Aggregates Manager

March 2014

Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine

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EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT 17 AGGREGATES MANAGER March 2014 Dozer health checklist As it relates to the rest of a dozer's operating systems, remain- ing consistent and adhering to recommended service schedules is important. One of the most important activities that a dozer operator can engage in on a daily basis is the "pre-flight check." Before starting the machine, the operator should look for the following: • Check all lines and components for water or oil leaks. • Check that all visible nuts and screws are tightened. • Check for structural damage that may have happened overnight or since the last operation. • Check the oil level, as well as the coolant level at the overflow tank. • Check for clogging or damage to the radiator. • Check the engine accessory drive belt condition. • Check that the air filter restriction warning light is not illumi- nated. • Check the fuel tank, DEF tank (on dozers with selective catalytic reduction technology), and hydraulic reservoir levels. • Check that the hydraulic oil is clean. • Check that all baery connections are properly tightened. • Check the condition of the blades, cuing edges, and the ripper points. • Lubricate all grease points. Severe conditions, such as water im- mersion, may require more frequent greasing. Once you start the engine, it is also important to observe how the machine is running before beginning full operation. Factors to monitor include: • Did the engine start correctly? Are the exhaust fumes normal? Are there any unusual sounds? • Check for abnormal noise on the hydraulic components. • Check for water, fuel, or oil leaks. • Check that the audible alarm devices, working lights, and wipers are in working order. • Check that all hydraulic circuits are functioning correctly. It may seem like a lot of work, but these checks take a relatively short amount of time and may help prevent a more significant problem that causes downtime. Other important intervals to moni- tor include the following (be sure to check your original equipment manufacturer manual for machine-specific recommendations): 50 Hours: Drain water and sediment from the fuel filter every 50 hours; more oen if conditions require or if fuel quality is poor. First 100 Hours: (Note: these are specific to the first 100 hours of operation and are not regularly scheduled intervals). • Change the engine oil and filter. • Change the hydraulic oil filters, • Change the fuel filter. • Clean in-line DEF supply filter. 500 Hours: • Engine oil and filter replacement. • Fuel filter replacement. • Check baery fluid level. 1,000 Hours: • Change the oil in the final drive and the planetary drive. • Drain condensation from the fuel tank. • Clean the fuel tank cap. • Replace the hydraulic reservoir breather. 1,500 Hours: • Clean in-line DEF supply filter. • Replace the drive belt. 2,000 Hours: • Replace hydraulic oil filter. • Drain, flush, and replace engine coolant. • Change the hydraulic/hydrostatic drive system oil and filters. • Clean the reservoir suction screen. • Replace the engine primary and secondary air filter. In many cases, your dealer may assist you with this work through a planned maintenance contract or other agreement, but keeping track of these items is critical. A telematics system — common now to many manufacturers — automatically keeps track of these intervals and can alert the owner to impending service needs. Deal- er service departments can also be granted access to the telematics system to help monitor and plan for maintenance. Boom line: the bookkeeping on maintenance intervals has got- ten much easier with the advent of these technologies and empow- ers the equipment managers to be proactive in ensuring optimal uptime and the profitability of your dozer, ultimately driving down your owning and operating costs. AM John Bauer is the brand marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment. Brad Stemper is Case Construction Equipment's solutions marketing manager.

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