In construction, reducing fuel consumption in concrete mixer trucks is essential to improve operational efficiency and cut costs.
In this article, we’ll share practical tips for evaluating and reducing diesel usage and show you how the Batch module from Arkik’s Suite can make the process easier.
Optimizing routes for your concrete mixer trucks can significantly impact diesel consumption. Here are some key recommendations:
Use digital tools with tracking and route planning features to help identify the shortest and most efficient options.
Unfortunately, some operators may not follow the assigned routes, either by attempting shortcuts or choosing alternative paths they believe are better.
In the transportation industry, the term “engine hours” refers to the time the engine remains on. Sometimes, fuel consumption is mistakenly justified by the engine hours logged.
This may result from a gap in information between the planned time and the actual time the operator took to fulfill the order. If they don’t match, it’s likely that excess fuel was consumed.
Along the same lines, ensure that the GPS devices installed in the mixer trucks are working properly. Review the routes and check for missing data or location jumps. Ideally, use devices that can generate reports of the exact routes taken.
The goal of every concrete producer is to ensure that once the truck enters the batching area and is turned on, loading happens as quickly as possible. Less time, less diesel.
Start by planning and organizing the batching process: have the required concrete amount, materials, and correct loading sequence ready before the truck arrives.
If your conveyor belt or batching hopper already contains cement, water, and aggregates, you’ll save valuable time. It's best to rely on software that manages batching and mixing properly to avoid waste or quality issues.
You can implement improvements such as automating steps of the process or incorporating technology to speed up loading — like Arkik’s Suite.
There are clear signs when your truck’s engine is malfunctioning, and though losses may not be immediately obvious, they add up — and that's where your numbers may not balance.
According to Mobil, signs of potential engine issues include black or blue smoke emissions or improper air intake filtration. These problems can reduce your truck’s power or shorten engine lifespan.
The Batch module from Arkik’s Suite provides detailed monitoring of your concrete mixer trucks' diesel performance. Key benefits include:
Accurate diesel consumption validation: The Batch module logs diesel usage per hour, per kilometer, and per cubic meter of concrete delivered. This gives you a clear view of each truck’s performance and helps detect inefficiencies.
Analysis and reports: The software generates detailed reports and analytics on diesel consumption, helping you identify patterns, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. With this data, you can make informed decisions to effectively reduce diesel costs.
Start evaluating and reducing diesel expenses in your concrete mixer trucks to boost operational efficiency and profitability. Use the Batch module from our Suite to plan the most direct delivery routes and promote more sustainable practices in your company.
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