Silage season is in full swing across the Midlands — and for agri contractors, that means long days, heavy workloads, and plenty of fuel consumption. With diesel prices still a concern, staying fuel efficient isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential for keeping costs down and margins healthy.
At Lambe Oil, we work closely with agri customers across Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and parts of Kildare, delivering quality agri diesel when and where it’s needed. But alongside timely delivery, we’re often asked for advice on reducing fuel usage during peak season. Whether you’re running a fleet or managing a few machines on hire, here are our top tips for making the most out of every drop.
1. Start the Season with a Full Service
Before the first cut is made, it’s worth ensuring all your machinery is in top condition. Fuel efficiency starts with engine performance — and poorly maintained equipment can burn far more diesel than necessary.
- Replace fuel filters
- Check tyre pressure — underinflated tyres increase drag
- Change oil and air filters
- Sharpen blades on mowers and harvesters
Preventative maintenance may take time up front, but it pays off over long working days.
2. Plan Field Work and Routes Efficiently
In the rush of silage season, it’s easy to overlook logistics — but smarter scheduling reduces idle time, machine hours, and diesel use.
- Group nearby jobs to avoid unnecessary travel
- Use GPS or field-mapping tools to reduce overlap in the field
- Avoid wet or soft ground that causes slippage and increased fuel burn
Efficiency isn’t about rushing — it’s about working smarter to get more done with less fuel.
3. Watch for Fuel Contamination
One often-overlooked cause of poor efficiency is fuel contamination — especially in older or exposed tanks. Water, dirt, or bacterial growth can impact engine performance and fuel burn.
To avoid issues:
- Store fuel in clean, sealed tanks
- Check tanks regularly for signs of water or sludge
- Avoid running tanks completely dry
- Consider additives if storing fuel for long periods
Lambe Oil delivers clean, high-quality diesel — but what happens after delivery matters too.
4. Get Fuel Storage Right
Good fuel storage isn’t just about convenience — it plays a role in protecting your fuel and equipment.
- Use bunded tanks to prevent leaks and meet regulations
- Install filters at dispensing points
- Keep tanks shaded and secure
- Record usage per machine to spot inefficiencies early
If you’re considering upgrading your setup, we’re happy to advise on suitable tank sizes and placements.
5. Bulk Ordering vs Top-Ups: What’s Best for You?
Bulk buying typically offers better per-litre pricing and ensures you’re stocked when you need it most. But not everyone has the storage — or the upfront budget.
Top-ups can be useful if cashflow is tight or work is spread out. If you’d like to plan ahead without the upfront cost, our Easy Payment Plan lets you spread payments interest-free across the year.
6. Partner with a Reliable Fuel Supplier
When the season is in full swing, having a dependable supplier can make all the difference. Delays and miscommunications cost time — and time costs money.
Lambe Oil offers:
- Fast, reliable agri diesel delivery
- Flexible delivery slots
- Transparent pricing
- A local team who answers the phone and knows your area
We understand how time-sensitive silage work can be, and we’re here to keep your operation running smoothly.
Fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money — it’s about running a smarter, more resilient business. A few small changes in how you plan, maintain and fuel your machines can make a big difference over the course of the season.
Need a fill-up? Have a question about your fuel setup? Give Lambe Oil a call — we’re here to help.