Hiring a digger or dumper is often the quickest way to keep a project on schedule, but running costs can spiral if the machine guzzles diesel. Below is an updated guide, aimed specifically at hire customers, that sets out practical ways to cut fuel use without compromising productivity or safety. These Fuel-Saving tips when you hire a digger or dumper will definitely help with keeping those costs down!
Choosing the correct size and specification has the single biggest impact on consumption. A six‑tonne digger tasked with trenching a narrow utility run will burn far more fuel than a 1.5‑tonne mini excavator doing the same work. Match bucket capacity, dump height and breakout force to the task and, wherever possible, opt for the smallest machine that still gets the job done.
Quick win: Where you only need to shift sub‑base or spoil across a tight site, consider a tracked barrow rather than a road‑going 9‑tonne cabbed unit; it uses up to 40 % less fuel per hour. Where site access is tight, a tracked barrow can use around a third less fuel than a wheeled skip-loader by avoiding wheel-spin and reducing idle time.
Well‑maintained engines run cleaner and leaner. When you collect or have the machine delivered, check that:
Every unnecessary metre travelled is wasted litres. Before starting, map out:
Modern plant includes eco‑modes, auto‑idle and hydraulic flow settings, but they only save money if the operator knows how to use them. Five minutes’ familiarisation at the start of the hire pays dividends later in the week.
An idling 3‑tonne excavator can burn up to an eye‑watering 1.5 litres of fuel every 10 minutes. Encourage operators to:
Overloading a dumper forces the engine to work harder and increases tyre wear. Aim for an even, level load that sits just below the skip sides. On diggers, use the right bucket – a 300 mm trenching bucket digging footings is pure overkill.
If your hire machine has telematics fitted, ask the depot to give you access to the dashboard. You’ll be able to track:
Many hire fleets now run happily on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) or GTL (gas‑to‑liquid) fuels, both of which offer a small saving in litres per hour and a significant cut in CO₂. Always confirm compatibility with the hire company first.
Under‑inflated tyres add rolling resistance; slack tracks slip, wasting drive power. A quick morning walk‑round keeps things tight and efficient.
At the end of the shift, park on firm ground, lower all attachments, and turn the battery isolator off. A machine left in standby mode can drain the battery and trigger fuel‑hungry regen cycles the next day.
Fuel efficiency is about more than just saving money, it’s also about reducing wear and tear on equipment and minimising environmental impact. By following these tips, digger and dumper operators can optimise their fuel usage while ensuring smooth and cost-effective operations.
If you would like some advise or if you’re still unsure on which machine and accessories you require, contact us at Central Plant Hire to speak to us and get a quote tailored to your needs! We are dedicated to providing not only top-quality machinery but also the resources you need to operate them safely and effectively. We stock a range of modern, low-emission diggers and dumpers. Most models include auto-idle or ECO modes, and selected machines are fitted with CareTrack telematics – just ask our hire desk for access. Get in touch with Central Plant Hire at 01293 851 320 or via email at hire@centralplanthire.co.uk.
