How companies are saving fuel and improving crane operations with Engine Control

Fuel costs, stricter emissions regulations, and the need for efficient operations are challenges many transport and lifting companies face today.

For businesses operating loader cranes every day, even small improvements in efficiency can make a significant difference over time. That’s why more companies are turning to intelligent solutions like Hiab’s Engine Control solution.

Instead of running the truck engine at a constant high RPM during crane work, the solution automatically adjusts engine speed based on the crane’s actual power demand. The engine runs only when needed and only at the level required for the task.

The result: lower fuel consumption, less noise, and smoother crane operation.

But what does this look like in real daily work?

To find out, we spoke with companies already using the solution.

Real experiences from crane operators and transport companies

Three professionals shared their experience working with Engine Control:

• Kalle Björklund from AMK Transport
• Magnus Fureskog from Kran & Transport
• Andreas Gustafsson from A. Gustafsson Lyft & Transport

Each of them uses loader cranes regularly in demanding day-to-day operations.

Their feedback highlights how intelligent engine management can improve both business performance and the operator experience.

A smarter way to manage engine power

Traditional crane operations often require the truck engine to run at high RPM while the crane is in use.

Engine Control changes that approach.

The solution continuously matches engine performance to the crane’s hydraulic demand. When the crane needs more power, the engine automatically delivers it. When less power is needed, the RPM is reduced accordingly.

Two key features make this possible:

Automatic Start/Stop

The engine shuts down automatically when the crane is inactive and restarts instantly when work resumes.

Dynamic RPM Control

Engine speed adjusts in real time to match the power needed for each crane movement.

Together, these functions help eliminate unnecessary idling and excessive engine revving.

Lower fuel consumption during crane operations

Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for many fleets.

By reducing unnecessary engine load, Engine Control can significantly improve fuel efficiency during crane work. In some operating conditions, diesel consumption can be reduced by up to 40%.

For transport companies performing multiple lifts each day, these savings quickly add up over time.

Lower fuel consumption also means fewer emissions, helping companies meet increasingly strict environmental requirements.

A quieter and more comfortable working environment

Operators in the video also highlight another important benefit: less noise.

Because the engine does not run at constant high RPM, overall noise levels are reduced. This creates a calmer working environment and makes communication between operators and ground crew easier.

Lower noise levels can also be an advantage when working in:

• residential areas
• urban job sites
• locations with strict noise limits

Less stress on the engine and longer service life

Running an engine at unnecessarily high RPM places additional mechanical stress on components.

By keeping engine speed closer to the actual power demand, Engine Control helps reduce wear and tear on the truck engine.

For fleet managers, this can contribute to:

• longer service intervals
• lower maintenance costs
• improved overall equipment lifespan

Small change, big impact

What stands out most in the customer testimonials is how simple the solution feels to use.

Operators don’t need to change their workflow or manage engine settings manually. The solution works automatically in the background, adjusting engine power throughout the lifting cycle.

For companies looking to reduce operating costs while improving working conditions, solutions like Engine Control show how smart technology can make a real difference in everyday operations.