Fuel efficiency is critical in earthmoving equipment

Develon SA specialists are seeing a greater trend – largely in construction, mining and agriculture – where equipment manufacturers and equipment owners are implementing strategies to enhance fuel efficiency, recognising its significant impact on operational efficiencies, costs and environmental performance.

According to the Develon SA team, the cost of fuel is one of the largest operational expenses associated with earthmoving equipment. For this reason, fuel efficiency is a critical consideration in the selection, operation and management of earthmoving equipment.

“As industries – such as construction, mining and agriculture – face growing pressure to reduce costs, improve sustainability and meet stringent regulatory requirements, the focus on optimising fuel usage has become increasingly important,” explains Johann Viljoen, National Sales Manager at Develon South Africa. “Earthmoving equipment contributes to global carbon emissions, primarily through the combustion of diesel fuel. Enhancing fuel efficiency reduces the volume of fuel consumed and consequently, the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants released into the atmosphere

“We believe equipment owners who prioritise fuel efficiency, achieve substantial cost savings over the lifecycle of their equipment, particularly in large-scale operations, where marginal gains in efficiency translate into significant financial benefits. Even greater cost savings are achieved with the introduction of a proper maintenance and operating training programme.

“We are seeing a greater trend where equipment manufacturers and equipment owners are implementing strategies to enhance fuel efficiency, recognising its significant impact on operational efficiencies, costs and environmental performance.

“Our customers rely on easy access to quality branded machines that not only meet specific performance and safety requirements, but which also adhere to the need for greater fuel efficiency, extended service life and minimal maintenance requirements.

“The ongoing launch of new robust Develon machines into the local market reflects Develon’s commitment to ensuring the Southern African market keeps abreast with the latest equipment and advanced global trends for fuel economy in materials handling and earthmoving.

“Our diverse range of Develon equipment—including compact excavators for tight spaces, robust excavators, and wheel loaders for heavy-duty tasks—provides cost-efficient solutions for various applications in many industries.

“What’s also critical for our customers is the support of technical services, quality replacement parts and a dependable repair and maintenance facility.”

Viljoen highlights that all Develon machines are designed with advanced features tailored to the tough conditions of Africa’s construction and mining sectors. Each model is engineered to ensure high performance, fuel efficiency, greater safety and minimal maintenance, allowing users to maximise output while minimising costs.

Develon’s technological advancements for fuel economy comprise the latest engine designs and telematics solutions that also optimise performance. Engine improvements, including high-pressure fuel injection and turbocharging, maximise the energy extracted from fuel, further improving efficiency.

Telematics systems are another valuable tool for enhancing fuel efficiency. These systems enable real-time monitoring of equipment performance, providing operators and equipment owners with critical data-driven information regarding fuel consumption patterns, engine load and operational inefficiencies. This data enables equipment owners to implement targeted measures to improve efficiency – including training operators on best practices, optimising job site layouts and scheduling preventive maintenance to avoid mechanical issues that increase fuel usage.

Proper operator training ensures that equipment is correctly used to minimise unnecessary fuel consumption. For example, excessive idling should be avoided and abrupt starts and stops must be reduced, while maintaining consistent engine loads. Additionally, careful planning and execution of tasks, including efficient route mapping and load optimisation, contribute to more effective fuel use.

Develon specialists note that maintenance practices are another critical factor in achieving optimal fuel efficiency. Regular servicing of earthmoving equipment – including timely oil changes, air filter replacements and tyre pressure checks – ensures that machines operate at peak efficiency. Poor maintenance can result in increased fuel consumption, due to factors like clogged filters, worn components, or improper engine tuning.

In a nutshell, fuel efficiency in earthmoving equipment is a cornerstone of modern operational and environmental strategies. By adopting advanced technologies, implementing effective training and maintenance programmes and optimising operational practices, operators can achieve significant cost savings, extend the service life of machine, reduce their environmental impact and enhance overall performance.