With diesel now costing more than gas, many farriers are convinced that a gas-powered rig is the best way to go. Yet there are still some distinct advantages for driving a diesel-powered truck.

A recent survey of American Farriers Journal e-mail list users showed no consensus as to which fuel is most popular among shoers. While shoers are very concerned about the impact of rising fuel prices, there are many shoers in both the gas and diesel camps — plus a few farriers burning propane and even waste vegetable oil to power their rigs.

A number of shoers believe the long-term benefits of owning a diesel truck outweigh the short-term benefits of cheaper gas. With diesels designed to haul the heavier loads found in many shoeing rigs, some shoers maintain there’s also less maintenance costs and longer engine life.

Yet others aren’t so sure now that diesel costs more per gallon than gas.

New Rig Decisions

If you’re thinking about buying a new rig, Brian Hull says you should look at the better mileage and pulling power you can get from a diesel engine. Yet the farrier from Grand Valley, Ontario, recognizes that operating costs are usually higher.

“As more people buy diesels, there’s a trend toward higher diesel prices at the pumps, which is why rigs with gasoline engines normally have lower operating costs,”…