Fuel price increases are not a new phenomenon – South Africans have been facing them for years. But the rate at which they’re currently increasing is alarming, and it’s having a knock-on effect for businesses and industries across the board. If you’re in the mining or construction industry and are looking for ways to save on operating costs ­– let’s be honest, who isn’t – Barloworld Equipment’s latest CAT® 966 GC Wheel Loader might be just the machine you’ve been waiting for.

Monthly figures released by the Automobile Association (AA) and based on fuel price data released by the Central Energy Fund reveal some interesting movements in fuel prices over the past decade. Ten years ago, South Africans were paying R10,77* per litre for Unleaded 95. Five years later, the price had risen to R13,05 per litre. Fast forward to 2021 and we’re now paying a staggering R19,54 per litre, a price hike of almost 50% in just five years. What’s even more startling, however, is how much the fuel price has increased this year alone, from R14,86 per litre in January to R19,54 per litre in November – an astonishing 31,4% increase. And the same trend holds true for Unleaded 93, which rose from R14,69 per litre in January to R19,32 per litre in November.

But what about diesel? The sharp upward trend evident with unleaded fuel continues in this category, with Diesel 50PPM increasing from R10,08 per litre in 2011 to R11,39 in 2016. From here it increased to R13,03 in January this year before jumping 32,2% to R17,23 in November.  

*All prices quoted are inland and accurate at time of going to print. Except where noted, all figures quoted are for the month of November.

Where fuel prices go from here is difficult to predict, given that they are primarily affected by the rand-dollar exchange rate and fluctuations in the cost of international petroleum products. But, given the data from the last 10 years, it’s fairly safe to assume that prices will continue on their current trajectory.

“That’s why fuel-efficiency is such a critical factor when choosing a wheel loader for your business. And that’s where the CAT® 966 GC really comes into its own. Thanks to a carefully balanced ratio of fuel input to production output, this medium-sized wheel loader is able to achieve superior fuel-efficiency without compromising on performance,” says Vasco Santos Executive Head: Construction, Rental & Used at Barloworld Equipment.

Let’s take a closer look at some of this versatile machine’s fuel-saving features.

Engine Idle Management System (EIMS)

The CAT® 966 GC includes an EIMS software system with four idle control settings – hibernate mode, work mode, low-voltage mode and warm-up mode – all designed to reduce idle RPM and fuel consumption in applications where significant periods of idling are required.

On-demand Fan

An electronically controlled, hydraulically driven, variable speed cooling fan adjusts to meet the varying cooling requirements of the machine. This results in a reduced average fan speed, which in turn leads to lower levels of fuel consumption, noise and radiator plugging.

Performance Series Buckets

The easy-to-load Performance Series Buckets on the CAT® 966 GC have been designed with a long floor, wide opening, and curved side plates to ensure that operators of all experience levels are consistently able to achieve 10 percent higher bucket-fill factors. The result? Improved cycle times and reduced fuel consumption.

Load Sensing Hydraulics

The load sensing hydraulic system produces flow and pressure for the implement system on demand and only in amounts necessary to perform the required work functions. This improves machine productivity, resulting in lower fuel consumption.

Ensuring that your machine is well maintained and running at optimal capacity is also crucial when it comes to ensuring fuel efficiency. Once again, the CAT® 966 GC delivers with a number of design features geared towards easy maintenance and serviceability.

• Ground access to most of the daily and scheduled maintenance points make it safe, easy, and efficient to service.
• Wide-opening gull-wing doors on the engine hood enable comfortable reach to all service points.
• Grease fittings for hard-to-reach pins are grouped conveniently for quick and easy preventive lubrication.
• An electrical service centre helps make servicing and in-field component exchange quick, easy, and efficient.
• A rear swing-up grill gives easy cleaning access to the cooling cores.
• Easy-to-remove hinged wheel guards offer wide access to all maintenance points as well as the engine compartment.

To find out more about the CAT® 966 GC from Barloworld Equipment and how you can add it to your fleet with easy monthly instalments, visit https://www.barloworld-equipment.com.

About Barloworld Equipment

As the sole distributor for CAT®️ earthmoving machines and related mining and construction equipment in southern Africa, we supply equipment that delivers the lowest total owning and operating cost over its lifetime. Equipment that is backed by a highly experienced team of experts with the knowledge you need to get the most out of your machines. As a company, we’re committed to upholding the highest safety standards and minimising our impact on the environment across our operational footprint. And with our successful track record that spans over 100 years, you can expect outstanding service and an effortless experience, every time.