Robert Johnson

The high cost of fuel, combined with a growing interest in environmental issues, has many construction fleet managers thinking about ways to improve the fuel utilization of their trucks and equipment. Tried and true steps for maximizing a vehicle's fuel efficiency include maintaining proper tire pressure, removing unnecessary weight and following recommended maintenance practices. There are also a number of products available that can be retrofitted to existing vehicles or ordered on new vehicles to improve fuel efficiency, including oil bath wheel seals on non-drive axles, synthetic fluids and free-flow air filters.

With proper planning and training, it is also possible to specify new work trucks and equipment that may be more fuel efficient than existing fleet vehicles. Some considerations include aerodynamics, total vehicle weight, tire selection, auxiliary power generation, powertrain optimization and hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles.

Aerodynamics: Aerodynamic truck designs aren't limited to over-the-road sleepers. Most Class 6 - 8 chassis manufacturers offer factory-installed aero packages that can significantly impact fuel economy. These packages may include roof-mounted air deflectors, side fairings, under-cab-step and fuel-tank skirts, aerodynamic mirrors, low-drag hood configurations and aero bumpers.

Component positioning is also crucial to aerodynamics. Anything that interrupts the smooth flow of air over and around the vehicle will cause drag. Some of the worst offenders are items such as frame-mounted battery boxes, bypass oil filters and traditional vertical exhaust stacks with perforated stainless steel heat shields. When possible, try to mount accessory items under the cab or behind the cab skirts. On a straight truck, also consider the use of body nose cones and/or side transition fairings. Higher fuel prices have made these options cost-effective for a broader range of applications. Depending on the design, installing a bed cover on open-bed trucks, including pickup trucks and dump trucks, also may provide significant fuel savings.

Total Vehicle Weight: The more weight the truck carries, the more fuel it burns. There are many ways to reduce total truck weight, starting with the frame. Unless the application calls for a very rigid frame, consider using a high-strength alloy model, which can save weight without sacrificing strength. The suspension is another potential source of weight reduction. Parabolic leaf springs are lighter than conventional leaf springs, and they provide a better ride on appropriate applications. On Class 6 - 8 trucks, specifying an air suspension will save several hundred pounds.