Fuel efficiency is a key concern for businesses operating in the earthmoving sector, particularly in South Africa, where fluctuating fuel prices and high operational costs put pressure on profitability. Capital Equipment News’ Juanita Pienaar spoke with Johann Viljoen, National Sales Manager at Develon South Africa, about how Develon’s range of wheel loaders is designed to maximise fuel savings without compromising performance.
The critical role of fuel efficiency
According to Viljoen, fuel consumption is one of the largest operational expenses in earthmoving equipment. “As industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture face growing pressure to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and meet stringent regulatory requirements, the focus on optimising fuel usage has become increasingly important,” he explains.
Earthmoving equipment is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, primarily due to diesel combustion. Enhancing fuel efficiency not only helps businesses cut costs but also plays a crucial role in reducing their environmental footprint. “Equipment owners who prioritise fuel efficiency achieve substantial cost savings over the lifecycle of their machines, particularly in large-scale operations, where marginal gains translate into significant financial benefits,” Viljoen adds.
Develon’s competitive edge in fuel efficiency
Develon has built a reputation for engineering fuel-efficient machines that rival industry competitors. The company’s wheel loaders, including the DL320A-7M, DL420A-7M, DL420-2, and DL550 models, incorporate cutting-edge technology to optimise fuel consumption.
“Our wheel loaders feature advanced powertrains, load-sensing hydraulics, and intelligent fuel management systems that enhance efficiency,” Viljoen states. “These machines are designed to help customers achieve lower fuel consumption without sacrificing power and productivity.”
A key differentiator is the integration of high-performance engines, such as Scania and Doosan models. These models which offer common rail fuel injection that enhances combustion efficiency for reduced fuel consumption, optimised turbocharging that provides power on demand without excessive fuel burn, and electronic engine control that adjusts fuel delivery in real time to match workload requirements.
Intelligent features for greater efficiency
Develon’s wheel loaders come equipped with an array of features that help minimise unnecessary fuel consumption. These include automatic idle and auto shutdown, which reduces fuel burn during inactivity; variable speed cooling fans that adjust their speed based on engine temperature, lowering power draw and fuel usage; and load-sensing hydraulic systems that deliver hydraulic power only when needed, improving efficiency and minimising wasted energy.
According to Viljoen, these features collectively enhance fuel efficiency, helping operators achieve cost savings while reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
Real-world savings: A case study
Develon wheel loaders have already demonstrated their fuel-saving capabilities in real-world applications. “Several South African mining and construction companies have reported significant reductions in fuel costs after switching to Develon loaders,” Viljoen shares.
One example is a quarrying operation in Gauteng that replaced older machines with the DL420A-7M. “By leveraging improved hydraulic efficiency and intelligent power management, they achieved a 15% reduction in fuel consumption,” he reveals.
Best practices to maximise fuel efficiency
While Develon’s technology plays a crucial role in reducing fuel consumption, operator habits also have a significant impact. Viljoen emphasises that avoiding excessive idling is essential, and operators should utilise the auto-idle and shutdown feature to prevent unnecessary fuel waste.
Running machines at unnecessarily high RPMs increases fuel consumption, so maintaining optimal RPMs is critical for efficiency. Selecting the correct bucket size is another key factor, as overloading leads to inefficiency and excessive fuel use.
Additionally, ensuring proper tyre pressure minimises rolling resistance and contributes to fuel savings. Finally, operators should adopt smooth operating techniques, avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, which can cause spikes in fuel usage.
The Role of maintenance in fuel efficiency
Regular servicing is another vital component in maintaining optimal fuel consumption. “Proper maintenance ensures that key fuel-saving components, such as the engine, cooling system, and hydraulic systems, function at their best,” Viljoen notes.
Scheduled maintenance with genuine Develon parts and lubricants prevents inefficiencies such as clogged filters, inefficient combustion, and excessive power loss. “Poor maintenance can lead to increased fuel consumption, but with routine servicing, operators can keep their machines running at peak efficiency,” he adds.
Harnessing telematics for smarter fuel management
Develon’s commitment to fuel efficiency extends beyond hardware—it also includes data-driven insights. The DevelonCONNECT Telematics System allows fleet managers to monitor and optimise fuel usage in real time.
“Telematics provides insights into fuel burn rates, idle time, engine load, and operational efficiency,” explains Viljoen. “By identifying inefficiencies, such as excessive idling or harsh operating habits, businesses can take corrective actions to improve fuel savings.”
According to Viljoen, companies using Develon telematics have reported fuel cost reductions of up to 10-15%, making a tangible difference in overall profitability.
Industry trends and future innovation
Fuel efficiency is becoming an increasingly important factor in equipment selection. “Businesses across mining, construction, and quarrying are prioritising fuel-efficient machines due to rising fuel costs and tighter environmental regulations,” Viljoen says. “We are seeing a greater trend where equipment manufacturers and owners are implementing strategies to enhance fuel efficiency, recognising its impact on operational costs and sustainability.”
Develon remains committed to innovation in fuel economy. Future developments include advanced hybrid powertrains designed to deliver even greater fuel savings, enabling machines to operate more efficiently while reducing emissions. The company is also focusing on more refined telematics integration, allowing for enhanced real-time fuel management and data-driven decision-making.
Additionally, Develon is investing in enhanced hydraulic systems that minimise power loss and further optimise fuel consumption, ensuring that its machines remain at the forefront of efficiency advancements.
Aligning with sustainability goals
As environmental regulations become more stringent, fuel-efficient equipment is crucial in reducing carbon emissions. “Develon loaders, such as the DL420A-7M and DL550, comply with global emissions standards by integrating fuel-efficient engines that lower CO₂ output,” Viljoen highlights.
To further reduce its carbon footprint, Develon is actively developing alternative fuel-compatible engines and improving energy recovery systems. “We are investing in next-generation fuel-saving technology to ensure businesses in South Africa can operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental impact,” he concludes.
Final thoughts
Fuel efficiency in earthmoving equipment is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Develon’s wheel loaders are at the forefront of this shift, offering innovative solutions that reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainability efforts.
With advanced engine technology, intelligent fuel management systems, and robust telematics solutions, Develon ensures that businesses in the construction, mining, and quarrying industries have the tools they need to maximise fuel savings without compromising on performance.
