One of the largest operating expenses a manager or owner will face is fuel.

Fuel costs have dropped considerably over the past year, but fuel still makes up a bulk of costs and expenses a business will have to face. If the price of oil rises in the near future, that cost will be even greater.

Getting better fuel efficiency for your vehicles is the goal. By purchasing or renting fuel-efficient vehicles that have been optimized for lower emissions and lower fuel consumption, you can save money and carve out more profitability for your books.

Volvo construction equipment in particular is designed with fuel efficiency in mind. Here’s how one of the world’s leaders in construction equipment makes its vehicles more efficient.

OptiShift Technology

Approximately 15 percent of Volvo’s increases in fuel efficiency come from something called OptiShift technology.

OptiShift is highlighted in the company’s wheel loaders in particular. Designed by two Volvo engineers, OptiShift features two functions: a torque converter with lock-up and free wheel stator and the company’s Reverse By Braking (RBB) technology.

Lock-up normally is a function that activates to create a direction connection between the transmission and the engine without using the torque converter. OptiShift uses lock-up during a larger part of the vehicle’s work cycle, which saves fuel.

OptiShift also kicks in when the operator changes direction. The technology analyzes the vehicle’s speed, accelerator position and direction and automatically applies the brakes, which creates faster loading cycles, reduced powertrain load, and lower fuel consumption.

The big innovation is combining RBB and lock-up into one cohesive package, now called OptiShift.

Tier 4 Engine Technology

Another increase in fuel efficiency is through Volvo’s adoption of Tier 4 engine technology.

Tier 4 is a government-mandated standard for new vehicle manufacture. It calls for vehicles to contain technology and engineering that reduces harmful exhaust gases – leading to what some call “clean diesel”.

Volvo’s Tier 4 technology features a two-part feature known as Diesel Particle Diffuser (DPD) technology consisting of a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst device combined with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Both passive and active regeneration are used throughout the Volvo fleet to reduce emissions.

The end result is a five-percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Volvo’s Fuel Efficiency Guarantee

Volvo is one of the few construction equipment manufacturers to offer a Fuel Efficiency Guarantee. Basically, Volvo guarantees that each vehicle’s fuel efficiency and productivity will meet its model-rated fuel efficiency levels. This applies to excavators, articulated haulers, and wheel loaders plus an activation of the company’s free standard six-year subscription to CareTrack, Volvo’s diagnostic and fleet management system. Should your vehicle not meet these standards, Volvo will reimburse a portion fo the additional fuel cost.

Purchasing Volvo Construction Equipment

Fuel efficiency is incredibly important in choosing construction machinery. Volvo is helping to lead the way toward more fuel-efficient vehicles that not only comply with government regulations and emissions controls, but also save money on the bottom line in lower fuel costs.

If you’re interested in purchasing Volvo construction equipment, contact the representatives at Cowin who can help you make the best choice.