Simple Solutions For Fuel Efficiency

Thorough maintenance may be the most effective way to cut fuel consumption. “Something as simple as keeping an air filter clean is going to greatly improve efficiency,” Roche says.

For instance, a liquid-cooled diesel engine with a dirty air filter might burn the same amount of fuel as an air-cooled gas engine with a clean air filter, Dust says. Air filters should be checked and cleaned, especially in dusty conditions, Roche says, adding that contractors should refer to their owner’s manual for maintenance frequency because each model could have different specifications.

For liquid-cooled engines, operators should clean debris from the screen located in front of the radiator daily, Dust says. They should also remove the screen and clean any dirt lodged between the fins with compressed air. Dust advises against using a pressure washer to free any material because the fins could bend. Instead, operators should blow the debris away from the radiator. 

Other routine maintenance tasks include making sure spark plugs are clean and that they’re gapped properly, checking fuel filters, ensuring that all belts are properly tensioned and keeping bearings adequately greased. By following these basic maintenance procedures, operators may improve fuel efficiency more than any engine type or high-tech component.

“If contractors want to maximize their fuel economy, the biggest thing they can do is proper maintenance,” Dust says. “If they’ve got an air cleaner that is clean and allowing the maximum amount of clean air to come in and be combusted properly, they’re going to be more fuel efficient.”