From construction to agriculture, these industries need heavy-duty vehicles to meet their goals. Commercial equipment, such as loading trucks, and farm machinery require diesel fuel to function. However, what makes this fuel type superior to ordinary gasoline? If you’re interested in learning more about how these substances differ, consider the following comparison.

Operation

Both diesel fuel and gasoline engines use their respective fuels to produce chemical reactions that result in kinetic energy—the moving of your heavy-duty vehicle. However, these reactions or explosions are slightly different. Gasoline is combined with air in a standard gasoline engine. From there, the pistons compress the mixture, and the spark plugs ignite it. In diesel fuel engines, air is compressed—and therefore heated—separately. Then, the fuel is injected, instantly igniting the mixture. Generally, the exhaust phase is the same between these two engines, with the piston moving to release gas from the explosion.

Efficiency 

Compared to gasoline, diesel fuel is known for providing superior fuel economy to tractor, bulldozer, and semi-truck drivers, due to its higher compression ratio. Essentially, these engines are more efficient because the mixture of fuel and air ignites faster, without the use of spark plugs. In a gasoline engine, combustion, before the spark plugs take over, could destroy the vehicle under the hood.

Diesel fuel engines are also more efficient because they don’t contain throttle bodies. This component is used in a gasoline engine to allow extra air to enter the fuel mixture. In a diesel engine, the accelerator pedal does this job on its own, constantly determining the amount of fuel the engine needs to combust and adjusting the injection appropriately.

If you’re interested in on-site diesel fuel replacement for increased efficiency, turn to State Fuel Company in Rochester, NY, for a reliable supply. They’ve been providing this trusted fuel type to business owners in the construction, agriculture, and hauling industries since 1939. This family-owned and -operated company also offers heating oil and kerosene, to power life’s essentials. For more information on their offerings, visit the website or call (585) 247-2380.