Tips For Improvement

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU

3 Steps
to Limiting IDLE TIME
1 Turn it off at lunch and breaks
2 Avoid idling more than 5 minutes
3 Limit cool down periods to 3 minutes
Idling Shortens Engine Life
Diesel engines are designed to operate best
at operating temperatures
At Idle
 Cylinder temperature drops leading to incomplete combustion
 Carbon builds on valves, head, rings, and pistons
 Lower combustion pressures allow blow by and contribute to oil
degradation

According to the IDEM*, “Running an

engine at low speed (idling) causes
twice the wear on internal parts compared to normal use”

*Indiana Department of Environmental Management

IDLING IS COSTLY
How Much Does
1 Hour of IDLE TIME Cost*?
For a 20 T Excavator:

*Indiana Department of Environmental Management

 IT’S A
Idling Born of Necessity …
But No Longer NECESSARY
Origins of the “let it idle” practice
The early diesel environment
- Heavy rotating masses
- Mechanically controlled injection
- Pre-combustion chambers
- Thicker oils
- Cheap fuel
- Unreliable starters and batteries
- Fuel gelling in cold weather
- Inefficient cab heating / cooling systems
= Need to let it run, little trust in restarting
NEW DAY
Reasons to change behavior
The modern diesel environment
+ Lighter / stronger rotating masses
+ State-of-the-art electronic fuel systems
+ More robust batteries
+ Premium multi-viscosity oils
+ Expensive fuel
+ Advanced / reliable starters
+ Summer and winter blend fuels
+ Vastly improved heating and cooling systems
= No need for “convenience” idling
NEXT STEPS IN OPERATING
EFFICIENCY
1 Work the machines, they’re built to work

2 Use economy “E” mode, whenever possible

3 Reduce high speed travel (track machines)

4 Avoid operating at hydraulic relief

5 Eliminate wheel spin

6 Minimize non-productive movement

Measure your Progress

Fleet Idle Percentage

35%

32%

29%

26%

23%

20%
June July August September October November December
For more Information

Direct your questions to noidling@komatsuna.com