For anyone operating an excavator, fuel costs are a significant portion of daily expenses beyond regular maintenance. Do you feel that slight pinch every time you refuel? Since refueling is unavoidable, mastering fuelsaving techniques can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to help reduce your excavator's fuel consumption. 

1. Optimize Loading Position

When loading materials, position the excavator higher than the truck and ensure the truck is on the same level as the work surface. 

Why it works: Similar to handing something to someone on a chair—it’s less effort. The less effort the excavator exerts, the lower the fuel consumption. 

2. Utilize Optimal Cylinder Angles

Maximize the power of your cylinders by ensuring:  The bucket cylinder and link are at a 90° angle.  The arm cylinder and boom are also at a 90° angle. 

Why it works: Like digging with your hands, a direct approach is the most efficient. 

3. Adjust Digging Angles

For natural ground digging, maintain the bucket or ripper at about a 30° angle and retract the arm. Maximum arm power occurs when it’s nearly vertical, allowing for heavier loads. 

Why it works: Think about lifting with bent arms versus straight arms—bent is easier and uses less energy. 

4. Avoid Fully Extending the Arm

Start digging with the arm at about 80% of its maximum reach. 

Why it works: At full extension, the arm's digging power is reduced, making excavation less efficient. 

5. Keep Swing Angles Within 30°–45°

When loading trucks, limit the swing angle to no more than 60°. Smaller angles mean faster rotation, higher productivity, and lower fuel consumption.

6. Align Tracks for Continuous Digging

During continuous excavation, position the undercarriage facing forward to move immediately after digging. Changing directions later consumes additional fuel. 

7. Efficient Trench Digging

Excavate the sides of a trench before tackling the middle. 

Why it works: This reduces resistance when digging the center, saving both effort and fuel. 

8. Use Economy Mode and AutoIdle

Set the engine throttle to economy mode and enable autoidle. During excavation, let the engine idle when not actively digging. 

9. Dig in Layers

For deeper excavations, dig in layers (top, middle, bottom) rather than from the bottom to the top. 

Why it works: A wider digging range reduces power and efficiency, increasing fuel usage. 

Even experienced operators may overlook these small adjustments. By adopting these fuelsaving habits, you’ll not only reduce costs but also extend the longevity of your machine. Over time, these savings add up significantly!