LP engines last longer?

Yes LP tractors are said to run longer between overhauls than a gas tractor. On the farm I grew up on in the 1960-75 we had several LP tractors. John Deere 720, Case 530 and John Deere 3020. They all could only run on just LP, not combo with gasoline. Dad said they always ran cheaper per hour with LP than gas. I don't know if that was so or not. They started easy. I think they had less hp than a gasoline version. One day I was cultivating corn in a field with the JD 720 with 6 row cultivator. It was very hot out. I remember it like yesterday. I was driving a long and bang! There was a big boom with whistle. I thought I had broke something on the tractor! But it was simply the pressure relief valve on the LP tank going off. First and only time I think it ever went off! And I spent many many hours on that tractor for several summers cultivating! The LP tractor exhuast also had its own smell.

My CII combine runs on propane.  I like it.  Always starts.  Oil stays clean.  Spark plugs don't foul and last longer.

Engines were standard gasoline converted to LP, no compression Increase but they did require welding the valve rotator assemblies or changing to a non rotating valve spring retainer as would flat eat valves as too dry.  LP has ~1/2 the BTU of gasoline so will use more but is already vaporized as hits intake where gas remains some liquid which causes the oil wash and carbon transition into oil of engines.  LP trucks used 1/3 More Gallonage of fuel compared to gasoline, the cost factor was never really there as to fuel  Currently .94/g lp PLUS $100 fuel Road Tax permit annually to buy here, use twice to a third more and right in there with gasoline $$ Wise.  Add in trying to get filled somewhere and then chase that tail.  Here had to set appointment with LP Distributor for refills or lease a 1000 gal tank, fill that at $900, have the tank modified with a Liquid Supply standpipe and valve to refill at home, STILL required Road tax permit.

Edited by DMiller - 08 Jan 2021 at 6:09am