Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/891178
AGGREGATES MANAGER / November 2016 25 EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT fl uid (DEF) cleanliness, and ground engaging tools. Dusty air can plug air fi lters, and contaminated DEF fl uid can plug the injector. Operators should empty air fi lter pre-cleaners and keep cab doors closed when dozing. Each time fuel fi lters are replaced, install them dry and use the fuel priming pump to assure all fuel fl owing to the engine is fi ltered. Drain any water that has accumulated in the fuel water separator. Track the tension It's imperative that operators monitor track tension under actual working conditions. Tracks that are too tight ac- celerate bushing wear. And tracks that are too loose can create instability or even cause the tracks to derail. Refer to the operator's manual for specifi c track inspection and tensioning procedures. Operate machine correctly The way a dozer is operated also plays a critical role in the health of the undercarriage. To that end, there are some important operating tips that can minimize wear and maximize productivity. Proper turning contributes signifi - cantly to minimizing wear. Operators should be trained to make wide and gradual or Y-turns when possible, be- cause counter-rotation and pivot turns accelerate wear. Alternating turning direction is also important because making continuous turns in the same direction can cause asymmetrical and accelerated wear. Operators should focus on balancing the direction of turns throughout the day. If that's not possi- ble, then check for wear — and expect it — more often. It's also important to limit high- speed and reverse travel. Higher speeds cause more wear, and the same is true for unnecessary travel in reverse. Unproductive high speeds should be minimized, and excessive travel in reverse should be avoided at all costs. Telematics are everyone's friend Telematics systems can be very helpful with maintenance. Good systems report working time versus idle time, and periodic undercarriage measurement can be scheduled based on actual work- ing hours (not hour-meter readings). Additionally, if the system also reports forward-travel time and reverse-travel time, it makes it far easier to keep an eye on the excessive wear reverse travel can wreak. For example, if the reverse oper- ation reading seems excessive, then the operation might need to be revamped to ease stress on the undercarriage, or it could mean that the operators require more training. Good telematics systems keep ev- eryone informed — from owners to fl eet managers to operators and distributors (and their technicians) — about the health of the machine and when sched- uled maintenance is due. Telematics can be particularly impactful when it comes to preventive maintenance, operator training, and fl eet management. Complimentary maintenance programs Finally, take advantage of OEM compli- mentary maintenance programs. Most programs are for a specifi c amount of time (say, three years) or a number of work hours, whichever comes fi rst. Specifi cs will vary based on the OEM, but could include complimentary scheduled engine maintenance and complimentary Diesel Particulate Filter exchanges in the fi rst fi ve years. The primary benefi t of a compli- mentary maintenance program is that it lowers ownership costs, raises resale value, and improves equipment uptime and availability. And that leads to better productivity on an agg site. AM 1.888.862.7461 www. beka-lube.com BEKA - LUBRICATION SPECIALISTS SINCE 1927 BEKA auto-lube is built to take the bumps and grinds of a hard-working life on the road or off. Give your fleet the solution that keeps them on the job. • Cast aluminum base withstands impacts and hot/cold cycles without leaking • No springs! Eccentric gear drive resists wear, fatigue and cold • Consistently precise grease dosing Find out why industries are choosing today's best-built auto-lube systems. Call 1.888.862.7461 or email us at info@beka-lube.com. Beka systems take a thumpin'& keep on pumpin' 026-190B AGG Manager 4.5x4.5 4C.indd 1 2017-08-10 11:35 AM Chuck Murawski is Komatsu America Corp.'s product manager, dozers. He can be reached via email at CMurawski@komatsuna.com.