Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94387
Today's articulated haulers have sophisticated computer systems that continuously monitor nearly every important operating function, including engine, braking, transmission, and hydraulics — all while the hauler is hard at work. Artics in Tip-Top Shape Keep Manufacturer design and engineering enhancements have helped streamline the daily service and maintenance ritual of articulated trucks. by Richard Iddins ess than a decade ago, completing the many daily, weekly, and other periodi- cally scheduled service and maintenance rituals on articulated haulers was a time-consuming, expensive, and, often, not-so- operator-friendly chore. But several recent design and engineering innovations by manufacturers are changing all that. L Service and maintenance regimens of todays' articulated haulers can now be completed in a more streamlined, less cumbersome, and not-as- frequent fashion compared to older models. The resulting benefits for owners and opera- tors are many; including less time spent attend- ing to daily and weekly service tasks, increased productivity, and reduced maintenance costs. 28 AGGREGATES MANAGER December 2012 Credit the computer … and Tier 4 At the core of the reduced service and mainte- nance interval movement is our trusted friend — the computer. Today's articulated haulers have sophisticated computer systems that continuously monitor nearly every important operating func- tion, including engine, braking, transmission, and hydraulics — all while the hauler is hard at work. The vast majority of the advancements made in monitoring functionality can be attributed to engine design enhancements that were necessary to comply with Tier 3, Tier 4 interim, and Tier 4 Final requirements. The day of the mechanical engine is gone. With the onset of the Tier 3 engines, and, of