John Deere and Hitachi have launched a Fuel Advantage Program that aims to reward lower fuel consumption, provides quarterly reports to help operators improve fuel efficiency, and incentivize users to work closely with their dealers.

The John Deere Fuel Advantage program is available for 47 pieces of construction equipment, while the Hitachi Fuel Advantage Program is available for 23 pieces of construction equipment.

Enrolled machines will earn a credit of $1 per gallon above target if the machine’s average annual fuel consumption exceeds the program’s target fuel consumption level. The target fuel consumption levels are set using telematics data from thousands of machines in multiple applications. Credits, if earned, will be provided at the end of the year for use at a local dealership, which can be used toward the purchase of parts, service, rental, or a new machine.

Another key component of the program is the ability to use a John Deere or Hitachi dealer as a consultant. Utilizing machine monitoring systems, quarterly reports will be e-mailed to enrolled customers. Dealers and customers are then encouraged to sit down together to review the telematics data and recommendations included in the reports and look for trends and opportunities to improve efficiency in the future. When fleets discuss the first report with their dealer within 60 days of receiving it, they will receive a code redeemable online for a $100 personal fuel card from the participating fuel retailer of their choice.

John Deere will use WorkSight telematics data while Hitachi will use ZXLink data to analyze fuel consumption level. Eligible machines must be purchased between Nov. 1 and Aug. 31, 2016. Machines are eligible for program benefits for three years or 5,000 hours from settlement.

"The launch of the Fuel Advantage program not only provides assured fuel consumption targets, but rewards our customers for meeting with their dealer. It’s about providing our customers confidence and peace of mind with their fuel efficiency,” said Liz Quinn, product marketing manager, John Deere WorkSight and Hitachi’s ZXLink telematics website.

Complimentary John Deere WorkSight telematics is available for a limited time for many machines.

For additional information, visit www.johndeere.com/fueladvantage or www.hitachifueladvantage.com or contact your local dealer.