Ibbetson Brothers, a farm and trucking operation in Yates Center, Kan., is realizing fuel saving and other benefits from its use of the Idle Smart idle reduction solution. The operation is installing Idle Smart in four trucks used to haul hay to dairies and feedlots, and other commodities in over-the-road specialized, flatbed and heavy haul transportation service.
“We’ve already seen a payback on our first Idle Smart unit,” said Rick Sievers, a driver for the company. “In the summer, we estimate we’re saving ten or more gallons per day, six days a week with Idle Smart compared to idling the truck. Even at 50 gal. per week in reduced fuel consumption, that can save us $200 weekly.
“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 added. “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 its first Idle Smart unit on a Volvo tractor, the company is purchasing three more for a 2006 Freightliner, a new Kenworth and a 2014 Freightliner. The company ran into a hurdle with the newest Freightliner because its design was different, but Idle Smart stayed on it. Idle Smart kept Ibbetson Brothers 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. 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. Fully customizable and password protected, programming temperature and timer settings with the Idle Smart solution is 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.”
