Cargotec's cost-saving EcoDriving can be applied to terminal tractors, forklifts, container handlers and reach stackers.

Frugal driving techniques are among the cost-saving solutions Cargotec is introducing as part of its EcoService concept.

Jason Smith, Cargotec's director of product and concept development for service solutions, says the company is offering a range of "sustainable, practical and economical" service solutions as operating costs and environmental concerns become increasingly important to customers.

The first solution launched in the EcoService portfolio, EcoDriving, can be applied to Cargotec terminal tractors, forklifts, container handlers and reach stackers, as well as other makes.

In EcoDriving, Cargotec's Training Academy teaches best driving practices to customers' own operators, aiming to extend the lifecycle of equipment and minimise costs by curtailing equipment damage, reducing fuel consumption by up to 7% and lowering emissions.

Smith explains that EcoDriving reduces fuel consumption by teaching a range of frugal driving techniques, "key to which is the knowledge of how and when to apply the power of the engine at the correct stage of lifting or moving operation".

"The benefits are best realised by sustained knowledge acquired through the EcoDriving training, day upon day. Cargotec offers customers an optional follow-up programme to reinforce the lessons learned," he adds.

Cargotec claims the training syllabus has been created according to the highest standards in driver efficiency. Topics covered in the course include economical driving and lifting techniques, improving knowledge of RPM versus torque, interpreting information provided on the display and educating drivers on their impact on fuel consumption and emissions.

The course content can be tailored to a customer's needs, depending on the type of equipment, the operational environment and the number of trainees.

A calculator to estimate the cost savings a customer can expect from EcoDriving is available on Cargotec's Training Academy website: www.cargotec.com/cta.

Smith says other EcoService products will be launched in 2010. "EcoService products can be sold with new equipment but are designed to be used at any time in a vehicle's lifetime and many of the products have a universal-fit feature [so] whole fleets of many makes can benefit from [them]."

The soon-to-be-launched service and product solutions will focus on retrofit products, spare parts and service options to help customers "maintain costs and benefit from a sustainable concept".