5 simple steps to reduce fuel consumption during the cold season

Fuel consumption increases in winter, but many losses can be avoided!

During the cold season, machines are exposed to additional strain: engines take longer to reach their optimal operating temperature, oils become more viscous, and idling time tends to increase.
However, a significant part of the additional fuel consumption is not an unavoidable consequence of winter conditions, but rather the result of daily operating habits.

With just a few simple adjustments, you can save hundreds of litres of fuel every year and extend the service life of key components on your Komatsu machines.

1. Avoid unnecessary idling during breaks

An engine left running at idle continues to consume fuel, even when the machine is not performing any work.

➡ One hour of idling per day can result in up to 990 litres of diesel consumed per year.

Practical recommendation:

switch off the engine during longer breaks;
activate the auto-deceleration function, available as standard on most Komatsu machines.

This function automatically reduces engine speed when the control lever remains in neutral for a few seconds – a simple and effective way to save fuel and reduce wear.

2. Use Economic Mode (E Mode)

For light-duty tasks or precision work, Economic Mode is one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency.

In E Mode:

the machine uses approximately 85% of the engine’s total power,
while fuel consumption and noise levels are significantly reduced.

E Mode is recommended for:

light loading operations,
fine grading,
applications without high hydraulic demand.

Over time, the cost difference becomes noticeable – especially during winter, when every litre counts.

3. Optimize your loading cycle: less movement, more efficiency

Every second of travel and every extra degree of swing angle translates directly into additional fuel consumption.

Productivity studies show that:

a V-shaped loading pattern with a swing angle of approximately 30°,
and a travel distance of around 0.8 times the machine length,

represents an optimal balance between productivity and fuel efficiency.

Simple best practices:

keep the machine as close as possible to the dump truck,
limit unnecessary rotations,
maintain a smooth and continuous working cycle.

Even small operational details can significantly reduce daily fuel consumption.

4. Avoid wheel slip

Wheel slip is a clear sign of wasted energy.

During loading operations, if the operator pushes the bucket too aggressively into the material, the wheels may start slipping and part of the available power is lost.

Solution:

slightly lift the bucket before entering the pile,
apply throttle progressively.

Smooth, controlled operation reduces tyre wear, lowers fuel consumption and protects the driveline.

In addition, regularly check tyre pressure.
Under-inflated tyres can increase rolling resistance by up to 15%, which can lead to an equivalent increase in fuel consumption.

5. Reduce travel speed whenever possible

Higher travel speed means higher engine revs and higher fuel consumption.
When there is no strict time pressure, a slower and more consistent travel speed is far more efficient than repeated acceleration and braking.

For dump trucks, best practice is to: