The parameters low gear, excess engine rotation over 2,000 rpm, neutral gear and speed superior to 80 km/h were evaluated to monitor fuel consumption of two wood transporters (A and B) using data from a board computer installed on a Mercedes-Benz, LS 2638 model. Low gear increased fuel consumption cost by R$ 19,164.50 (91.32%) and R$ 17,449.61 (99.09%) per month, since, on average, the vehicle engines functioned about 24.47% and 25.79% of the running time for the transporters A and B, respectively. Excess engine rotation also increased fuel consumption cost by R$ 69.45 (0.33%) and R$ 155.62 (0.88%) for the transporters A and B, respectively. Neutral Gear contributed to fuel consumption cost of R$ 1,751.73 (8.35%) and R$ 4.80 (0.03%), respectively, for transporters A and B. The methodology used is specific for the OM 457 LA engine, but it could be used in other studies, provided some adaptation is made; low gear had the highest fuel consumption in wood transport followed by neutral gear and excess engine rotation. Significant fuel consumption reduction is possible in wood transport in relation to low gear, due to the long waiting time (loading, unloading, lines, and mandatory stops) Neutral gear and excess vehicle speed do not save fuel and compromise safety. Engine rotations superior to 2,000 rpm waste fuel. The ideal maximum rotation point for vehicle engine was about 1,700 rpm. A few teams were accounted responsible for the high number of driving violations. The lack of trained drivers contributed to fuel consumption increase. Compliance to economic driving norms has contributed to fuel cost reduction.
Fuel consumption; wood transport; Tritrem
