4 Proven Strategies to Boost Excavator Fuel Efficiency

Fuel is one of the top equipment operating expenses for owners, but with a few small changes in excavator operator behavior, those costs can be cut significantly.

Here are a few ways to save on fuel consumption using Volvo excavators:

AUTO IDLE

• The feature automatically lowers RPMs after 5 seconds of inactivity.
• The time delay can be set anywhere between 3 and 20 seconds.

A simple switch at the operator’s fingertips allows for this feature to be turned on or off.

AUTO ENGINE SHUTDOWN

• The engine is set to a 5-minute timer.
• After four minutes with the control lockout lever down, a 60-second warning will begin.
• The machine will shut off after the warning.

Depending on the situation, a construction machine will often be idling for as much as 40 – 60 percent of its operating time. This feature is an easy way to cut down on costly idle time.

ECO MODE

• Pump flow is controlled to avoid inertia from overflowing the overload relief valves while maintaining digging power and maximum swing efficiency.
• Reduces flow and pressure loss and improves pump flow control, resulting in 5 percent improvement to efficiency.

Other brands’ EC modes slow down their RPMs by 10%.

BOOM FLOAT

The boom float feature on Volvo excavators relieves pump pressure from the cylinders when lowering the boom. This has several unique benefits including faster cycle times, more accurate grading and improved fuel efficiency.

Boom float is perfect for the following applications:

• Leveling and compacting soil: Boom float allows free up-and-down movement of the boom, which means the attachment can easily follow the contours of the ground without the need for the operator to frequently adjust height.
• Truck loading: Boom float reallocates pump flow to the bucket and arm cylinders to improve cycle times.