Online Exclusive: Fuel Saving Tips

Economy Mode

John Cofrin, senior field sales engineer for Navistar Engine Group, Melrose Park, Ill., a supplier to many shred truck manufacturers, says Navistar works closely with its automatic transmission supplier to ensure its “economy mode” shift schedules are tailored for International Trucks and MaxxForce engines.

In economy mode, the truck’s automatic transmission will perform shifts at lower engine speeds, Cofrin says, which can have a positive effect on fuel economy. 

“Vehicle testing has shown the International DuraStar trucks with 2007 (or newer) MaxxForce DT engines deliver up to 9 percent better fuel economy when compared to similar trucks with the previous generation DT466 engines,” he adds.

Driver’s habits have a direct effect on fuel economy. Scott Fasken, founder and vice president of operations for Colorado Document Security, Grand Junction, Colo., has some advice for those operators who are interested in improving their fuel economy.

“The No. 1 trick is: Don’t let them idle,” Fasken says of the factors affecting the fuel economy of a shred truck. He says his mechanic has advised him to shut the truck off if a stop is going to take longer than two minutes, adding that new starters will cost less in the long run than the fuel wasted through idling.

Fasken has come to appreciate the remote start feature on his shred trucks. While he says it took some time to get used to, the feature has saved his company time and money.

Slowing down is another way to increase fuel economy. “Pull your foot off the throttle and do 55 instead of 65,” Fasken says, adding that even a five mile reduction in speed will contribute to a drastic increase in fuel economy on the open road.

He also recommends using cruise control, even on roads where the speed limit is only 45 miles per hour, and avoiding braking and rapid accelerations.

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