How much do you need?
The amount of DEF consumed by your vehicles
or equipment will vary depending on the size
of truck or engine you're running, how the engine is configured, and the load you put on it.
The consumption ratio of DEF to diesel fuel
is about 2 to 3 percent for on-road, Class 8
vehicles, says Ed Wells, director of sales for the
Air 1 division of Yara. Off road machines that
use a full SCR system may consume DEF at a
rate of 8 to 10 percent of fuel burned, to help
control the NOx.
Heavy highway trucks typically have to fill up
their DEF reservoir every third tank of diesel.
Diesel pickup trucks and vehicles can usually
get by with refilling the DEF reservoir every
oil change. On heavy equipment, there are too
many variables to give a ballpark figure. Load
factors and idle time play a big role here.
But it is important to get an estimate and make
sure you have enough on hand. If the DEF reservoir on one of your machines or trucks runs
dry, the engine will derate or shut down.
"If you're running a fleet and it's under 10
Bulk containers of DEF will be necessary in shops servicing
fleets and equipment with advanced emissions engines.
EquipmentWorld.com | August 2013 25
