Taylor Oil Co., Author at Taylor Oil Company

Preventing Your Fleet from Diesel Fuel Gelling This Winter

Preventing Your Fleet from Diesel Fuel Gelling This Winter - Gelling is nothing you want to happen to your machines in the cold. Diesel fuel gelling is when the paraffin wax starts to thicken and turn into a cloudy mixture when the temperatures begin to fall. This problem can get so bad that the wax can clog fuel filters and solidify, making it difficult or impossible for the fuel to flow. Your engine becomes useless and you can’t be productive. You lose money and maybe even some customers during all that downtime. This phenomenon can occur when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; however, the exact temperature at which this can happen does vary by fuel batch. Don’t want to risk it? Heed these tips to prevent your diesel fuel from gelling in your fleet this winter. Heated Storage The best way to prevent gelling is to control the temperature of the facility in which the engine is stored. When the engine runs, the fuel moves and flows freely, with little opportunity to solidify. If you can, store your vehicles and equipment in a heated garage or climate-controlled structure. We realize this isn’t always possible for large construction fleets, which [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T02:52:48-05:00January 26th, 2019|Diesel Fuel|Comments Off

Engine Oil Tips for Fleets

Engine Oil Tips for Fleets - Engine oils for heavy equipment have evolved over the years in keeping up with Tier 4 diesel engine technology. The best oil will help your fleet machinery and equipment work in tip-top condition. With winter coming, this is even more imperative. Demands on heavy-duty diesel engine oils have been changing with revolutions in engine technology and fuel formulations. About 25 years ago, fuel sulfur levels were at 5,000 ppm, as this substance went through the piston rings and into the crankcase to form sulfuric acid. Additives in the oil were applied in an effort to neutralize that acid. However, with depletion of additives, oil changes had to be made. On top of that, sulfur levels dropped and soot control issues cropped up, leading to a change in the way manufacturers set up and calibrated diesel engines. As a result, fuel soot formed in the crankcase, leading to the need for draining. With the introduction of modern emissions equipment, the crankcase environment improved. But now oil oxidation is a concern. Viscosity Engine oil must form a protective film, which guards against metal-on-metal contact. There are many measures of viscosity, but the two most common are: [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T04:10:19-05:00December 17th, 2018|Engine Oil, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Guidelines for the Set-Up and Maintenance of Onsite Fuel for Above Ground Storage Tanks

Guidelines for the Set-Up and Maintenance of Onsite Fuel for Aboveground Storage Tanks - There are many benefits to monitoring your own diesel fuel on site, especially if you have a heavy-equipment fleet. You could get pretty deep discounts when you buy fuel in bulk, plus you don’t have to wait on fuel delivery services to top off your trucks, generators, and machines. That being said, installing and maintaining bulk fuel tanks means you have to comply with many federal, state and local regulations. And when you begin dispensing your own fuel, you are responsible for making sure it is free from water and contamination. Proper storage-tank design and maintenance is critical in this circumstance. Tank Design For construction fleets, above ground storage tanks (ASTs) are an ideal option because they can be easily inspected and painted. They are less likely to have leaks and can also be safely relocated to different areas of your property if the need arises. On the other hand, it’s possible that vehicles can back into them, causing damage, plus they are vulnerable to weather extremes such as high winds and flooding. On top of that, they are also vulnerable to theft and vandalism. You [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T05:33:57-05:00November 29th, 2018|Fuel Tanks|Comments Off

Winter is Around the Corner: Prepare the Fleet

Winter is Around the Corner: Prepare the Fleet - Frigid temperatures and harsh winter conditions can be very unforgiving on fleet vehicles that must operate up to 12 hours a day. But by engaging in routine maintenance, you as a fleet manager can avoid emergency repairs and expensive downtime during the coldest months of the year.Before the snow falls and temperatures dip, take these steps to prepare your vehicles for the season:Utilize winterized fuel: The two most common cold-weather complaints among fleet owners? A decrease in fuel economy and vehicles that don’t start up when temperatures go below zero. Seasonally-enhanced fuels can help you stay productive even in negative 30° Fahrenheit temps, with a cold filter plugging point (CFPP) of negative 55° Fahrenheit. By adding additives, you can also boost your horsepower and fuel economy by five percent.Drain the water separator and replace filters: Water in your fuel system is never good, as it can damage fuel pumps and injectors in below-zero temperatures. As a result, this can lead to cold engine startup issues that many people assume is “fuel gelling.” However, what’s probably happening is that water is turning to ice within the fuel storage tanks and filtration systems, plugging [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2018-10-18T17:37:45-05:00October 18th, 2018|Fleet|Comments Off

Using a Premium Diesel Fuel Can Increase Efficiency and Longevity

Using a Premium Diesel Fuel Can Increase Efficiency and Longevity - There are many benefits to using a premium grade diesel for your equipment and trucks. From increased longevity to better lubrication, here we’ll go over the main advantages to using the best diesel fuel. Whether your fleet operation is large or small, what kind of fuel you use is one of the most vital decisions you will make for your business. Is switching to a premium diesel the right move for you? Premium diesel has: Better Lubricity Lubrication reduces friction in your engines. Diesel lubricants in particular cut down on the friction and wear and tear of the fuel pump and injection parts. It stands to reason that all those engine parts are under a lot of pressure for most of the day, so if you have more lubrication, your machines will run smoother, giving you better productivity, less downtime and fewer repairs. A Higher Cetane Number Cetane is a measurement of the fuel’s ignition delay. Basically this is how fast the air and fuel mixture combusts within the engine. Higher cetane translates to a shorter delay and higher ignition quality, resulting in quicker start-ups, and reduced wear and [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2018-09-27T09:19:00-05:00September 27th, 2018|Diesel Fuel, Fleet|Comments Off

Top Fleet Tips for Driver Retention

Top Fleet Tips for Driver Retention - Fleet owners are increasingly finding themselves facing an ever-increasing shortage of new drivers. That means if they want to attract the best and most talented drivers in the industry, they will have to come up with a more attractive and appealing work environment. But with the trucking industry coming up short 51,000 drivers in terms of its recruitment needs last year alone, this is becoming a challenge. The American Trucking Association says this is the highest shortage on record, growing even more recently due in part to a boost in freight volumes and the retirement of older, more seasoned drivers who are leaving the workforce in droves. Thus, it’s no secret that fleets are taking a second look at their human resources strategies to see what changes they can adopt. The results were documented in the 2018 Best Fleets to Drive For program, produced by CarriersEdge in partnership with Truckload Carriers Association. This is the only annual program that identifies the best workplaces in the North American trucking industry. Fleets are evaluated according to many different performance criteria in order to come up with the companies that boast the greatest success in driver [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2018-08-23T08:55:21-05:00August 23rd, 2018|Fleet|Comments Off

Construction Equipment: How to Protect Your Investment During the Summer

Construction Equipment: How to Protect Your Investment During the Summer - Now that summer’s practically here, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your construction equipment for the hot and humid months. Keeping your equipment cool in the warm weather takes a few methodical steps. In the process, you may discover you need to make some repairs, perform maintenance and do some cleaning. By keeping up with these tasks now, you will ensure a long lifespan for your equipment and guard against unnecessary repairs throughout the season. Heed these tips to protecting your investment. Shade Your Equipment from the Sun When you leave your construction equipment outside sitting in the sun when not in use, particularly for days and weeks on end, this can cause damage that you may not even see with the naked eye. Instead, move your backhoes or trucks into a large storage room or into a shaded portion of the site so they will be less likely to break down when you need them. Heat exposure can do that. You can even drape your equipment with tarps to cut down on direct heat exposure. Don’t Use Equipment During Peak Hours We know, we know: this may [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2021-03-29T17:12:36-05:00June 20th, 2018|Construction Equipment|Comments Off

Fuel Tank Testing: How Often Should I Test?

Fuel Tank Testing: How Often Should I Test? - Are you the manager of a large fleet? You probably realized early on that it’s more cost-effective and efficient to place a fuel storage tank on your property. This way, you can fuel up whenever you need to, without having to call your fuel provider for a mobile delivery every time. However, while convenient, this option also puts maintenance and upkeep on your shoulders. As you are aware, proper maintenance of your tank is imperative. Failure to do this can lead to maintenance issues and costly repairs to the tank or vehicles. It can also be a safety concern, as it could lead to a fire or explosion hazard. You must also remain in compliance with government regulations affecting the testing and inspection that is needed for the public’s peace of mind. Fuel spills, even small ones, can pose a big hazard to people and animals. Those incidents also tend to make the evening news headlines and put your company in a bad light. The best way to ensure you are operating safely is to test your fuel tanks regularly. Here are some tips: Take a fuel sample once a year [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2024-09-09T05:34:56-05:00May 15th, 2018|Fuel Tanks|Comments Off

Marina Fuel: Tips to Comply with the Clean Marina Program

Marina Fuel: Tips to Comply with the Clean Marina Program - The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Marina Program puts forth requirements for compliance of certain rules that keep the state’s marinas clean, particularly those serving the Atlantic coastline, the Delaware River and Bay, freshwater lakes, tidal mudflats and deep ocean waters. The DEP developed this statewide Clean Marina Program to protect important habitat areas catering to a variety of species including algae, plankton, shellfish and finfish. The program encourages marina owners, yacht clubs, boatyards and boaters to do their part to prevent negative impacts on water quality, sensitive habitats and living resources that are located close to marinas. Here are some helpful tips to help you comply with the regulations as a responsible marina: Understand the benefits of becoming a Clean Marina: First, educate yourself on how you can benefit from this initiative such as generate new sources of revenue, reduce costs associated with waste disposal, and attract customers that follow good boating practices. Free guidance and technical assistance are available through site visits and at informational workshops. Distribute relevant information to your tenants and boaters at your facility: Show them these helpful Clean Boating [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2018-04-19T09:26:13-05:00April 19th, 2018|Marine Fueling, Safe Fueling|Comments Off

Emergency Generators: Protect Your Business from Power Outages

Emergency Generators: Protect Your Business from Power Outages - Winter is not over – as evidenced by recent snow and rain storms in New England knocking out power in several communities. As a business owner, you can’t afford the downtime that comes with a power outage. Not only is it unexpected, it can last for days, which can really cut into your profit margin. Without power, you can’t operate normally. If you can’t operate, you can’t make money. It’s a vicious cycle, one that can be broken by proper planning. So it’s time to ask yourself: is your business prepared to handle an emergency? If the answer is no, heed these important tips to be ready for any and all future disasters so you don’t miss a beat. A good solution is having a diesel-powered emergency generator on hand, which is one of the more reliable forms of emergency backup power. In fact, several international building codes and standards require the use of diesel generators for compliance. Here are some ways you can ensure backup power in an emergency: Determine the risk: The first step is to identify your facility's critical loads. Put a cost to the risks that come [...]

By Taylor Oil Co.|2018-03-09T15:44:21-05:00March 9th, 2018|Emergency Generators|Comments Off

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