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Implement An Anti-Idling Strategy to Keep Costs Down

Implement-An-Anti-Idling-Strategy-to-Keep-Costs-Down

Implement An Anti-Idling Strategy to Keep Costs Down

Newer construction equipment comes outfitted with Tier 4 engines designed to reduce fuel consumption. But there is still something you can do to further improve fuel efficiency. And it will protect your machines from undue wear and tear, too. That one thing is an anti-idling policy. Your dealership should establish a policy for your rental fleet, and you can help your customers understand the costs associated with excessive idling.

tier 3 finalThe trucking industry has taken steps to cut back on idling, and many cities have enacted anti-idling regulations for trucks to improve air quality. But when it comes to construction equipment working on the jobsite, idling is just plain wasteful. Machines sitting at idle are burning fuel, wearing parts and racking up warranty hours. But they aren’t getting any work done.

Idling is insidious. It’s easy to overlook. And over the years operators have become accustomed to deliberately letting equipment idle – to keep cabs warm or because it is simply easier. But there are smarter ways to work. A number of construction equipment manufacturers now strongly advocate for anti-idling policies and practices. Some even offer training programs and tools to help.

Today’s telematics make it easy to track idling.

Modern technology allows you to remotely monitor idle time along with other machine performance factors. The data clearly differentiates between idling and working time. If a machine shows excessive idling, you can investigate further to determine the cause.

Why Telematics Technology Historical Data Is A Key Component Of Equipment Warranties & How It Benefits You-02Why worry about idle time? Aside from the obvious waste of fuel and the increased wear on machine components, there are other results that could be far more costly. Unchecked idling time can quickly add up, depreciating the value of the machine prematurely. For example, let’s say your equipment fleet has a replacement value of around $32 million. If you reduced idling time by 10% to 15%, that might shave 1% or 2% off your depreciation cost. That’s a savings of more than $380,000 per year.

What should your anti-idling policy entail?

Create a formal policy that defines acceptable idling limits. To accomplish this, you can:

  • Require operators to turn off machines during breaks and lunch time
  • Limit idling to a maximum of 5 minutes — some contractors use a 3-minute maximum
  • Limit cool-down to 3 minutes

Of course, when it’s cold outside machines need time to warm up. Experts say it’s OK to let equipment idle until the windows are frost-free, but not longer.

Teach operators why idling is so costly and how to work more efficiently. Contractors are using:

  • Formal training sessions
  • Posters that remind operators of the idling limit
  • Stickers on machine windows and dashboards and key fobs that serve as reminders

Implement-An-Anti-Idling-Strategy-to-Keep-Costs-DownUse your telematics to monitor performance. You can uncover “teachable moments” to improve training. You can also use the data to detect broader functional issues that are cutting into your productivity. For instance, where you locate haul roads and fill placement areas directly affects loader travel and idle time.

There are side-benefits to an anti-idling policy.

Companies that require operators to shut machines down rather than sitting at idle say the operators are more likely to get out of the cab and walk around. This helps keep the blood flowing to prevent fatigue. It also gives the operator a chance to do more frequent walk-arounds, enabling them to spot potential problems before they escalate. That can save money on repairs and maintenance.

And while your anti-idling policy will save money, it also helps you earn. By reducing fuel consumption, you’re cutting one of the largest components of any job bid. You can be more competitive, and that can help you win more work.

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