How to Reduce Engine Idling to Increase Machine Efficiency
Properly managing your equipment and fuel costs is crucial in industries like construction, demolition, and road work, as they represent major operational expenses. One significant source of unnecessary costs is excessive engine idling. For example, one machine manufacturer estimates that a 36 ton excavator operating 1,000 hours annually wastes about 400 gallons of fuel just by idling. To help prevent this waste of resources, we’ve put together some best practices for reducing idle times, increasing machine efficiency, and avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.
Understanding the negative effects of engine idling
Idling occurs when you leave your equipment running while it’s not in active use or motion. This practice can negatively affect your profitability, decrease machine efficiency, and waste valuable resources. High idle times result in:
- Burning fuel without any productive output
- Accelerated engine component wear
- Shorter intervals between maintenance procedures
- Unproductive “ghost hours” on your equipment that potentially lower resale values
- Engine idling can prevent machines from reaching optimal operating temperature, leading to emissions system issues that are not covered by factory warranties and increasing ownership costs
The adverse effects of "ghost hours" or idling time aren't immediately apparent, but they can gradually diminish the value of your assets. For example, consider you have two machines, A and B, both with 5,000 working hours, but machine A had considerably more idle time. At resale, machine A shows 10,000 total hours while machine B shows 7,500. This 2,500 hour difference can significantly impact the sale price, potentially up to $20,000, depending on the machine's size and type – all due to excessive idling.
In spite of its numerous negative impacts on business profitability, engine idling remains very common on construction sites. However, there are strategies that you can employ to minimize it as much as possible.
Train your operators
It’s crucial to make sure your equipment operators understand how engine idling affects the financial performance and well being of your operation. Establish a clear rule: if the machine isn't actively working, it should be turned off. The ten second rule is a good guideline—don't idle longer than ten seconds. Some businesses have found success implementing reward programs for operators who consistently maintain low idle times.
Implement equipment monitoring systems
Improvement requires measurement. Most modern machines include monitoring technology that helps track equipment usage patterns and converts operational data into useful insights. With these systems you can view and track idle times. By identifying when engine idling occurs, you can take appropriate steps to educate operators or modify jobsite workflows, leading to better operational planning and reduced waiting times.
Optimize project planning
Strategic project planning can significantly reduce equipment idling. Ensure you allocate the appropriate number and types of machines to each site to prevent bottlenecks and waiting periods. Equipment sizing is also important—for instance, when loading articulated trucks, your excavator should fill the bed in three to five bucket loads. More loads than this often result in unnecessary idle times.
Choose machines with automatic start and stop technology
Many new pieces of equipment include idling reduction features that help improve machine efficiency. Whether labeled as auto idle, auto stop, auto start, or idle stop systems, these technologies can significantly reduce unnecessary engine idle times. When purchasing new equipment, prioritize models with these fuel saving features.
If you have any questions about minimizing engine idling or increasing machine efficiency in general, contact our team today!
