Whether you’re a construction professional or a home DIY enthusiast, fuel consumption can be one of the highest costs in operating heavy equipment. Reducing the amount of fuel your machine uses is an environmentally friendly approach that saves you money and improves machinery operation, as too much fuel waste can put a strain on the engine.
While fuel efficiency depends heavily on the type of machinery and its size, there are other factors involved, including driver technique, idle time and attention to maintenance. While looking for fuel-efficient equipment is your first priority, using that equipment correctly not only improves fuel efficiency but also makes for longer-lasting equipment in general.
Ryno Hire’s dry hire machines are reliable, cost-effective and well-maintained. With years of experience ensuring that heavy equipment remains fuel-efficient, we can offer you some maintenance tips and techniques to go with our machines for hire.
Read on if you want to know how to get the most out of your machine’s fuel system while you complete your dream project.
The Fuel Efficiency of Heavy Machinery
The types of heavy machines you can dry hire from Ryno Hire include:
Excavator
Excavators are the most commonly used machines in the construction and mining industries and are great for everything from breaking up concrete to clearing debris. However, they’re not the most fuel-efficient machines around, with excavators of 50-100 tonnes consuming 40 to 80 litres of fuel per hour.
It’s important to choose the right size excavator for the job and to use it efficiently, as you can waste fuel by overworking a smaller machine.
Loader
Loaders are moderately fuel-efficient machines built to carry heavy loads but to manoeuvre through confined spaces. Depending on the size and the work you’re doing with them, loaders typically consume between 10-30 litres of fuel per hour. Micro loaders, lighter machines designed for smaller tasks, consume around three to 10 litres per hour.
You can increase fuel efficiency by loading to the right specifications and taking a fluid, smooth and controlled approach to moving the machine.
Tipper truck
Depending on factors like truck size, payload and terrain, tipper trucks can consume 15 to 40 litres of fuel per hour. You can improve fuel efficiency on a tipper truck by accelerating and braking smoothly, driving on consistent routes and not overloading the truck.
Compaction equipment
In landscaping and construction projects, compaction equipment compresses gravel and soil by placing downward pressure on the ground and filling air pockets. There are three main types of compactors: rollers, rammers and vibe plates. While they don’t use much fuel in general, you can still improve their efficiency by maintaining them well and keeping any tyres properly inflated.
What Impacts Fuel Intake of Heavy Machinery?
Besides the make and model of the machine, there are many factors that influence fuel efficiency, ranging from mechanical issues to workplace practices. The major culprits when it comes to poor fuel performance include:
Improper use of equipment
This includes actions like excessive idling, using machines for tasks that are too large or too small for the amount of power involved and operating at non-optimal speeds.
Engine issues
Undiagnosed engine and transmission issues, like worn-out or clogged fuel injectors, can lead to inefficient fuel use.
Tyre conditions
The state of tyres and tracks influences fuel efficiency considerably. Tyres that are worn out or not properly inflated require more power and fuel to keep the equipment moving along.
Leaks
Leaks and other issues in the machine’s hydraulic system can cause the machine to operate less than efficiently, requiring larger amounts of fuel in order to complete the same tasks.
Environmental conditions
Sometimes, external factors, such as extremely hot temperatures, can influence fuel performance.
Tips for Increasing the Fuel Efficiency of Your Machinery
The best ways to make the most of your machine’s fuel capacity include:
Eliminate excess idling
While idling is common, it’s one of the largest causes of overconsumption of fuel. If your machine isn’t equipped with an auto-idle feature, make sure to turn it off for extended breaks and delays.
Excessively High Revs
One of the biggest causes of high fuel consumption is excessively high revs. With machinery, you can dial up the revs with a lever, which can cause an increase in fuel consumption.
Keep regular maintenance schedules
Conducting regular checks and maintenance on your machinery is crucial for making sure it stays in good condition. Regular oil checks and changes, air filter replacements and hydraulic fluid checks will ensure that not only is your machine at its most fuel-efficient, but it’s in its best possible condition all over.
Avoid carrying excess weight
The larger and heavier a machine is, the more fuel it needs. Loading yet more weight onto the machine strains the engine and causes the machine to consume more fuel. Make sure you always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the ideal weight.
Plan your workday out before you start
When you have a clear idea of how long you’ll need to use the machine, you can use it more efficiently in order to reduce idling and lower your fuel consumption.
Use the right-sized machine for the job
Because larger equipment uses more fuel, it makes sense that there’s no need to use a big machine when a small one will do. Likewise, trying to cut costs by using a smaller-than-necessary machine can backfire in increased fuel consumption and, if things go wrong, even expensive repairs. As always, refer to the manufacturer or supplier’s recommendations when choosing the right machine for the job.
Upgrade your equipment when necessary
Fuel efficiency is something that manufacturers prioritise, with newer equipment almost always being more fuel-efficient than older models. Sometimes, it’s time to upgrade or hire machinery from a company with the latest, most state-of-the-art equipment.
Dry Hire Heavy Machinery at Ryno Hire
A Brisbane-based, family-owned business, Ryno Hire offers a diverse selection of reliable machinery and equipment with customer service that’s second to none.
We specialise in providing cost-effective, reliable machines on a dry hire (operate yourself) basis. With just a valid Australian open driver’s licence, you can hire our equipment for as little as one day or as long as a year. Our selection of excavators, loaders, tipper trucks and more comes in various sizes so you can complete any job from landscaping to rebuilding your driveway in your own time.
To find out more about our dry hire selection, contact the Ryno Hire team.
