Worried about fuel? Suffering from problems with fuel selection? Which is better, Tractor fuel or Reefer fuel? There is a lot of hesitation in choosing the fuel between them. No worries, after reading this comparison article between Tractor fuel and reefer fuel you will know for yourself which one will be the best choice for you. Though there are fewer differences between them, they are crucial considerations. However, the basic difference is their application and road conditions.
Tractor fuel commonly refers to a low-grade fuel that is made between gasoline and number 2 diesel. In contrast, Reefer fuel, however, is used to keep freight cold and used on refrigeration trucks. Moreover, reefer fuel is the best option for off-road purposes and equipment. Reverse, the other one is the perfect option to balance the vehicle height.
Undoubtedly, fuel or fuel economy is the most important thing to get the utmost performance. Therefore, the elections can’t be rigged in any way. Microfiche, let’s find out the similarities and dissimilarities between them with a comparison table and features.
Tractor Fuel Vs Reefer Fuel With a Table
| Basis of distinctions | Tractor fuel | Reefer fuel |
| Basic | It is a respectable number 2 diesel and it’s a less-grade fuel. It is in between gasoline and diesel. | This type of fuel refers to a satellite pump for a refrigerated trailer that reefer. |
| Road conditions | It is not suitable and legitimate in off-road conditions but best for on-road and highways. | Best and reliable fuel for off-road conditions. |
| Fuel tank capacity | A semi-truck tank usually holds 120 to 150 gallons of fuel. | The car has a reefer fuel tank that usually holds 50 to 100 gallons of fuel. |
| Fuel types | Diesel, gasoline, Kerosine, liquefied propane, and legally taxable fuel. | Diesel and Non-tax fuel. |
| Color | Clear, red-dyed, green, and blue-dyed diesel. | It is red in color or red dye fuel. |
| Used for | Normally used in farm tractors, heavy-duty construction equipment, and generators. | Basically, it is used in agricultural, off-road, and construction equipment. |
| Refueling efficiency | The manufacturer recommends changing the tractor oil after every 50 hours. | Refrigerated reefer fuel effortlessly provides 4 to 5-days of smooth driving without refueling. |
| Life expectancy | The average lifespan of tractor fuel ranges from 6 to 12 months with proper maintenance. | Refrigerated reefer fuel effortlessly provides 4 to 5 days of smooth driving without refueling. |
| Reliability | Tractor fuel is slightly more reliable than its counterpart. | It is less reliable than its counterpart. |
| Consumption of fuel per hour | The reefer fuel tank will last up to 40,000 hours when it is new. When it gets older, it provides more than 20,000 hours. | Advanced reefer vehicles use less fuel per hour which is between 0.4 to 1.1 gallons. |
| Expenses | It costs slightly more than its counterpart. Anyway, the average rate of this fuel is $2.97. | A 310-hp tractor consumes almost 13.6 gallons of oil per hour. |
Tractor Fuel Vs Reefer Fuel Difference: Major Differences
Diesel fuel or tractor fuel is a tremendous option because of affordable pricing, greater efficiency, and clarity. However, the other one is a great option for off-road conditions. Want to know a little more about the differences between them? They differ in some areas like compatibility, road conditions, fuel types, fuel economy, life expectancy, fuel tank capacity, expenses, and many other areas. Here is the whole discussion.
Basics
Tractor fuel usually comes in green or clear color and ultra-low sulfur diesel. Plus, it is a standard number 2 diesel. Some users notice that this fuel is a combination of gasoline and diesel. Mostly, this fuel is produced from the traditional distillation of crude oil.
On the other hand, reefer fuel is tax-free and red-dyed fuel with super-efficient fuel economy. Usually, this has a closed-loop system that doesn’t have any attachment to the truck.
Color of Fuel
Color is not a mandatory and crucial consideration before buying the desired fuel. So color never hampers while buying. Anyway, tractor fuel comes in different colors like clear, green, blue-dyed, and some red-dyed.
In contrast, reefer fuel comes in red or red-dyed color which is not taxable. Reefer diesel is commonly used in reefer trucks.
Compatibility or Application
It makes them distinct a lot. They come for different vehicles and duties. Tractor fuel can be used in heavy-duty trucks, heavy-duty construction equipment, and generators. Most of the users insert Kerosine and LP as tractor fuel. By doing this, they get the utmost performance and save fuel on high-temperature road conditions.
Counters and reefer fuel are used in all agricultural, off-road, and refrigerated trucks. Reefer trucks that carry especially perishable and temperature-sensitive goods at a long distance. That’s why most of the company uses reefer fuel.
Performance in Cold Conditions
Reefer fuel is the better option when talking about the performance in frozen conditions. The average reefer fuel works great within a range of -13 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of them are efficient enough to work under -85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Contrariwise, number 2-diesel fuel is not capable of doing great work in lower temperatures. They provide better service in temperatures ranging from 14 to 15 degrees.
Road Conditions
Tractor fuel pays better in on-road conditions while reefer fuel pays well off-road. The reason behind this is the taxable issue. Number 2-diesel is a taxable fuel. This is why it is best for both on-road and highway.
Alternatively, there is no fuel tax on the preferred fuel. Plus, they haven’t any part of IFTA filing. So you may understand the difference easily here.
Fuel Consumption and Economy
It matters a lot when looking for the best fuel combination. Fuel consumption depends on how you maintain your vehicles and their internal parts. With low-grade maintenance of the reefer unit, it can’t be possible to decrease fuel consumption. The less you focus on maintenance, the more you increase the chance of fuel consumption. So if you want to increase fuel efficiency on the reefer units, you need proper maintenance.
But there is no hassle on the tractor unit. Tractor fuel is economical and has sufficient efficiency in holding the oil. The fuel economy does not depend on the maintenance of this.
Life Expectancy
While talking about life expectancy, the reefer fuel wins the race. However, after inserting fuel into the reefer fuel tank, it will last 4 to 5 days. On the contrary, refueling the oil in the tractor fuel tank will provide a maximum of 2 to 3 days of great performance.
Fuel Tank Capacity
If the fuel tank is large, it can hold more oil at a time. Tractor fuel tanks contain 120 to 250 gallons of oil respectively. But a semi-tractor fuel tank can hold up to 64 to 80 liters effortlessly. On the other hand, there are only 50 gallons of fuel capacity tank in the reefer unit. So, think gently and make your decision intelligently.
Expenses
Here you fall in love with the tractor fuel. Tractor fuel offers the best without costing lots of money. It is an affordable and cost-effective fuel. You can get the tractor fuel between the price ranging from $2.25 and $2.50. On the other hand, reefer fuel costs are slightly higher than its counterpart. The average price of this fuel is $2.97 per gallon.
Tractor Fuel Vs Reefer Fuel: Similarities
Truly, they have fewer similarities. Anyway, they have some areas where they are similar. These similarities produce confidence before buying. They are similar in terms of fuel types, fuel efficiency, and fuel consumption.
Fuel Types
The maximum number of tractor fuel and reefer fuel is the same in the category. Many of them are diesel even though tractor fuel is a combination of diesel and gasoline. By the way, both oils exist in the diesel.
Fuel Efficiency
There is also a similar configuration in terms of efficiency. Both deliver the utmost performance on different types of vehicles. One is best for heavy-duty construction equipment while the other is the refrigerated car.
Consumption of Fuel
They have less consumption of fuel with proper maintenance. If you maintain the external and internal parts carefully, the level of oil consumption will be reduced.
So look before you leap until it gets too late.
Tractor Fuel Is Best for Heavy-duty Tasks
Tractor fuel is best for driving on the highway and on-road conditions. With fuel-efficient features and tremendous value of prices, it continuously delivers the ultimate performance. It is a lower grade and number 2 diesel. Anyway, it is a taxable and green-colored fuel with variable types. You can use, however, diesel, kerosene, gasoline, Liquefied propane, and distilled crude oil as tractor fuel. This is very affordable in price, many of the customers tell them cheap as well. Nowadays, most people choose this type of fuel for their heavy-duty construction equipment. As a result, many countries are choosing tractor fuel for its cost-effective features.
Reefer fuel Is Best for Money
Do you have any refrigerated trucks or agricultural equipment? So why are you delaying? Choose the reefer fuel for your big refrigerated vehicle and enjoy a blissful journey till the end. However, it is a non-tax, off-road, and heating-sensitive fuel. This is why it offers an impeccable experience even in the coldest conditions. Since it is a tax-free fuel system, you can only go off-road. By doing this, you can save plenty of money. Ultra-cooling efficiency keeps the engine stable and saves fuel in the worst situations. Reefer fuel is safer for your truck and the only reason why it is dyed red. Moreover, it is considered a special form of diesel.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tractor Fuel
Advantages
- Super additives reduce friction between the piston and cylinder.
- A larger-sized fuel tank introduces another level of fluidity.
- Cost-effective and reliable.
- Allows driving on both on-road and highway.
- Clear in color.
Disadvantages
- Can’t be driven in off-road conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reefer Fuel
Advantages
- Perfect for off-road conditions.
- Can perform under lower temperatures.
- Enough fuel efficiency.
- Safer and reliable.
- It is tax-free and does not include IFTA filing.
Disadvantages
- Slightly higher in price.
Conclusion
With lots of discussions, you might understand the crucial differences and similarities between tractor fuel and reefer fuel. Both fuels are highly demanding nowadays. So don’t hesitate when choosing one of them. Tractor fuel is great enough for heavy-duty construction trucks and off-road conditions. Also, tractor fuel is a taxable fuel. Besides, reefer fuel is fully non-taxable and you don’t need to pay any tax. So it is an off-road fuel. Depending on this article, it is now easier to choose between them. Hopefully, all of you find this article informative and helpful. Wish you a better ride and a better feeling all the road.
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