An idle reduction solution from Idle Smart is being used with positive results by a Kansas fleet, Idle Smart said.
Ibbetson Brothers, Yates Center, KS, operation hauling hay to dairies and feedlots, installed the solution in four trucks. According to Rick Sievers, a driver with the company, the fleet is seeing a fuel savings of 10 gals. or more per day on each truck.
“Along with fuel savings, Idle Smart also eliminates any cost for maintenance on an APU, doesn’t add weight to the vehicle, and it’s very simple to program and use,” Sievers said. “You just turn it on and go, and any issue with noise when the engine starts is more about the engine. In some trucks you don’t even notice.
“Based on the performance of our first Idle Smart unit on a Volvo tractor we’re purchasing three more for a 2006 Freightliner, a new Kenworth, and a 2014 Freightliner,” Sievers added. “We ran into a hurdle with the newest Freightliner because its design was different, but Idle Smart stayed on it. They kept us informed as they addressed the issue, and quickly made sure it would work correctly.”
One of the newest features of Idle Smart is a design that enables the solution to be implemented more easily on every 2007 and newer truck make and model, and it can be easily moved to new vehicles in the fleet, the firm said. Additionally, Idle Smart Fuel Optimization software now utilizes a new algorithm that determines when to automatically turn off the unit, saving unnecessary idling if the system is left on when the driver is not in the vehicle.
Idle Smart continuously monitors interior and ambient temperatures and starts and stops a vehicle to maintain desired cabin temperature and reduce fuel consumption. The system is fully customizable and password protected. Programming temperature and timer settings is also easily accomplished using the unit’s intuitive display and menu driven format.
“We’re hearing from more customers like Ibbetson Bros. about the value they are receiving from their investment in Idle Smart,” said Ryan Bennett vice president-product and marketing. “Many of our latest enhancements are the result of feedback from fleets and drivers who are using Idle Smart to realize a reduction of up to 70% from our fuel saving solution.”
