V-BELT 0372448 - Caterpillar

Fuel is the largest single operating cost of today's trucking industry. Improved fuel economy can have a substantial impact on operating profit. The most significant factors that influence vehicle fuel economy are: * Driver techniques* Vehicle efficiency* Operating Conditions* Engine efficiencyRefer to "Driving Techniques for Maximum Fuel Economy," Form LEDT5092 for more information.Driver Techniques
The manner in which a vehicle is driven can have a dramatic effect on fuel consumption. Operators can maximize fuel economy and engine life by practicing the techniques of using minimum power and low engine rpm. The following tips can optimize fuel economy by making maximum use of the potential efficiency of the engine and vehicle.The "gear fast/run slow" concept is new to many in the trucking industry, but not to Caterpillar. Caterpillar engines are designed to operate at lower engine rpm (speed) and have demonstrated excellent fuel savings and longer service life when operated in this manner.Starting Out
This truck engine does not require long warm-up times that waste fuel. It takes just a few minutes in the summer and a bit longer in the winter to warm up the engine. The time it takes to conduct the required walk-around-inspection, pretrip inspection of checking lights, tires, etc., is enough warm-up time.Before start up, check all engine fluid levels, belts, hoses, and wiring harnesses. Simple checks can catch problems early and prevent costly highway breakdowns.Before engaging the starter, always depress the clutch to remove the transmission drag from the engine. In cold weather, depressing the clutch can make the difference between starting and not starting the engine.In warm weather, depressing the clutch produces faster starts and reduces battery drain. After starting, check for engine oil pressure and let the engine idle at less than 1000 rpm.A load can be applied to the engine after normal oil pressure is reached and the water temperature gauge begins to rise. To get the vehicle in motion, use a gear that will result in a smooth, easy start without increasing engine speed above low idle or slipping the clutch. Engage the clutch smoothly. Interrupted and jerky clutch engagement puts stress on the drive train and wastes fuel.Keep engine rpm (speed) at a minimum. Use just enough rpm to pick up the next gear. This technique is called progressive shifting. It can improve fuel consumption and will not harm the engine.Progressive Shifting
Drive Line efficiency is best in the low to mid rpm range (1100-1600 rpm) of the engine due to reduced frictional losses of the engine, transmission and rear axles. When accelerating under normal level road conditions, the engine should be operated in this most efficient rpm range by using only enough power to pick up the next higher gear. This technique of upshifting at the lowest possible rpm is called progressive shifting.Progressive shifting also reduces the time to accelerate to the desired vehicle speed. Top gear is reached sooner because engine rpm does not have to fall off as far to synchronize the gears of the transmission. The key to