’s efficiency to see if you could squeeze out more performance. Through machine monitoring and a Farm Management System (FMS), I think there is a compelling case to consider making a change.

Farm managers are automating data collection for multiple tractors operating in different field conditions using Modular Telematics Gateways (MTG). An MTG connects the tractor to a web-based Farm Management Software (FMS) account. Many tractors, of different makes and models, can connect to an effective FMS like John Deere Operations Center™. General steps to get started on operations center with your connected tractor are the following: 

• Download the John Deere Operations Center mobile app or access it via the website.
• Create an account or log in if you already have one.
• Navigate to the ‘My Equipment’ section.
• Select ‘Add Equipment’.
• Enter the tractor’s serial number and confirm the model.
• Activate the JDLink connectivity service to connect the MTG to the internet. This may require a subscription.
• Sync your tractor with the Operations Center to monitor and manage your equipment data.

When managers set up their accounts and access the Operations Center, a map shows precisely where the connected tractor is running and further job details. The Operations Center monitors a tractor’s work, fuel levels, def levels, technology usage and other features. Then it continuously sends this data to a manager’s account using JDLink.

Over time, managers can set selected utilization reports to run daily, weekly or monthly, according to their operational goals. Managers select machines they’d like to see in different reports, offering an easier way to analyze work and make improvements based on the data. Consider the following utilization reports and the insights they provide.

1. Engine Hours 

The Engine Hours report tracks and records the time the engine is on whether it is working, in idle, or transport. Every Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommends certain inspections after an engine hour threshold. Managers can compare OEMs’ recommendations for service based on their tractor's model and age. Managers and operators who regularly review engine production hours can experience these benefits:

• Minimize potential downtime by scheduled recommended inspections.

• Be aware of warranty expiration limits and adjust the frequency of inspections or consider a replacement accordingly.

• Learn about the implementation of your warranty hours to insure optimized hour usage 

2. Utilization by Hours or Percentages 

Utilization reports divide each tractor’s hours into different types of usage. Managers and operators can quickly see how much time a tractor works in the field compared to its transport or idle hours. Review this report and consider these points: 

• If the percentage of transport hours is significant or beyond reasonable limits for your operation, consider calculating time, fuel and warranty hours spent for those transport hours. This will give you a cost of transport time you can then compare to the cost of alternatives to that transport activity

• If the percentage of idle hours exceeds your goal idle, look at other tractors in the fleet. Is it an outlier? What are the costs of your idle time when considering fuel usage and warranty hours spent? Consider analyzing reasons for that idle time, who operates it, is there an opportunity to reduce the hours?

Watch engine hours to ensure production hours are still under warranty and spent as much as possible in the field. 

3. Fuel Consumption 

The Fuel Consumption report tracks fuel usage for each tractor. OEMs or trusted equipment experts can share an average fuel consumption (gallons per hour), but an operation’s average may deviate from that average depending on their operating practices When a manager looks at this fuel usage report, they compare engine hours to total Fuel Consumption. They can learn about their equipment’s engine speed, engine load and make connections to their fuel consumption. Managers who partner with a trusted equipment expert can understand their fleets fuel consumption average and reasoning over time. Then, take the following steps: 

• Calculate the total fleet's fuel consumed during a season to inform next year’s budget.

• Explore features like utilizing full auto transmission, different engine speeds and/or ground speed to see relationships with fuel consumption.

4. Engine Speed 

Engine Speed reports the tractor’s RPMs . Engine speed is a simple variable to test and find the best settings to save on fuel or power usage for the current field conditions. After reviewing this report, take the following steps:

• Analyze the engine speed used during work, transport and idle to pinpoint the ideal engine speed for field conditions.

• Manage fuel and DEF usage to proactively schedule maintenance to extend the engine’s lifetime.

Operators running the tractor at an optimal engine speed help the entire farm manage fuel consumption.

5. Engine Load Factor 

The Engine Load Factor report provides insights into a tractor’s load distribution. Look at this report for each tractor and understand the tractor’s average Engine Load Factor while working, in idle or transport mode. Compare the tractor’s average load factor to the OEM's specs. Load factor information is a valuable tool these days because equipment is not what it used to be. I have heard many times when asking operators how they determine the correct engine speed the answer is “you can hear it in the tractors engine” or “you can feel it by the way it is working”. Although this may be completely true for a specific situation, chances are there could be opportunities to improve by making these decisions based on tractor data. Operators and managers can then take these steps:

• Analyze the tractor's Engine Load while it is working, idling in the field, or while it is driving to its next location.

• Farm managers monitor and help operators optimize performance by analyzing Engine Load patterns over time.

• Compare performance at different RPMs to determine the idle engine speed needed to complete a job efficiently

• Learn equipment capabilities and ensure you have the right equipment for the job. Reduce downtime from overloading equipment. Reduce wasting warranty hours on your larger tillage tractors if the load factor indicates a smaller machine can do the job efficiently.

These steps help the farm team understand the necessary amount of power, potentially increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.

6. Technology Usage 

Technology Usage reports help identify the correlations between the technologies used in equipment and the efficiency of their work. Managers can track each tractor's usage of precision ag technology and make sure they are getting the most value out of their investment. After reviewing this report, take the following steps:

• Evaluate if functions like field cruise usage reduce fuel consumption for that tractor and its field conditions.

• Identify which machines have higher/lesser technology usage and compare that to their fuel consumption. Are there any benefits you can spot in fuel consumption, service costs, or overall performance? 

• Discuss with the operator whether there are opportunities to adapt technologies you have available in your fleet for better optimized performance

Successful managers take note of every aspect of what is going on in their fleet. By learning about your fleet's utilization and having open conversations with operators, the manager can determine if they are fully benefiting tractors' capabilities. These conversations also unlock opportunities for managers to provide extra resources, like training with a trusted equipment partner or technician, so an operator gains the knowledge he needs. 

The way we handle equipment has changed significantly just in the past generation. Today’s intelligent machinery allows us to change how tractors run to maximize efficiency. A trusted equipment partner, like RDO Equipment Co., can help managers compare current reports with previous ones and plan for an even better future. Putting your data to work this way reveals new ways to save today and prepare for your company’s future.