Case provides advice on testing the various machines fluids to determine the condition and health of components.
Fluid analysis has become more important due to advanced engine, transmission, hydraulics and fluid technologies in modern equipment, which places higher demands on fluid performance. Analysing engine oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid and coolant can provide important information into the condition and overall health of the engine, transmission and hydraulic systems, and can be used to diagnose potential issues before they become a problem on the job site.
Fluid analysis is already considered to be best practice for managers of large equipment fleets, but the benefits to small businesses are also large. This is because every hour of unplanned downtime reduces business profitability and fluid analysis programmes can help identify issues that can lead to bigger problems at a fraction of the cost of a failure.
Fluid analysis involves taking a small sample and sending it to a lab for tests that identify the overall condition of the fluid along with any contaminants. The resulting reports can give equipment owners and fleet managers information on a wide range of potential problems ranging from ineffective air filtration to deteriorating bearings. The real value for equipment owners is seen in trend analysis over time. It is recommended that engine oil samples should be sent for analysis every 250 hours, hydraulic and transmission fluid every 250 to 500 hours, and coolant be tested annually. The sample must be collected as detailed in the instructions of each kit. Improper pulling of each sample can lead to the introduction of other contaminants and ruin the integrity of the sample. In the next issue of Logging-on, we investigate this matter further. Source: http://casece.com/en_us/News/Pages/Fluid-Analysis-Trends-Upward-in-Construction-Fleet-Management.aspx