Construction equipment operators and the people around them rely on their equipment to do a lot of work. From lifting heavy objects to drilling into rock, construction machinery needs fuel to keep going. Proper fuel management ensures that your machine is running at its best and for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how you can manage your fuel more efficiently:
1. Use the Proper Fuel
Running a construction vehicle on the wrong fuel can not only cause poor performance and lead to major breakdowns, but it is also extremely hazardous. Not only do you risk damage to your machinery and waste money, but you also run the risk of polluting the environment while putting yourselves at risk for serious injury. Ensure that you work closely with the dealership when it comes to refueling to ensure that you and your employees don’t risk running the wrong fuel through your equipment.
2. Use a Fuel Management System
Fuel management systems can help eliminate human error when it comes to fueling, reducing the risk of fire and other dangerous accidents. Most fuel management systems automatically shut down the fuel pump upon reaching the desired amount of fuel, which means that your equipment won’t run on empty, and your employees won’t be left to guess how full the tank is. A fuel handling equipment may be helpful.
3. Invest in Filters
Filters don’t seem like a big issue when you’re driving around town, but they can play a major role in whether or not your construction site machinery runs properly. The best filters for construction equipment are generally the depth-loading type, which means that they have a built-in check valve to keep contaminants from entering the tank while allowing fuel to pass through. Cleaning and changing filters after each job is a great way to make sure you get optimal performance from your machinery.
4. Keep Track of Maintenance Records
Keeping track of your equipment’s maintenance records ensures that you’re following the appropriate guidelines for storage and use and provides you with a history of what has been done to the vehicle. A construction company should have their vehicles’ manuals on hand, so they’ll know instantly if any additional maintenance is required for the upcoming job.
5. Check Hoses and Belts
One of the easiest ways to check your construction equipment’s performance is via a visual inspection of the engine components, which includes checking hats, hoses, belts, and other materials that could be affected by not being replaced in a timely manner. By staying on top of which parts need to be replaced and when your employees will be able to catch any problems before they have the chance to become major issues.
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6. Don’t Wait for Warning Signs
Even if you have followed all of the proper maintenance guidelines thus far, you should still conduct routine inspections on your machinery so that it doesn’t fail you when you least expect it. Be proactive in checking for warning signs, including stalling, overheating, oil leakage, and other issues that could send your machinery down the road before its time.
Construction equipment is a large investment for any company, which means that proper fuel management can be crucial to the success of your business. We’ve provided some tips above on how you can ensure that your construction equipment runs efficiently and effectively throughout its lifecycle. Take advantage of these recommendations now so that you’re prepared when it comes time to invest in new machinery!
