THE IMPACT OF ENERGY COSTS ON MOBILE EQUIPMENT DESIGN

Fuel costs, which rise at a much faster rate than initial and repair/maintenance costs, are becoming a major factor in mobile equipment purchase decisions. The directly proportional relationship between fuel consumption and horsepower output is emphasized; reduced engine load will decrease the amount of fuel required. The cost of power consumed by a gasoline or diesel engine is identified as $500 per hp over a 10,000 hr. life; major consideration must now be given to the energy cost per unit of work as a basic design criterion. Specific areas are outlined in which mobile equipment can be designed for better fuel economy: engines and drivelines, hydraulic systems and components, lubrication, tires, cutting edges, continuously turning components (e.g.fans), weight, basic function, and electrical circuits. Horsepower in terms of hydraulic power is examined by comparing the overall efficiency and cost of two gear pumps. Implications of higher fuel costs on mobile equipment designers and sales/marketing personnel are addressed.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at SAE International Off-Highway Meeting and Exposition, Milwaukee, 8-11 September 1980. Also published in HS-030 339 (SAE-SP-469), "Energy Saving Ideas for Mobile Equipment Designers," Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 1980, pp 1-5.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Nielson, R
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Pagination: 5 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Costs; Design; Energy consumption; Fuel consumption; Horsepower; Marketing; Portable equipment; Purchasing; Sales
• Uncontrolled Terms: Mobile equipment
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Finance; Freight Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00380644
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 800990, HS-030 340
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 1984 12:00AM