Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)
Eight tips for reducing fuel consumption of construction machinery
Increased productivity
Regular maintenance helps in preventing unexpected breakdowns, ensuring that machines operate smoothly and reliably. This minimises unscheduled downtime and enhances productivity on construction sites. Our Global e-Service platform allows remote monitoring of machinery, providing valuable data to optimise performance and detect potential issues before they lead to failures.
1. Regular maintenance of machinery
Keeping machinery in optimal condition is crucial for fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance ensures that engines, hydraulics, and other components operate smoothly. Key maintenance practices include:
- regular oil changes – fresh oil reduces engine friction, enhancing fuel efficiency
- air filter replacement – clean air filters ensure that engines receive the right amount of air, improving combustion
- hydraulic fluid check – proper levels of hydraulic fluid enable efficient machinery operation.
2. Invest in operator training
Well-trained operators can significantly reduce fuel consumption by using machinery more efficiently. Training programmes should focus on how to use controls smoothly to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption; avoiding excessive idling; and understanding the specific fuel-saving features of each piece of machinery.
3. Implement idle reduction policies
Excessive idling is a common but avoidable cause of high fuel consumption. Implementing strict idle reduction policies can save a significant amount of fuel. Operators should turn off engines during extended breaks or delays and utilise machinery with automatic idle shutdown features to prevent unnecessary fuel use.
4. Ensuring correct power mode is used
Using the correct power mode, such as our ECO gauge in machinery, reduces fuel consumption by optimising engine RPM to match workload demands, thereby preventing unnecessary fuel usage during lighter tasks. It also manages hydraulic systems more efficiently by adjusting pressure and flow rates as needed, minimising energy loss.
5. Utilise telematics systems
Telematics systems provide real-time data on machinery performance and fuel consumption. Operators and owners can use this data to:
- track fuel consumption patterns to identify and address inefficiencies through fleet management tools like ConSite
- plan and optimise routes to minimise travel distance and time
- organise preventive maintenance – receive alerts for maintenance needs before they lead to fuel inefficiencies.
6. Using the right tool for the job
Using the right machine for the job can prevent unnecessary fuel consumption. Large machinery uses more fuel than necessary for small tasks, while small equipment can overexert and consume more fuel on larger tasks. Ensure that you:
- choose equipment that is appropriately sized for the task at hand
- consider upgrading to newer, more fuel-efficient models if current equipment is outdated (see below).
If you’re unsure which model is the correct one for the job, try out Hitachi’s machine comparison tool.
7. Invest in the latest construction machinery
The Zaxis-7 range of excavators use up to 10% less fuel compared to previous models. Hitachi’s industry-leading hydraulic system, TRIAS III, ensures that this performance is achieved across a variety of applications.
“The new Zaxis-7 series has been developed with significant reductions in fuel consumption compared to the previous generation,” says Burak Besler, Product Manager Excavator. “They are equipped with Stage V engines to meet the latest emission standards regulations.”
The Zaxis-7 range is also available through the Hitachi Premium Rental programme, providing instant access to the latest technology.
8. Manage loads efficiently
Efficient load management ensures that machinery operates within optimal load capacities. Overloading can cause engines to consume more fuel. Operators should:
- stick to recommended load capacities to ensure efficient fuel use
- ensure that loads are balanced to avoid additional fuel consumption due to uneven weight distribution.
Reducing fuel consumption in construction machinery requires a combination of good maintenance practices, skilled operation, strategic planning, and the adoption of modern technologies.
By focusing on these areas, construction machinery operators can significantly reduce fuel costs and contribute to more sustainable construction practices.
