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Reducing diesel consumption can help keep jobsite costs under control and curb emissions, too.
Most construction jobsites run on diesel, which typically makes up at least a third of the operating cost of construction equipment. When the price of diesel spikes, the bottom line can take a significant hit, especially on projects with fixed-price contracts.
Reducing your projects’ dependence on diesel can help you weather future price increases and better control your construction budget. It’s also a direct path to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
There’s no one “right” way to go about curbing diesel consumption. Choose the strategies that best suit your company and your project. Here are nine approaches to consider. Some require a higher upfront investment, but they may pay off in the long term.
1. Downsize generators with the help of a BESS
The larger the generator, the more gallons of diesel per hour it consumes. Contractors typically size generators for peak loads and run them underloaded most of the time. That wastes a significant amount of fuel and causes unnecessary wear and tear on the machines, increasing maintenance costs.
Pairing a generator with a battery energy storage system (BESS) dramatically curtails generator run time, reducing fuel consumption and wear.
A BESS stores energy in high-density lithium batteries and features inverters and load-sensing technology. The batteries are charged by the generator when it runs. During lower-load periods, the BESS shuts off the generator and provides power on its own. When necessary, the battery supplements the generator power, which allows you to use a smaller generator and still manage peak loads.
2. Turn to alternatively powered generators
Generators are essential on many jobsites as primary or backup power. Diesel generators have been the standard for years, but there are other options to consider.
Propane generators, for example, can cost up to 40% less to operate compared to diesel generators. Some propane generators, such as the JuiceBox, can run on either propane or natural gas. They can be linked together to provide more power. Solar generators are another option.
3. Skip the generator and go solar
For relatively small applications such as charging tools, you could skip the generator altogether and rely on a mobile solar power unit, ideally paired with a BESS to store excess power. Larger mobile photovoltaic systems can power all the tools on a jobsite as well as office trailers.
Or consider a mobile, self-contained microgrid such as the EHR Solar Battery Generator. It features a 5.0kW-peak solar array, a BESS and a propane generator for backup power should the batteries run low. The unit can be mounted on a 20-by-8-foot trailer or a skid and provides enough energy to power guard shacks, container offices and restroom trailers or charge electric tools and equipment. United Rentals can help you perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the solution is cost effective for your project.
Some equipment, such as towable solar light towers, runs entirely on solar, no generator needed.
4. Add rental equipment to your fleet
Older equipment may require more energy to run than newer models, especially if it hasn’t been well maintained. When you rent equipment from an industry-leading equipment vendor such as United Rentals, you’re typically getting newer models, and the equipment has undergone rigorous preventive maintenance.
Renting also helps you use the ideal machine for the job instead of the machine you happen to own. Using equipment that’s under-powered or overpowered for the application, or is simply the wrong machine or attachment for the application, can waste fuel.
5. Make strategic switches to electric machines
Battery-electric equipment isn’t the right fit for every company or project, but it eliminates the need for diesel without sacrificing performance.
While electric machines typically cost more to buy or rent, electricity is generally cheaper than diesel, so they are cheaper to operate. Electric machines also run more efficiently because they don’t idle; the motor turns off as soon as it’s not in use, which saves energy. Fewer moving parts means less maintenance and lower maintenance costs.
The breadth of electric equipment available continues to grow. Electric machines range from warehouse forklifts and scissor lifts to larger, heavier equipment such as mini excavators and compact telehandlers.
If you plan to rent or buy electric equipment, you’ll need a charging strategy. Our Guide to Charging Battery-Electric Construction Equipment has useful tips.
6. Leverage equipment access management
Are your crews or other trades running your diesel light towers just to charge their tools and devices from the built-in generator? Are workers leaving generators running when they’re not actively needed? Equipment access management allows you to track who’s using your equipment, when and for how long.
Ignition keypads can be added to many types of equipment, including light towers and generators. To start the equipment, operators enter an assigned PIN or swipe an RFID-enabled ID card. With equipment access management, only authorized workers can access the equipment.
Once the equipment is started, telematics reveals when it was turned on and how long it ran, providing insights into where you might make fuel-saving adjustments.
7. Provide targeted operator training
Reducing fuel consumption on jobsites doesn’t always require major changes. Operator training is inexpensive and makes a difference.
Ensure that operators understand the load capacity of their equipment and how and when to use different equipment modes. Train them to avoid abrupt braking, fast acceleration and unnecessary stopping and starting, all of which decrease fuel efficiency. Above all, create an anti-idling policy and enforce it. Consider incentivizing operators to follow your policy by offering some type of reward.
United Rentals customers can use Total Control®, the United Rentals fleet management platform, to track idling and aggressive operation of telematics-enabled equipment. With equipment access management, it’s even possible to see which operators burn the most fuel.
8. Make equipment maintenance a priority
Tuned-up engines, sharp bucket teeth, properly inflated tires, greased fittings, clean filters and clean fluids all optimize fuel efficiency. If creating and sustaining a maintenance program is challenging, consider outsourcing your equipment maintenance with either offsite maintenance or onsite maintenance from a third party.
Telematics data can save you money on maintenance by allowing you to perform maintenance based on engine hours instead of calendar intervals. Unlike calendar-based maintenance, just-in-time maintenance helps ensure that equipment isn’t under-maintained or over-maintained, which reduces costs and increases safety.
9. Right-size machines and buckets
Using machines that are larger than necessary burns more diesel. Conversely, using machines that are too small can strain the engine, which reduces fuel efficiency. It also prolongs the task.
Bucket sizes matter, too. When loading trucks, for instance, bigger buckets increase productivity and efficiency since you can move more material in one cycle. Choosing a large, heavy-duty bucket for a small excavator, on the other hand, will stress the machine and burn more fuel.
Following even one or two of these strategies can help you make a dent in your diesel fuel spending, reduce your construction equipment operating costs and make your construction budgets more predictable. A bonus: Reducing your reliance on fossil fuel will set you up to be competitive on projects that require contractors to meet certain carbon emissions targets.