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With fuel prices skyrocketing over the past year, many equipment owners are left wondering how they can enhance their fuel economy. And while diesel engines are getting more and more efficient as they strive to meet stringent emissions standards, there are still some things that you can do to ensure you're getting the most bang from your fuel budget.

Engine manufacturers say fuel efficiency is governed by many factors including the design of the engine and the machine it is used in, but as far as things you can do to enhance efficiency, it mostly boils down to meticulous maintenance and high-quality fuel.

Design plays a role

Different diesel engines use various technologies to achieve fuel efficiency. There are several different types of fuel injectors, for example. Indirect injectors (IDIs) use a nozzle that looks like a spark plug that sprays fuel into the precombustion chamber. On the other hand, direct-injection (DI) systems, sometimes referred to as pencil-type injectors, spray directly onto the piston itself.

"Direct injection is probably more efficient," states Mark Crenshaw, service engineering manager at Kubota Engine America. "Although Kubota moved toward indirect injection engines because they were the first to meet Tier I on diesel. Now we're back to having both because technology has allowed direct injection to be just as clean."

He adds, "DIs were easier starting while IDIs were quieter, so there have always been some trade-offs."