Diesel Tuner's Blog

Is your top speed causing a choke point on your operation?

The top speed of your tractor is extremely important.  Whether it be spring, summer or harvest, the top speed of the slowest tractor being used can impact how efficient your farm is.  Also, when using multiple pieces of machinery, keeping up with the other guys can be crucial to the operation.  Simply said, in the field or on the road, your top MPH matters.

Tractors can have their speed limited by either an electronically controlled speed limiter or simply by having a lack of power.   It is fairly straight forward when determining which factor is holding you back.  If you see the RPM gauge bouncing at a specific RPM while in your highest gear, you have a speed limiter.  On the other hand, if you can shift up but do not have the power to run without lugging then it is a lack of power.  With either of these problems, there may be a less expensive solution other than buying a brand new tractor.  

Other articles about Tractors and Combines:

• Shift Up, Throttle Back Review
• Why tune your Combine BEFORE Harvest
• Can your tractor ever really have enough power?

Many truck owners that have a Cummins powered Ram equipped with an Aisin transmission have inquired about transmission tuning and performance upgrades.  Although at this time Aisin transmission tuning is not available, we have had excellent results with the increased drive-ability of the trucks. 

Recently we worked with Jim McNicoll to tune his 2016 Ram equipped with a Aisin transmission with our Custom MM3 Tuning.  Below you will find his review of the tuning and the process. 

Other Articles about MM3 Tuning:

• Questions About MM3 Tuning
• Stage 2 Beta Testing MM3
• 04 Cummins tuned with MM3

LML Emissions Equipped Tuning:

The 2011 through 2016 Duramax (or LML) is one of the best trucks GM has ever made.  However, the opportunity to make it even better is just instinctual for American diesel truck owners.

The most impactful improvement an LML owner can choose is aftermarket tuning.  As we talk with owners considering LML Tuning there are several questions that just about every truck owner will ask.  This article will provide the most common questions we are asked at DuramaxTuner.com along with corresponding medium-winded answers.  

Other Article About LML Performance

• How Regen Works in an LML Duramax
• How to keep your LML Reliable
• Stealth 64 LML VVT Turbo

Tractor Tuning Can Add Value to the Farm!

Many farmers have discussed or utilized tractor tuning at some point.  With the electronically controlled engines equipped in today's agricultural equipment, electronic tuning can offer a quick solution to operational bottlenecks caused by underpowered equipment.  We're here to give you straight answers on tractor tuning, specifically as we supply it at Calibrated Power Solutions Inc.

At Calibrated Power we have experience in this exact field.  We routinely help farmers with questions about tractor tuning and routinely solicit feedback from our customers to help improve the experience for future users.  Our experience in custom diesel tuning, dyno operation and in-the-field testing have provided us with a unique view on the subject.  We've learned that there are a few questions that just about every farmer has when talking about adding power to his tractor through custom engine tuning. 

Spring Tillage and Deep Ripping 

For the farmers that have to do tillage work, especially when the ground is hard, an under powered tractor is the last problem anyone wants.  Although annual tillage can help mix nutrients in the soil, combat compacted soil, conserve soil moisture, and help in other ways, it can also cost a lot of time and fuel to complete the job.  

Bogging down, running slow, struggling to climb hills, and other complaints are often made during tillage work.  Which is why it is important to understand how much power you need to complete the task.  Of course there are many factors when figuring out a horse power formula for sizing a ripper or chisel plow.  Variables such as, target ground speed, desired depth, the type of shank and especially shank spacing will make a difference.  

How to use the Smarty MM3 Gauges

With the new Smarty MM3 hardware being used for Cummins equipped pickups it is important to know how to use the gauges to your benefit.  Although a few minutes in the driveway playing with the touch screen will answer a majority of your questions, this article will help you with some basics that will help you out.   

Read more about Smarty MM3 Custom Tuning

• 04 Cummins Tuned w/MM3
• MM3 Beta Stage 2
• Questions About 2013 + Cummins Tuning

What benefits come from 68RFE Tuning?

The 68RFE transmission provides some improvements over previous automatic transmissions matched with Cummins pickup trucks.  With 6 gears equipped to help with fuel mileage the new(er) transmission has some other improvements.  When these transmissions rolled out in 2007.5, they were the first diesel specific transmission developed by Chrysler.  Finally they had stepped up the filtration and moved away from bands being used internally.  All in an effort to extend service intervals, increase reliability,  and drive down maintenance cost.  The dual face torque converter clutch and integrated tow haul capability made the 68RFE a truly solid option for diesel truck owners.  

Other Articles About Cummins Tuning:

• 7 Things to Know When Tuning Your 2013+ Cummins
• Smarty MM3 Beta Stage 2
• '04 Cummins Tuned w/Smarty MM3

Tuning for CME 2013-2016 Cummins 

If you have a 2013 - 2016 Cummins, you probably have some questions about aftermarket tuning for your truck.  From warranty concerns to transmission tuning options to peak horsepower, truck owners generally want to learn everything they can before picking the tuner right for them.  Below you will find information on the 7 most common topics we discuss with customers at Calibrated Power.   

Other Articles About Cummins

• Smarty MM3 Tuned Cummins
• Cummins Turbo Shootout
• Smarty MM3 Beta Stage 2