Any business that relies on the use of heavy machinery tends to have significant fuel costs. However, since petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing globally, learning how you can reduce heavy equipment fuel consumption will save you a lot of money. There are a few smart practices that you can adopt to save on fuel costs.
Ensuring That Haul Roads Are Leveled and in Good Condition
The productivity and efficiency of any construction site or farm depends heavily on a network of roads that can be trusted by the operators. You can easily balance the costs of the construction and maintenance of these roads with the productivity, efficiency, and fuel savings they will provide. You will also be able to better maintain vehicles if they are using roads that are leveled and in good condition. If your roads are smooth and free from debris, your operators will have an easier time as well and will be more productive. They will also be able to conserve fuel if they do not have to constantly start and stop the engine.
Avoid Idling
You need to try to minimize idle time as it can drive up fuel costs. If an operator is spending time idling a vehicle, they are only wasting fuel. Some vehicles even spend as much time idling as they do driving which means that their fuel costs are doubled. You need to be smart and try to reduce idle time to avoid fuel wastage. Try to restrict morning warmups to three to five minutes and remember to turn off the equipment during lunch and other breaks.
Make sure to properly train your equipment operators so they are careful about fuel consumption. Skilled operators not only consume less fuel but also ensure the safety of everyone else present on site. By providing proper training, you will not only reduce your fuel costs but also improve productivity and retention.
Monitor Your Equipment’s Fuel Consumption
You need to keep track of how much fuel your equipment is consuming over time. You can use a telematics system to monitor the fuel consumption of your vehicle and use that data to help reduce fuel costs. If you are able to track fuel data, you will know immediately if somehow, without any changes in the job, a particular vehicle’s fuel consumption goes up. It will alert you that something needs attention, and you will be able to contact your equipment dealer and detect any issues the equipment might have immediately. Whether it is with the machine’s fuel injectors, tires, or even the air filters.
Limit Speed
When it comes to fuel efficiency, there is nothing that destroys it faster than high speeds. If you want to be fuel efficient, make sure to drive your equipment slowly. You need to make sure that your operators regulate their driving speed. High speeds are not just bad for the fuel economy but can also result in a spike in emissions.