Farm Diesel vs Road Diesel: How They Compare

Farm diesel and road diesel have some key differences, despite being similar in many ways.

Farm diesel typically has a higher cetane rating than road diesel, with a rating of 40-50 compared to road diesel's 35-40.

This higher cetane rating means farm diesel burns more efficiently, producing less emissions and more power.

Farm diesel also tends to be more viscous than road diesel, with a higher viscosity index.

This higher viscosity helps farm diesel flow better in colder temperatures, making it a better choice for farmers who need to work in these conditions.

In terms of additives, farm diesel often contains more lubricity additives than road diesel.

These additives help reduce wear and tear on engine components, making them last longer and run more smoothly.

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Farm diesel is a type of diesel fuel designed for use in agricultural equipment and vehicles. It's specifically formulated to meet the needs of farmers and rural communities.

Farm diesel contains a higher cetane number than road diesel, typically around 40-50 cetane, which helps it burn more cleanly and efficiently in cold temperatures. This is especially important for farmers who often work in cold conditions.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets the standards for farm diesel, which must meet certain requirements for cetane number, sulfur content, and other characteristics.

Both on-road and off-road diesel fuels are chemically identical, which means any diesel engine can run on either type with comparable efficiency.

You can temporarily use on-road diesel if you're short on off-road diesel, but most farmers and industries prefer to stick with off-road diesel for cost-saving reasons.

Using off-road diesel in vehicles is generally discouraged due to regulatory constraints.

The presence of red dye in off-road diesel is a clear marker, and those found using it in prohibited scenarios may face penalties.

It's essential to remain compliant with regulations to avoid any legal complications.

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On-road diesel incurs higher taxes to fund road maintenance and infrastructure projects.

These taxes can reach up to 25 cents per gallon, making on-road diesel more expensive than off-road diesel.

The federal tax on diesel is the same across the US, but states can impose additional duties according to local laws.

Some states charge based on the volume of fuel purchased, while others focus on the amount spent.

Off-road diesel, on the other hand, is not taxed by the state and federal government, making it a cheaper fuel source.

The savings from using off-road diesel can be significant, especially for industries that rely heavily on diesel for equipment and vehicles.

The additional taxes on on-road diesel can add up quickly, especially for frequent long-distance travelers.

In contrast, off-road diesel enjoys a tax exemption due to its non-road related applications.

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Off-road diesel is mainly used by the construction and agriculture industries for heavy equipment such as cranes, loaders, and tractors. This fuel helps boost productivity and reduce dependence on labor, allowing farmers to increase revenue.

On the other hand, on-road diesel powers cars, SUVs, and small trucks that regularly traverse public highways. This fuel is highly accessible to motorists, with drivers able to quickly fill their tanks at fuel stations along the roads.

Off-road diesel is usually sold in bulk by fuel distributors like Tevis Energy, who deliver it to farms and businesses by truck. Many farms have a storage tank onsite for convenience, making it easier to manage their fuel supply.

Off-road diesel has limited use by law, primarily restricted to private property.

In the construction industry, it powers heavy equipment like cranes, loaders, and excavators.

Farmers rely on off-road diesel to fuel tractors, harvesters, and irrigation pumps, increasing productivity and revenue.

Some states allow vehicles to use off-road diesel exclusively on private property.

On the other hand, on-road diesel powers cars, SUVs, and small trucks that regularly traverse public highways.

Farm equipment, for instance, uses red-dyed diesel as fuel, a variant of off-road diesel.

This specialized fuel variant is also used in agriculture, propelling tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.

In construction, off-road diesel is the lifeblood of heavy-duty machinery, ranging from cranes to trenchers and forklifts.

Some jurisdictions permit vehicles to operate on off-road diesel, provided they are confined to private premises.

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On-road diesel is highly accessible to motorists, with fuel stations scattered along highways allowing drivers to refill their tanks effortlessly.

Convenience and availability make up for the higher cost of on-road diesel, making it a compelling option for many drivers.

Long-haul truckers with a valid tax certificate can load up on tax-exempt green diesel at designated pumps in certain states.

Off-road diesel, on the other hand, is predominantly procured in bulk quantities by specialized fuel distributors.

Farms and businesses requiring this fuel typically schedule deliveries, which are transported to their premises via trucks.

Many of these establishments maintain an on-site storage tank, streamlining the refueling process.

A handful of remote gas stations might stock off-road diesel, but they're far and few between.

Establishing a consistent relationship with a reliable fuel distributor ensures an uninterrupted supply of off-road diesel.

Off-road diesel is used in various industries, including construction and agriculture, to power heavy equipment like cranes, loaders, and tractors.

In the United States, both on-road and off-road diesel fuels are made from refined crude oil at petroleum plants and contain 15 parts-per-million or less of sulfur.

Farmers rely on off-road diesel to fuel their tractors, harvesters, and irrigation pumps, which help increase revenue by boosting productivity and reducing labor dependence.

On the other hand, on-road diesel typically powers cars, SUVs, and small trucks that regularly traverse public highways.

The United States produced 1.63 billion barrels, or 68.35 billion gallons, of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in 2021.

Biodiesels, made from sources like plant oils and animal fats, are being used to make diesel fuels more eco-friendly by reducing emissions and lowering engine wear.