Excavator fuel consumption can eat into your bottom line fast, but with the right approach, you can cut down on costs without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re running a single digger or managing a full fleet, smart fuel-saving techniques help keep your machines working efficiently and your fuel bill under control. Plus, with an excavator fuel consumption calculator, you can track exactly where your fuel is going and find ways to improve. Let’s talk about how you can get the most out of every drop.
But before you dive in, make sure to explore our range of excavator attachments – they could be just what you need to get the most out of your machinery.
Why Fuel Efficiency Should Be a Priority
Fuel is one of the biggest operating costs on a construction site, and with prices constantly shifting, keeping an eye on consumption is critical. Running inefficiently doesn’t just burn through more diesel—it puts unnecessary strain on your machines, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential breakdowns. Plus, with sustainability becoming a bigger focus across the industry, increasing your fuel economy is a win-win for both your budget and your environmental impact.
How to Reduce Excavator Fuel Consumption on Site
You don’t need a brand-new machine to improve fuel efficiency—just a few simple changes in how you operate and maintain your excavators can make a massive difference to your fuel consumption rate.
1. Cut Back on Idling
We’ve all seen it—machines left running while the operator takes a break, grabs materials, or waits for the next task. But excessive idling is a silent killer for fuel efficiency. Letting an excavator sit there burning diesel without doing any work is like throwing money out the window. Train your team to shut the engine off when it’s not in use, and if your machine has an auto-idle function, make sure it’s switched on.
2. Operate Smoothly and Avoid Overworking the Machine
Hard and fast movements might seem like the quickest way to get a job done, but they burn through fuel and put extra wear on your excavator. The smoother and more controlled the operation, the less strain on the hydraulics and engine. Encourage operators to ease into movements, avoid unnecessary revving, and work within the machine’s optimal power range when they’re operating heavy machinery.
3. Use the Right Power Mode
Most modern excavators come with multiple power modes, and running in high-power mode when it’s not needed is a guaranteed way to waste fuel. If your machine has an eco-mode, use it for lighter tasks—it’s designed to reduce fuel consumption without cutting performance.
4. Plan Your Worksite Layout
A poorly planned site leads to a lot of unnecessary movement, which means more fuel burned. If your excavator is constantly repositioning or tracking long distances between tasks, it’s costing you money. Taking the time to organise a more efficient workflow—like keeping materials close to the work area—can go a long way in reducing unnecessary fuel usage.
5. Keep Attachments Sharp and in Good Shape
Blunt bucket teeth or worn-out attachments make your excavator work harder than it should. If you’re digging with dull edges, your machine needs more power to break through material, which increases fuel consumption. Regularly inspecting and maintaining attachments ensures you’re not overworking your equipment unnecessarily.
Regular Maintenance: The Key to Fuel Savings
A well-maintained machine runs more efficiently—there’s no way around it. Even the best fuel-saving habits won’t do much if your excavator isn’t in top condition. Here are some regular maintenance tasks you can do to help reduce your fuel consumption.
1. Keep Filters Clean
Dirty air and fuel filters choke up the engine, forcing it to work harder and burn more fuel. Checking and replacing them regularly keeps everything running smoothly and helps maintain optimal fuel efficiency.
2. Monitor Track Tension and Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres or loose tracks create unnecessary drag, making your excavator work harder to move. Regular checks on track tension and tyre pressure help reduce rolling resistance and improve overall efficiency.
3. Stay on Top of Hydraulic System Maintenance
Your excavator’s hydraulic system plays a big role in how efficiently it runs. Low hydraulic fluid levels, leaks, or contamination force the system to work harder, increasing fuel use. Regular inspections can catch issues early before they start draining your efficiency.
How to Track Fuel Use with an Excavator Fuel Consumption Calculator
Want to see where your fuel is really going? An excavator fuel consumption calculator can give you a clear picture of your fuel efficiency. It’s a simple tool that helps track usage and identify areas for improvement.
Here’s how to calculate your fuel consumption:
1. Track Fuel Usage – Log how much fuel your excavator uses over a set period (e.g., per day or per project).
2. Record Machine Hours – Note how many hours the machine was running.
3. Do the Maths – Divide the total fuel used by the hours worked to get an average consumption rate (litres per hour).
This data helps you spot patterns, make informed decisions, and adjust operations to get better efficiency. Many modern excavators also have built-in telematics that automatically track fuel use, making it even easier to keep an eye on consumption.
Trust Hogan Engineering for Australia’s Best Excavator Attachments
Cutting down on excavator fuel consumption isn’t about slowing down the job—it’s about working smarter. A few small changes to how you operate, maintain, and plan your worksite can lead to serious savings over time. And with an excavator fuel consumption calculator, you can track your improvements and make sure every litre of fuel is working as hard as possible.
At Hogan Engineering, we’ve been helping businesses and operators of all shapes and sizes get the most out of their machines for decades. With an extensive range of excavator attachments, as well as the ability to customise attachments to your specific needs, we make it easy to get the most out of your machines. Contact us today to discuss your needs with a member of our team!
