Fuel-Saving Tips for Heavy Construction Equipment
Most construction equipment, especially heavy ones, have massive engines that run on fuel. Therefore, if you have a project that needs heavy equipment, you also need to have a generous budget for fuel. However, the fuel expenses might go up and reduce your profit margins if you are not careful.
Fortunately, you can employ practical strategies to save fuel as you undertake the project. Discover tips for reducing fuel consumption in heavy equipment.
Maintain Your Equipment
Poorly maintained machinery might need to work twice as hard as well-maintained equipment to complete a task, which means that the less-maintained equipment use more fuel. Therefore, you need to service your equipment regularly to enhance fuel efficiency.
Adopt the recommended routine maintenance strategies, such as regular cleaning, oil checks, and lubrication of moving parts. Also, maintain proper tire inflation at all times.
When the tires are underinflated, the rolling resistance is high. This will cause the engine to work hard, and, in turn, use more fuel. Therefore, encourage your operators to check the tires regularly and inflate them when necessary.
Hire Skilled Operators
Whether you own or have rented equipment, you need to have operators with advanced skills and an in-depth understanding of the machines. Operators who are not well-trained can make mistakes that can significantly increase fuel consumption.
One mistake that most novices commit is to gear up at high RPMs. However, seasoned operators can start the machinery at a low RPM and then gradually increase it to save fuel during operations. This is just one example of mistakes inexperienced operators make, which contributes to poor fuel economy.
You should, therefore, invest in skilled operators to minimize fuel wastage. But since construction machines also improve, you might also need to train your operators when you have equipment with advanced features.
Choose Short and Efficient Transport Routes
If you don't have a storage area on your site, you will need to move the equipment daily to a secure place when not in use. The fuel for the transit can sum up to a considerable amount in the long run.
You need to consider transportation costs and use short or efficient routes to the storage location. If possible, keep the machinery near the project site to reduce transportation fuel costs.
Encourage Operators to Drive Efficiently
Always encourage your equipment operators to drive efficiently, both during transportation and at the site. For instance, they should not speed, accelerate fast, or apply sharp brakes because these practices might contribute to high fuel consumption.
Use the Right Equipment
Some construction machines can perform multiple operations. But if they were not designed for a particular application, they might consume more fuel. For this reason, ensure the equipment in your site performs the intended task.
Reduce Idling
As long as a machine runs, it tends to consume fuel, even when not in use. Remind your operators to switch off the engines of heavy equipment as soon as they complete tasks.
Use the Right Fuel
When you use the wrong fuel or a mixture of fuels, the engine might produce less power. This means that the equipment is likely to use more fuel for optimal performance. Fortunately, you can enhance fuel economy by using the fuel that the OEM recommends.
Monitor Equipment With a Telematics System
The telematics system allows you to monitor equipment on your smart device. You can track the speed, idling time, fuel consumption, sharp braking, and other critical factors. Therefore, you will be up to date even when you are not at the site and act accordingly during an alert, such as a spike in fuel consumption.
These innovative tips can help you control fuel usage in your construction equipment. Our company provides emergency fueling services in construction sites to ensure your project doesn't stop. If you need our service, contact us right away.