Further study of Chart 2, finds a 10% reduction in idle percentage from 50% idling improves fuel efficiency by 4%, a 20% reduction in idle results in an 8% fuel efficiency improvement and a reduction of 40% increases fuel efficiency by 13%.

While some equipment idle time is unavoidable, it can still be controlled or minimized in construction equipment applications. The following are effective methods to reduce idle time.

1. Education – Reviewing fuel consumption data and fuel costs with employees helps educate them on idling effects to the equipment, overall operation, environmental stewardship and company profits.
2. Limit warm up time – Equipment warm up time at start of shift varies by ambient conditions, but a rule of thumb from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates warm up times can be limited to 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Implement 5 minute idle rule – If equipment idles for more than 5 minutes, shut it down to save fuel. Restarting equipment uses less fuel than idling considering most construction equipment consumes an average of one gallon per hour at idle. Most construction equipment manufacturers offer as standard or option attachments shut down timers that automatically shut off machines after five minutes or other user defined time periods.
4. Limit cool down time – Equipment should be idled at end of shift to allow turbochargers and emission systems to cool and purge. As another general rule, idling for two minutes at the end of the shift will allow most equipment to reach optimum shutdown temperatures. Newer construction equipment has automatic shutdown features that control this time and process for the user.
5. Idle management systems – Some construction equipment is equipped with ‘auto-idle’ or ‘engine idle management’ systems. These systems monitor equipment parameters and automatically reduce engine rpm to idle rpm or below normal machine idle rpm. Using these systems can reduce idle fuel consumption to less than 1 gallon per hour.
6. Breaks and lunch – Studies and observations indicate construction equipment is left idling over breaks or lunch periods. The most frequent reason stated by construction equipment operators for doing this is to keep cab environment at temperature, whether warm or cool. Systems such as engine off cab heaters and coolers can reduce the “need” to idle over breaks and lunch. Operator education and layout of break/lunch areas to production areas can be helpful as well.
7. Monitoring asset utilization – Best practice today includes the using telematics for monitoring equipment and utilization to benchmark and identify opportunities to reduce idling time and enhance the fleet utilization.

What technology on Cat® machines can also help operators burn less fuel?

Technology on Cat machines encompasses both telematics and equipment technologies. Each is equally important to construction equipment fuel efficiency, and as such, neither should be overlooked.

1. Telematics – Telematics can be broken down into two sections: off-board and on-board. Off-board telematics, such as VisionLink™, provides individual machine or fleet information to site personnel. This is important for two basic reasons. First, VisionLink™ telematics provides site personnel with fuel information such as idle time fuel consumption, working time fuel consumption and fuel efficiency without additional labor that would be required to obtain this data via on-site measurement. Second, having this information allows site personnel to better understand their operations and make continuous analysis of individual machines, operators, and job site setup to improve and sustain fuel efficiency.
       On-board or on-machine telematics are machine monitoring systems and displays providing the operator with real-time information such as productivity, fuel consumption, idle time, and fuel efficiency.  This information allows the operator to adjust the operating technique or machine to improve fuel efficiency in real time. The operator can also use this information with site management to assist in job site improvements or identify issues that may be affecting fuel efficiency.
2. Machine technology – Advancements in construction equipment design and development have been rapid in the last five years. Several Caterpillar engines and machine platforms are now designed to deliver full power at lower RPMs which reduces fuel consumption and emission packages. As example, Tier IV final engines allow instantaneously adjustments to machine performance and fuel consumption based on numerous machine inputs. Some manufacturers have reduced engine displacements to enhance the optimum performance of the engine and deliver fuel consumption reductions without any reductions in productivity.
3. Advanced technologies- Advanced Cat machine technologies such as electric drive, hydrostatic or continuously variable transmissions have been introduced on wheel loader and track-type tractor platforms. These machine technologies are creating double-digit fuel consumption reduction with productivity levels equal to or greater than standard configured models in the same size and machine class. Several of these technologies also improve the operator technique by automatically adjusting performance or transmission settings.
4. “Add-on” technologies- “add-on” technologies such as Cat GRADE technologies and Cat PAYLOAD technologies can improve fuel efficiency. GRADE technologies improve operator efficiencies and reduce unnecessary idle and fuel consumption. PAYLOAD, like Caterpillar Production Measurement, improve production, reduce idle time, reduce fuel consumption and improve operator efficiencies.