Oil prices have gone through the roof in the past 2 years. When COVID hit, oil plummeted to $20 per barrel. Since then, and thanks largely to the war in the Ukraine, oil prices have increased five-fold which means the operators of heavy machinery need to find ways to reduce their fuel consumption. Here are five tips to help you protect your bottom line.
Tip 1: Minimize Idling Time
Komatsu estimates that an average machine will spend 40% of its time idling when in service. So, what is the impact of idling? It has been calculated that leaving a machine idle for an hour generates the equivalent wear of driving 40km. Then there is the obvious direct cost of idling in terms of fuel consumption. A machine idling for an hour can use up to 4L of fuel. By reducing the idling time, you will save fuel and unnecessary wear on the machine.
Tip 2: Check Your Filters
If your air filter is dirty or blocked, it passes less air into the engine. That is not a good thing. It can impact your fuel efficiency – by as much as 20% – and it will also affect the engine performance. Your engine needs oxygen for fuel to combust. Oil filters are vital for efficient fuel consumption. They help remove contaminants from all types of oil that, over time, can damage internal components.
Tip 3: Fuel Caps
Check the fit of your fuel caps. If they are damaged or loose, this can lead to the evaporation of your precious fuel. Sometimes the damage is not that obvious to the naked eye. There are three things to look out for. Firstly, the cap may not tighten properly. Secondly, there is a definite odor of fuel from the engine – maybe the seal on the cap has to be replaced. Finally, check to see if the engine light comes on.
Tip 4: Select the Right Gear
There is no need to be at full gas all the time. You need to train your operators to conserve fuel through the selection of the right gears. Studies have shown 5% -15% fuel efficiency at 75% power and 15% - 30% efficiency at 50% power.
Tip 5: Fuel Storage
When it comes to storing fuel, you need to bear in mind the following: diesel can evaporate but it is a lot slower than water and gasoline. Gasoline can be evaporated in an hour or so on a hot day. Diesel does not have ethanol like gasoline. It does, however, contain other compounds that make it oilier and denser. The net effect is to increase the temperature at which diesel evaporates. Under ideal conditions (cool and dry), diesel fuel can be stored for between 6 and 12 months.
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