Aggregates Manager

December 2013

Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine

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EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT codes, as well as hours, fuel, idle time, and other detailed information to a secure web-based application, VisionLink. VisionLink includes powerful tools to convey information to managers. Regardless of who is conducting inspections and monitoring machine health, truck systems and components require regular routine maintenance to work optimally and to achieve their design lives. Here's an overview of maintenance recommendations for key systems. Oils and scheduled sampling Regular sampling and analysis of oils in major truck systems, such as the engine crankcase, torque converter and transmission, differential and final drives, steering system, and front wheels, is recommended. Monitoring the condition of these oils helps establish appropriate change intervals and helps identify problems before they lead to mechanical failures. Fluids analysis is an integral part of machine health monitoring and machine management. Such a program can significantly lower operating costs and increase mechanical availability of your trucks. Consult your O&M manual to determine the appropriate oil sampling intervals for the systems noted. For example, we recommend every 500 service hours. Of course, those oil levels should be checked every operating day as part of the pre-shift inspection, and trucks have a number of bearings that must be lubricated every 50 operating hours or weekly, at the least. Recommended oil change intervals for different systems are available in the O&M manual and can be adjusted based on results of oil analyses. Using clean oil, and keeping it clean through proper maintenance procedures, is another key to getting long, reliable life from truck components. Similarly, clean fuel improves the life and efficiency of engine fuel systems, and clean hydraulic oil adds life and helps maintain efficiency of hydraulic components. Data from mines around the world have shown that thorough contamination control procedures result in lower costs. It's worth taking a look at the way The operator's pre-shift inspection includes checking oil levels in all components. 14 AGGREGATES MANAGER December 2013 your maintenance department handles oils, fuel, and maintenance procedures. Cleaning up the shop and the lube and fuel trucks, and adding appropriate filters and tank breathers may provide a big return on a low investment. Most of the newest quarry trucks sold in North America have engines designed to meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 emissions requirements. To accommodate the aftertreatment devices, these engines require the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and low ash engine oil. Some Tier 4 trucks have additional maintenance requirements. Check for changes in the O&M manuals of your new trucks. Truck operators get machine health reports inside the cab via electronic displays. Fluids sampling and comprehensive laboratory analysis can identify developing problems before they result in component failures. Coolant A coolant level check should be performed daily or as part of the walk-around inspection before operation. A sight gauge enables the operator to check coolant levels on most trucks. If the coolant level is low, follow the directions for adding coolant in the O&M manual. Always add the same coolant type that is in the truck. Mixing different types can reduce effectiveness of the coolant and can shorten the coolant life. Coolant sampling and analysis is recommended every 500 operating hours to help maintain appropriate levels of coolant additives. In addition to freeze protection, the antifreeze additives protect against corrosion and effectively raise the boiling point of the coolant, which reduces cylinder liner pitting. Extended

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