Estimate tractor fuel consumption per hour and daily costs based on PTO power, load factor, fuel type, and price.
Enter PTO horsepower, load factor, fuel type, hours, and price to estimate fuel use and cost.
Diesel (gal/hr) = PTO HP × Load Factor% × 0.044
Gasoline = Diesel × 1.35
0.044 = ASAE standard gal/HP-hr for diesel at full load.
120 HP PTO at 60% load, diesel: 120×0.60×0.044 = 3.17 gal/hr. 8-hr day = 25.3 gal. At $3.50/gal = $11.10/hr or $88.80/day.
1. PTO HP (spec sheet). 2. Load factor (heavy tillage 70-85%, planting 50-70%, light 30-50%). 3. Fuel type. 4. Hours and price. Calculate.
Fuel is typically the largest variable operating cost for tractors. Accurate estimation helps budgeting and cost per acre.
Using engine HP not PTO (PTO is 80-90% of engine). Assuming full load always (most average 50-70%). Ignoring biodiesel energy content.
✓ Expert Reviewed: This calculator and its content have been reviewed by agricultural experts. Formulas are based on standard extension service recommendations.