Equipment World Digital Magazine
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any source of fuel. All fire codes require this and some are more strict than others so be sure to check with local code officials. Be especially vigilant when welding or grinding on equipment that may have fuel or oil leaks or debris that could catch fire. Clean first, then work. FUEL Diesel fuel has a flash point of be- tween 126 degrees Fahrenheit and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. The flash point is the temperature an igni- tion source has to reach before the fuel catches fire. Diesel also has an auto-ignition point of about 650 degrees, meaning at this tempera- ture it spontaneously burst into flames without a source of ignition. The sources of fire producing diesel fuel are fairly obvious: leaky injectors, fittings, spills and fuel lines. Poor maintenance practices and chafing of hoses can contrib- ute to leaks. +\GUDXOLFÁXLG is slightly less flammable, with a flash point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit and an auto-ignition point of about 650 degrees Fahrenheit. The sources of hydraulic leaks are likewise poor maintenance, fittings, spills and worn hydraulic lines and it is certainly no less a threat than diesel. Olson recalls a situation on a mining truck where a rubber fuel hose was used in place of what should have been a steel hydrau- lic hose. Because of the constant pulsing of the hydraulic system, the hose sprung a leak. "That hit the turbocharger and seven hours later, after 1,200 gallons of fuel, six 57,000 pound tires and 300 gallons March 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com 46 technology | continued Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affi liates. Discounts not available in all states. Discounts include: collect them all! . safe driver . . business experience . . Paid-in-full . . safe driver . . business experience . . Paid-in-full . Discounts include: collect them all! $aving you money on your commercial TRUCK insurance! $aving you money on your commercial TRUCK insurance! $aving you money on your commercial TRUCK insurance! $aving you money on your commercial TRUCK insurance! 1-800-PROGRESSIVE PROGRESSIVE.com Forrestry and land clearing applications carry a high fire risk due to the flammable nature of the environment and the build up of debris inside the machine.