BSM North America / Monday, November 22, 2021

How to Cut Emissions in Off-Highway Vehicles

According to the EPA, commercial and industrial sources were responsible for roughly thirty percent of the U.S.’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. That’s almost an entire third!

It’s no wonder that cutting emissions from off-highway vehicles is a pressing problem that’s of utmost concern to anyone who makes use of these powerful machines. But it’s not always easy going green – it often requires change, and change is not something that is always comfortable, especially when bottom lines are, well, on the line.

BSM North America, your Burnsville provider of custom steering columns, is here to help! Below, we’ll propose a few tips on how to cut emissions from your own fleet and do the environment a favor.

Consider Electrification

We’ve actually written a whole blog on this industry trend! Check it out: “Electric Off-Highway Vehicles: The Lowdown.”

There, you’ll find a few thoughts on implementation and the benefits of making the switch to them. But for this post, know that electric machines significantly cut down on your greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to their not relying on fuel.

Switching your fleet to use electricity instead of gas probably isn’t something that can be accomplished all at once, so take it step by step. You may also consider hybrid vehicles that borrow from both traditional technologies and electric ones to go greener without sacrificing power.

Maintenance Is Key

A vehicle that’s well-maintained works at is most efficient and burns less fuel, which, in turn, means less greenhouse gas.

No matter if it’s a forklift for a skidder, keeping its engine well-cared-for and its parts well-lubricated, as well as preventive maintenance, is key to going eco-conscious.

Maintenance isn’t just good for the environment, though; It also minimizes workflow disruptions and saves you cash in the long run. Talk about a no-brainer investment!

Make Traveling Efficient

The more a machine has to be in use, the more gas it will burn, obviously. While you can’t just stop using such equipment, you can make the time your team spends with it more efficient and meaningful.

For example, making sure the routes that are traveled are as short as possible and using the most efficient machine for the job at hand both can mean the work gets done faster and you go through less fuel.