Tag: equipment maintenance: Page 3

Maintenance

How to choose a Computerized Maintenance Management System for your equipment fleet

Acquiring the best computerized maintenance management system for your fleet requires a detailed process and a lot of buy-in   Managing a heavy equipment fleet today without a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is like trying to run a NASCAR race in a Model T Ford. You can go around the track, but don’t expect to […]

February 13, 2017

Construction Equipment

Stihl launches three new pressure washers for commercial and industrial use

Keeping your machines clean is just good equipment management, and Stihl unveiled a new line of pressure washers at the World of Concrete to do just that. The Stihl RB 600 and RB 800 gasoline powered pressure washers are engineered for commercial and industrial jobs. The RB 700 uses a 7-horsepower engine and puts out […]

January 26, 2017

Business

How to use the P-F Curve to improve equipment maintenance and management

If you’re finally at the point where you realize poor maintenance practices cost you money (and good maintenance is well worth the money you invest in it), congratulations. You’re on the right path. But a lot of people struggle to move beyond the basic premise of “preventive maintenance.” For some, all PM entails is fluid […]

July 11, 2016

Technology

Caterpillar’s online fleet management quiz is quick way to get acquainted with telematics

Much of Caterpillar’s focus as of late, beyond its corporate focus of drastically reducing costs, has been on technology. Specifically, outfitting machines with more technology and sensors so that Cat customers are able to mine the most minute operation data possible from their equipment, and thus being able to make better decisions when it comes […]

December 4, 2015

Safety

Worker crushed, killed while servicing bulldozer in Florida

A worker for a Florida construction company was killed late last month while performing maintenance on a bulldozer. According to a report from the NBC 2, 21-year-old Joshua Caleb Alain was killed Oct. 27 when the dozer fell on top of him at EHC Inc. in North Naples. Police say Alain was working beneath the dozer, […]

November 18, 2015

Business

Low-viscosity oils are only the beginning; new EPA diesel fuel economy rules will significantly impact your future

Earlier in June, Shell Lubricants went into great detail telling journalists about how the soon-to-come, low-viscosity diesel lube oil category will help heavy duty trucks improve fuel economy by roughly one percent. And while a one percent improvement in fuel economy may not get those of you in the heavy construction business too excited, another […]

June 24, 2015

Oils & lubricants

New heavy-duty diesel oil standard: What you need to know

There’s a new heavy-duty diesel oil standard in the works. It will not be available until late next year or early 2017, but the performance requirements for it tell you a lot about where the diesel engine industry is headed. The industry periodically updates standards to address performance and emissions requirements from OEMs, says Sam […]

February 10, 2015

Construction Equipment

Cut operation costs by keeping lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids free of contaminants

In July, we showed the importance of keeping our weapon (grease gun) in good condition and using the proper gun. Now we’ll look at keeping the ammo (lubricant) clean and free of contaminants.  Machine owners are seeking ways to make their businesses more profitable. But you may be failing to recognize one of the most […]

October 1, 2014

Construction Equipment

9 things you must know to get a handle on DEF

“Why does it have to be this way? Why are we having to do one more thing?” Those are typically the first questions customers ask Heath Watton, regional manager for Southeastern Equipment, Cambridge, Ohio, when they’re told about Tier 4 Final engines and the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) they need to operate. The frustration is […]

September 1, 2014

Construction Equipment

Heavy equipment technicians should avoid “mechanical logic” when diagnosing electrical problems

Even the best mechanics and technicians tend to get brain freeze when faced with an electrical problem. Fleet managers and shop supervisors who get impatient with the lack of progress only make things worse. Why? Because mechanical work and electrical work are two different animals. “If you try to apply mechanical logic and thinking to […]

February 28, 2014

Maintenance

How to switch to extended life coolants in your equipment and trucks

When it comes to extended life coolants (ELCs), the news is all good. They’re more expensive than conventional coolants, but last for 500,000 miles or better in trucks and 6,000 hours or more in off-road equipment. And ELCs don’t plate out a mineral coating on the inside of your cooling system, so the heat exchange process […]

November 1, 2013

Construction Equipment

DEF Jam: Everything you need to know about buying and dispensing Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Ready or not, in the near future you will get to know – and have to manage – a relatively new fluid for your diesel engines. It’s called diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, and by a few brand names. Although the acquisition, storage and handling of DEF adds another layer of complexity to your fleet […]

August 1, 2013