Fuel is a major expense component of operating off-road machines, so finding ways to reduce machine fuel consumption can affect overall machine operating cost. FPInnovations measured the effect that a 5% change in grade had on the fuel consumption of a skidder, and also compared the fuel consumption of the skidder when its grapple carried the loads at various heights. Analysis of the test results allowed FPInnovations to recommend several fuel-saving practices that machine owners can utilize to optimize machine performance.