Heavy Equipment Motor Oil Misconceptions

Heavy Equipment Motor Oil Misconceptions - There may be a lot of information out there on the best oil selection and maintenance practices for your fleet, but much of that info is untrue. With so many common myths still plaguing the construction industry, we are here to set the record straight, particularly when it comes to heavy-duty diesel engine oils and lubricants. Myth #1: Don’t Switch Oils There’s a belief out there that if you start with one oil you should stick with it no matter what. That’s not true. Some people feel that when changing brands of oil, an increase in oil consumption occurs. However, many things contribute to the increase of oil consumption; switching oil brands halfway through just isn’t one of them. Oil consumption and pressure are affected by many factors, including: Filter condition Contaminant loading Engine component condition Oil contamination levels Incorrect readings of oil pressure or levels That being said, when switching brands, some engine manufacturers say that for a short period of time, there may be a harmless increase in elements such as aluminum, copper, potassium, and lead. Always consult with your engine manufacturer and oil provider to find out more about these temporary [...]

Heavy Equipment Motor Oil Misconceptions2024-09-09T04:09:15-05:00

Construction Site Fuel Spill Containment Tips

Oil and fuel spills can have devastating impact on the environment as well as human health and safety. The best approach is prevention; however, when a spill does happen, it’s important to contain it immediately so its impact is minimized. From slips and trips to toxic scalds and burns, spills pose a great risk to employees, contractors and visitors. When left unchecked, spills can seep into waterways and soak into ground water, leading to contamination of drinking water, and threats to plant and wildlife as well as human health. Heed these tips to prevent extensive spreading and environmental damage until trained spill control professionals can arrive on the scene: Train your workers to employ proper spill prevention practices when working with oil and fuel sources. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safe handling of materials. Post a visible worksite map that shows the location of oil and fuel sources. Make sure employees know in advance which spill situations they can safely contain and which ones are not safe to handle. Along with storage instructions and supervision, give workers product recommendations --  spill pads, rugs, and booms. Oil spills spread 100 times faster in wet weather than dry; you [...]

Construction Site Fuel Spill Containment Tips2019-02-16T10:15:17-05:00

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 [...]

Preventing Your Fleet from Diesel Fuel Gelling This Winter2024-09-09T02:52:48-05:00

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: [...]

Engine Oil Tips for Fleets2024-09-09T04:10:19-05:00

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 [...]

Guidelines for the Set-Up and Maintenance of Onsite Fuel for Above Ground Storage Tanks2024-09-09T05:33:57-05:00

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 [...]

Winter is Around the Corner: Prepare the Fleet2018-10-18T17:37:45-05:00

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 [...]

Using a Premium Diesel Fuel Can Increase Efficiency and Longevity2018-09-27T09:19:00-05:00

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 [...]

Top Fleet Tips for Driver Retention2018-08-23T08:55:21-05:00

Heavy Equipment Grease: Tips to Get it Right

Choosing the right grease to lubricate your heavy equipment can be confusing at first. After all, there are so many types and brands on the market today. How can you be sure you’re using the right one to keep your heavy equipment in tip top shape? Using an all-purpose grease isn’t always the right decision, even though it can seem like a simple choice at first. So, does the grease you’re currently using make the grade? First, a look at why oil and grease are important. Just like your joints protect your bones when rubbing against each other, grease and oil make your equipment’s gears work seamlessly. They also prevent metal-on-metal grinding of moving parts. When you grease your machines the right way, you ensure a long-lasting shelf life for optimal performance through the years. Not only do you have to grease regularly, you have to use the right type of grease. Many of you may prefer to stick with one type of grease for convenience and for keeping a regular inventory. However, not all products are created equal. When selecting a grease, review the owner’s manual recommendations if you can. This is a great starting point. Use the [...]

Heavy Equipment Grease: Tips to Get it Right2018-07-20T17:20:17-05:00

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 [...]

Construction Equipment: How to Protect Your Investment During the Summer2021-03-29T17:12:36-05:00
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