Rokbak Haul Track promotes better fuel efficiency
Top tips for leveraging telemetry insights to reduce impact of fuel on running costs and carbon footprint
EVERY drop of fuel matters when it comes to running a quarry, which is why the Rokbak Haul Track telematics system is not just about collecting data – it is about using it to make job sites more efficient, more cost-effective, and produce fewer CO2 emissions.
In this article, Rokbak customer support manager Garry Moore, who has worked with articulated dumptrucks (ADTs) for nearly two decades, shares seven top tips to help cut fuel costs, reduce environmental impact, and keep operations running smoothly.
1. Staying on top of maintenance keeps engines efficient
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, using less fuel and producing fewer emissions. Haul Track helps you stay informed of key health indicators and address issues such as clogged air filters or inefficient fuel injection to prevent engines from overworking unnecessarily and wasting fuel. Acting on the machine alert and service reminder notifications Haul Track sends to your designated email account ensures your ADTs perform at their best, keeping fuel consumption to a minimum.
2. Idling data highlights loading and hauling unit mismatches
Fuel is not being used efficiently when your ADTs are sitting in a queue waiting for the loading unit to be ready. Idling times combined with the GPS location data can help you spot these inefficiencies and address them by making changes to your fleet, which could include changing the size and capacities of both your loading and hauling units. With fewer delays, you can minimize wasted fuel and unnecessary CO2 emissions, while maximizing productivity.
3. On-Board Weigh eliminates wasteful underloading
Underloading trucks might seem harmless, but it means operators making more trips to meet material movement targets, leading to lower productivity, higher fuel consumption, and greater machine wear and tear. The Rokbak On-Board Weigh system, integrated with Haul Track, provides live payload data so that operators can ensure their trucks are carrying the optimal load every time. This real-time feedback keeps operators efficient and helps you hit your target tonnes per hour production, without wasting fuel.
4. GPS data provide insights to optimize site layout
Long haul roads and bottlenecks on site eat into fuel efficiency. Haul Track telematics gives you the tools to analyse your fleet’s movements, regardless of the brand of equipment you are using. By coupling GPS data with reports on idle time and fuel consumption, you can identify problem areas and optimize haul road lengths, routes and flow. Shorter, more efficient routes mean lower fuel bills, lower environmental impact, and less machine wear.
5. Fuel consumption data and operator behaviour alerts flag opportunities for training
Did you know that excessive acceleration, harsh braking, and inconsistent driving habits can cause significant variations in fuel use? Haul Track telematics allow you to compare fuel consumption across units performing the same tasks. If one hauler is using noticeably more fuel, it could be a sign that additional operator training could help. It is not about pointing fingers, rather helping everyone perform at their best. By identifying habits such as harsh braking or unnecessary idling, you can provide targeted training that makes a big difference to fuel efficiency.
6. Maximize efficiency and tyre life with Haul Track guidance
Maintaining the correct tyre inflation pressure on Rokbak articulated haulers is crucial for optimal performance and efficiency. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and results in higher fuel consumption, excessive tyre wear, and reduced machine stability. Haul Track helps prevent these issues by continuously monitoring tyre pressures in real time, allowing operators and fleet managers to quickly identify and correct low-pressure conditions, maximizing fuel efficiency, prolonging tyre life, and keeping operations running smoothly.
7. Accurate data enable effective benchmarking and goal setting
Haul Track telematics data allow you to set performance benchmarks for fuel efficiency and measure progress over time. Operators and site managers can work toward realistic targets, with clear feedback on their performance. By regularly reviewing this data, you can spot trends, make informed decisions, and motivate your team to continuously improve.
Fuel efficiency is all about working smarter. Rokbak Haul Track telematics deliver actionable insights that help you make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement for the sake of your bottom line and the environment.
